5 Less-known Tips for a Healthier Diet

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Last year, I wrote an article featuring common eating habits. I hope that you have followed them and am living a healthier and happier lifestyle. Today, I am going to share with you some new tips that are more or less heard of. If you want in on this, keep on reading! 

1. Fill your plate

Before taking a bite, put food into your plate. By doing this, you'll know that you're eating a "full" meal. Saying no to second servings and learning when your body's satisfied will become easier. Don't forget to use the portion-sizes on a medium-sized plate: 1/2 cup of cooked whole-grains, 1 cup of cooked vegetables, and a deck-size of protein.

2. Snacking is not necessary

This is controversial to the "eat every 3 hours diet plan," which have brainwashed many, including me. Think about it. Your body won't properly digest food if you constantly eat; it needs at least 2 hours. Here's a tip to trick your body into thinking it's not hungry: drink a cup of water and wait 15 minutes. If you're hungry afterwards, eat a serving of fruit or nuts.

3. Focus on eating

It's common for people to eat snacks when working and eating meals when watching TV or movies. As soon as the bowl or plate is empty, they go for another serving. They need to eat as long as they're hard at work or the show or movie is running, right? Wrong! - these people don't realize they're over-eating. If you eat free of distractions, you'll avoid this problem. In addition, chewing with your mouth closed and not talking when eating prevents excess air from entering the body. By doing both of these things, you're less likely to experience bloating.

4. It's okay to eat fats

Healthy fats that is! Fats have been given bad reputation so it's no wonder people steer clear of it. Little do they know they can reap health benefits from good fats. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are excellent for the heart and cholesterol. Choice sources include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, fish, and tofu. Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fats is also terrific for the heart as well as the brain.

5. Add spices and herbs

Who says eating healthier had to be bland? Studies show that herbs and spices offer many health benefits, such as helping to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Most of the evidence point to cinnamon, chili, peppers, turmeric, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Another well-known benefit of spices is that they help boost the metabolism, which in turn leads to quicker fat loss.

Now that you know more tips for a healthier diet, make use of them and incorporate them into your lifestyle. Feel free to let your family in on these "secret" tips so you can eat healthy together. Don't forget about your friends - they'll thank you for helping them improve their lifestyle, too!

Sources:

• http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_fats.htm

• http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/spices-and-herbs-health-benefits