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Fall Back to a Healthier Diet!
Whether it be healthier breakfasts or veggie dinners, if you don’t want to continue that “anything goes” mindset following three months of summer BBQ’s and ice cream, there are a few simple ways to recommit to clean eating this fall, we gleaned from Cynthia Sass, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at Health.com.
First off, eat every three to five hours, and start with breakfast. A good breakfast option is a veggie and avocado omelet, with a side of fresh fruit. For lunch, try fresh greens lightly tossed with vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, Dijon, lemon, and Italian seasoning; and topped with lean protein, avocado, and a small scoop of quinoa or chickpeas.
At dinner, you can’t go wrong with a veggie “pasta“: Sauté a generous portion of veggies in low-sodium veggie broth with garlic and herbs, and serve over a bed of cooked spaghetti squash.
Drinking counts, too! Making water your beverage of choice is one of the most impactful changes you can adopt. Water curbs appetite, and supports metabolism, digestion and circulation. It can also do wonders for your skin. Begin every day with a tall glass of water; then sip three 16-ounce servings throughout the day.
And, about those carbs: Cut back, but don’t totally eliminate carbs. Yes, curbing carbs can help you shed pounds, but nixing them altogether can backfire. A no-carb diet may lead to crankiness, and cravings that trigger binge eating.
Now the good news: Stock up on dark chocolate. Slashing sugar is a good idea, but it’s not realistic to declare that a speck of sugar will never again cross your lips. To get your fix healthfully, and with fewer calories, make a few squares of dark chocolate (with at least 70% cacao) your daily treat. Research has shown that a small amount of dark chocolate can satisfy cravings for both sweet and salty foods. It also packs antioxidants and minerals, and is heart-healthy too. You might savor one square after lunch, and another after dinner. Many dieters say that knowing they have this treat to look forward to every day helps them say “no” to temptations, and stay on track.
There you have it. A sensible and easy way to get back to healthy eating, following that fun-filled, carb-rich summer. Good Luck!
