The start of a new year, that time-honoured milestone that reminds us to review, recommit, and restart. At least one person out there has set a resolution to take better care of their health and wellbeing. It’s a great concept, and we have high expectations of a healthier, more energetic lifestyle. Despite our best intentions, most of us have been through the revolving door of commitment and expectations with a timeline of diets that invariably seem to end in frustration and failure. But making a simple decision to make healthier food choices does not have to be grim or impossible, and it doesn’t even mean we have to give up all the foods we love. In fact, with a few small changes in habit, healthier eating can be one of the most enjoyable and life-changing decisions we can make. This year, you can really make a difference with some great tips and tricks from El Gusto.
- Read your food labels. Take a quick look at the nutrition information of your favourite packaged food – you may be surprised! From sodium content to added sugars, they offer a revealing window into every product. A simple rule of thumb is, the shorter the list of ingredients, the more wholesome the food. Less processed foods tend to have few ingredients, whereas a longer list indicates more preservatives and artificial flavourings.
- Pay attention to your portion size.How much do you really eat? Serving sizes on packages are often much smaller than we typically eat and are based on average consumption needs. Try measuring out your portions for a day or two and see how you go.
- Drink more water. We know, it’s nothing new, but drinking enough water does prove to be a challenge which is why the experts keep telling us. If you find unflavoured water a little boring, add a slice of lemon or lime or a sprig of mint to your water, and keep a water bottle with you on the go.
- Exercise, even just a little.It doesn’t have to be a in giant leaps, just start in small steps. It might be hard to find the time but incorporate it into your daily chores. Going to the grocery store? Park the far side of the car park, then once inside walk every aisle instead of just the ones you need to. You’ll get in a few more steps and maybe find a new ingredient down aisle six!
- Try something new. We tend to get into comfortable habits that often prove to be the demise of our good intentions. Instead, try a dish you’ve never had before. Often an unfamiliar culture has hidden secrets to healthy eating.Whether it is a new flavour profile or an untested cooking method, the results could well astound you.
- Enjoy the journey. More often than not, our good intentions to improve eating habits or follow an on-trend diet regimen will fail simply because the food is bland or tasteless. If you know a strict diet doesn’t work for you, don’t limit yourself to a narrow (and often expensive) ingredient list; instead, get creative with the fresh fruit and vegetables and wholesome, unprocessed foods.
There are many commendable reasons for improving our health and wellness habits, from impending medical conditions and doctors orders to a desire to keep up with children or grandchildren. It can be an enjoyable experience that results in a renewed energy and positive outlook. And there’s no time like the present.
Recipe Inspirations
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce
Mediterranean Avocado Chicken Sandwich
