At least once during our lifetimes we’ll swear to ourselves “I am going to start eating healthier right now!” We fill ourselves with resolve—determined to ignore the tasty snacks in our cupboards in favor of healthier alternatives, smaller portions and a diet that is actually balanced (and not obtained through a drive through window). It doesn’t take long for our resolve to falter. Eating a healthy and balanced diet involves so much more work than simply going to the nearest fast food place for lunch or dinner. The good news is that eating healthier does not have to be such a chore. Here are some simple ways to make your diet healthier and better balanced.
1. Opt for the baked potato instead of french fries when you go out for burgers. You’ll get basically the same taste without negating the healthfulness of your food (unless, of course, you insist on piling a bunch of unhealthy stuff on top of the potato).
2. Forego the spud altogether and get a side salad with a simple salad dressing. Heavier salad dressings are just not as good for you as a basic light olive oil vinaigrette and a salad is definitely better for you than fries or other deep fried side dishes. Another bonus for eating a salad is that, at the end of the meal, you won’t be filled with that gross “ate too much junk” feeling!
3. The drive up window at your favorite fast food joint does not have to be completely off limits. Most fast food restaurants have created healthy alternatives to their standard fare. For example, at McDonalds, opt for the Chicken Selects instead of the Chicken Nuggets. Arby’s makes it a priority to provide fast and healthy foods for people who need to grab their meals quickly.
4. Keep a bottle of water with you. When you’re thirsty take a sip from your bottled water. You’ll be less likely to feel tempted by the sugary and caffeinated drinks in the vending machine. Water also fills you up so you will be less tempted to snack on the highly unhealthy foods you would find in the break rooms, vending machines and convenience stores that you frequent on breaks during the day.
5. Choose the vegetarian option for at least one of your meals every day. Vegetarian versions of popular snack foods have come a long way since they were first released to grocery stores. Many people find that the veggie versions of chicken nuggets and other quick foods actually taste better than their “traditional” counterparts. Even better, eating a meatless meal once a day makes it easier to meet your daily vegetable requirement and cuts down on your intake of saturated fats and other things that are associated with meaty meals.
These are just five simple ways that you can alter your diet to be healthier today. You don’t have to go through your cabinets and toss out all the junk (what a waste)! Starting small and getting healthier over time is one of the best ways to ensure that you won’t be tempted by unhealthy treats later on.