Written by: Wendy Crabbe, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Let's face it, eating healthy is not always easy, especially when food is the star attraction for most social events. Food prices have gone up, along with everything else. It seems like the unhealthy food choices are the cheaper option.
One cheaper and healthier option includes going to farmer's markets for locally grown and in-season fruits and vegetables.
If trying all ten healthy eating tips seems overwhelming, you could start with one at a time and build on your healthy eating for ten weeks. By the end of 12 weeks, eating healthy will become the easier thing to do.
Here are 10 healthy eating tips:
Focus on the produce: When shopping for your next party, incorporate fruits and vegetables. If you attend a party, choose fruits and vegetables before your main entree. Be the person to bring a fruit/veggie tray or a healthier option.
Use smaller plates if eating at home. If eating out, share an entrée or bring half of it home.
Take a break between plates: Try to wait 10-20 minutes in between servings. Waiting will allow some food to begin digestion, helping you notice the sensation of fullness.
Socialize away from food: Steer conversations to a different room or area of the home or other venue. This way, you will not be tempted to continue grazing on the food.
Eat mindfully: Savor and enjoy each bite, taking in the flavors and textures of the foods. Try closing your eyes and see if you can pinpoint the taste of each ingredient. Watch portion sizes.
Participate in activities: If everyone is playing a game, join in! You will have fun and be less likely to grab another plate or bowl of food. After a meal, go for a walk.
Drink lots of water: Stay hydrated before and during meals. Drinking water will also promote a sense of fullness!
Limit sweets: Enjoy one serving of your favorite dessert once a week. Other days, grab a piece of fruit to signify the end of a meal (fruit has natural sugars).
Focus on the people you are with: Spend time chatting it up and laughing! You'll be too busy to be concerned with the food table.
Forgive yourself for overeating: If you do overeat, it's OKAY! Get back on track during your next meal with healthier options.
There is no need to wait until Monday, the beginning of the month, or even the end of summer to make some healthy changes. It can start with making one change at your next meal.
Connect with Wendy on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit her website for more information on obesity, gut health, mindset and hormones. Read more from Wendy!
Wendy Crabbe, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Wendy Crabbe, an oncology nurse practitioner and now expert in helping health professionals and women over 50 lose weight, struggled all her life with her weight. She wondered if she was so smart, why couldn’t she lose weight? The causes of obesity are about more than excess food intake and not enough movement. It’s also related to altered hormones and alterations in the gut microbiome. She was finally able to lose the weight with mindset coaching and adopting a science-based approach that she uses with her clients today. She is now on a mission to help hundreds and thousands of women over 50 get healthier; because when women get healthier, their families get healthier.
