EFFECTIVE EATING HABIT TIPS PART 1

Everyone knows that we have to eat healthily in order to stay healthy. Yet many people find it hard to do so. For any reason it doesn't help as there are so many diet plans out there, each one purporting to be 'the one true diet' for you. Developing healthy eating habits is simpler and easier than you might think. You will look and feel better if you make a habit of eating healthfully. You will have more energy and think more clearly. Your immune system will be stronger so you will not get sick as often. Healthy eating habits are your ticket to a healthier body and mind.

One useful way to get you into the habit of eating healthily is by applying a few principles to the way you eat. 8 of such eating habits have been outlined. 4 of them will be discussed in the part one of this article. Your body is the most intelligent machine in existence. Listen to it and do what it says (eg eat when it says you're hungry (except while fasting), stop when it says you're full, etc - see below).

I. Eat small portions of food for each meal. There is no 'one size fits all' rule here. You know what a sensibly small portion looks like, for you. Eating moderately I mean cutting your food according to your stomach. (lol).

I. Eat frequently. Research has it that most adults get hungry about 3-4 hours after their last meal. Aim to eat at least 5 small sized meals each day. This keeps your metabolic rate high, thus helping you release excess weight easily, naturally, safely and healthily. Study yourself and see how soon after eating you feel hungry again. This will help you prepare in advance so that you don't get very hungry and fall into the temptation of eating anything available.

III. Eat foods that you enjoy eating, making sure that each meal contains all the essential nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins).Broaden your range of 'enjoyed food' to include as much unprocessed food as possible. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables such as oranges bananas, apples, carrots, cucumber etc. Set yourself up to succeed by stocking healthy foods and snacks in your house. That way they're readily available, and you've got no choice but to eat them. One great way to enjoy a meal, whatever it is, is by eating slowly. Take time to actually chew your food. This also aids digestion (which begins in your mouth).

IV. Eat only when you’re hungry. Have a stash of fresh fruits and vegetables to snack on in between meals or when you're on the go.
Try incorporating the above tips into the way you eat. Start with one of them, practise it for a week (or until you're used to it), then start on another one. If you make changes in small steps, you won't be overwhelmed and easily discouraged by your progress.

So make a small change each time; celebrate (or reward yourself) for each success, no matter how small you think it is. Remember, every baby step is bringing you closer to your desired goal of being a healthy eater. With persistence, you will find that eating healthily is not only possible, but it's fun. So go for it, and stick to it! You know you can.WATCH OUT FOR PART 2