Simple Strategies to improve ANY diet
Whether you follow a specific dietary approach or simply strive for a healthier eating style, there are easy tweaks you can make to enhance the nutritional value of your meals. Here are some practical tips to help you eat well, regardless of your chosen diet. By focusing on whole foods, incorporating more plants, embracing enjoyable treats, preparing food mindfully, and being mindful of your eating habits, you can optimise the healthfulness of any diet.
Focus on whole foods
Regardless of your dietary approach, emphasising whole foods should be a priority. These unprocessed, natural foods are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them beneficial for just about everyone.
Examples of whole foods include
Vegetables
Fruits
Nuts & seeds
Herbs & spices
Grass-fed meat & free-range poultry and eggs
Sustainably sourced fish & shellfish
Add More Plants:
Vegetables are a nutritional powerhouse that can benefit any diet. They provide essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while supporting gut health through their soluble and insoluble fiber content. Whether you follow a ketogenic, Paleo, plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan diet, there are vegetables suitable for your approach. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are fantastic for a ketogenic diet, while potatoes and sweet potatoes work well for a Paleo approach.
Remember, perfection is not necessary; prioritise accessibility and affordability when it comes to including vegetables in your meals.
Enjoy Your Treats:
Maintaining a healthy diet doesn't mean depriving yourself of treats. It's essential to strike a balance between nutritious choices and indulgences. By savoring your favorite treats in moderation, you can satisfy cravings while still prioritising overall health. Practice mindful eating and appreciate each bite to derive maximum enjoyment from your treats.
Don't Force Yourself to Eat Foods You Hate:
Eating foods you dislike can hinder nutrient absorption and prevent you from getting adequate nutrition. It's crucial to find ways to make healthy foods enjoyable for you. Experiment with different cooking methods, incorporate seasonal ingredients, and explore new flavors. Personalise your meals to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that you derive pleasure from the nutritious foods you consume.
Prepare Your Food:
Ancient cultures understood the importance of food preparation in maximising flavor and nutrient absorption. Adopt some of their techniques by marinating meat, soaking and sprouting beans and legumes, and activating nuts and seeds through soaking and drying. These preparation methods can enhance the taste and nutritional profile of your meals.
Eat Mindfully:
How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid rushing through your meals and eating on the go. Take time to focus on your food, savor each bite, and chew thoroughly. Set aside dedicated mealtime to reduce stress and improve digestion, this will help your body to maximise the health benefits of the food you are eating and you are more likely to notice when you are full!