Eat Right, Not Tight: Eating Healthy Isn't about Restricting Yourself

Written by Anna Nooe
Part of National Nutrition Month 2013

Picture by Anna Nooe

Often times, trying to eat healthier can turn into limiting yourself to only certain foods.  There is a misconception that eating healthier means taking so called “not allowed” foods out of your diet.  This, however, is not true!  A healthy diet has no restrictions and is full of variety.  The key is to find a variety of healthy foods that you enjoy and that suit your food preferences.  Here are some tips for working towards a healthy, unrestricted diet:

• Eat the rainbow! According to MyPlate, ½ of your plate should be fruits and vegetables.  Never skimp out on fruits and vegetables.  Try out all different types, be creative, and add them to each meal.
•  Love eating sandwiches? Use whole wheat bread, add on green leafy vegetables, and try low sodium cheeses such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar.
• Have a sweet tooth? Try to satisfy it with fruit.  Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and mango all taste great when mixed with low fat yogurt and granola.
• On-the-go? Choice simple snacks such as apples and celery with peanut butter, carrots with hummus, or almonds with dried fruit to satisfy your hunger when there is no time to prepare a meal.
• Love creamy soups and pasta?  Substitute cream with Greek yogurt.  You will still get the same creamy taste with less fat and more nutrients!
• Know correct portion sizes!  Often the problem is how much we are eating rather than what we are eating. 

These are just a few tips for adding variety and nutritious foods to your diet without restricting foods and food preferences.  Remember, no foods are “bad” foods and food should be enjoyable.  Explore new recipes and varieties and have fun with food. 

References

O’Malley, R., & MacMunn, A. (2013).  Academy of nutrition and dietetics shares tips to eat right for your lifestyle during national nutrition month and beyond.  Retrieved from http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=6442474618

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