Loving food is easy, but maintaining a healthy diet tends to come with a few more challenges. For many people, they don’t eat healthy because they’re afraid that they don’t know how. It’s actually much easier than you think, so there are no more excuses! Kickstart your new healthy eating with these 5 tips. 

Never Get Thirsty 

 

Did you know that if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated? You should sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks. If you’re a soda or juice drinker, it’s time to start replacing those drinks with a glass of water instead.

Watch Your Salt Intake 

 

Adults should limit their salt intake to just 6g per day. More than that can lead to water retention and high blood pressure which puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. Read labels on the food you’re eating to get a good idea of how much salt you’re actually having.

Avoid Saturated Fats 

 

Saturated fats are one of the worst things you can eat. These are most commonly found in processed foods. Easily avoid saturated fats by opting for fresh, whole foods as much as possible.

Eat More Fish 

 

Fish has tons of benefits for your health ranging from your heart to your brain and much more! Aim to eat at least 2 servings of fish per week. Plus, fish is a very lean protein that’s low in fat, making it low in calories too! One of those servings should be of a “fatty” fish, such as salmon, to see the best health benefits.

Stay Active 

 

Your new healthy diet has to be paired with an active lifestyle to really make a difference. Try to get 30 minutes of physical activity each day, even if that just means taking the dog for a walk around your neighborhood. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle now it’s best to start with easy exercises like walking before you start trying anything more intense. 

The key to healthy eating is being aware of what you’re putting into your body. Start really thinking before you eat and try to only eat if you’re hungry. Encourage your family to start a new healthy eating lifestyle too by preparing healthy family meals together! Children learn by example, so it’s better to start now and help them create healthy habits to last a lifetime.