Having resolutions as we enter a new year has been part of everyone's life, one way or the other. It's our way of trying to be the better versions of ourselves compared to who we were the previous year.
Just like many aspects of our lives, resolution when it comes to eating habits is essential too. For this year, here are a few food resolutions you can consider doing.
1. Aim for balanced meals and snacks.
A healthier approach for your diet requires having the knowledge of which food choices are right for you. As part of a healthy food resolution for this year, it is best to have enough knowledge on how to balance macronutrients in your meals. A balanced meal needs to contain three essential macronutrients.
This includes lean protein, carbs, and healthy fats. In addition, this should also extend with the snacks you consume.
A handful of plain nuts, along with a piece of fruit, is the best option for those mid-afternoon cravings. These are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, which can help achieve a balanced meal requirement.
2. Go for more plant-based alternatives.
While we all know that meat is still an essential part of our diet, it is also better to incorporate more plant-based options into your meals. Studies reveal that eating more whole fruits and vegetables in place of animal proteins can decrease the chances of getting a stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and multiple cancer types.
3. Make your plate colorful.
A healthy plate consists of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. However, this is not just about eating your greens. The more colorful your plate is, the more nutritious food choices you can have. According to Revere Health, white fruits and vegetables provide dietary fiber, while red foods are rich in the antioxidants anthocyanin and lycopene.
Orange and yellow foods are packed with beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Green vegetables provide vitamins C, K, and E, while blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain anthocyanins, which act as anti-inflammatories.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
Frequent and excessive alcohol consumption can cause multiple health problems. While it is true that drinking alcohol can help you relax, there are more benefits in giving it up entirely. According to Eat This, limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of cancers, strokes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
In some cases where you find it difficult giving up alcohol, aim to cut back to the recommended limits of 1-2 servings daily. You can also try swapping in flavored sparkling waters or kombucha as an alternative.
5. Avoid skipping meals.
Skipping meals may not seem to be a big deal for many people, but it can result in severe consequences in the long run. Skipping a meal can cause you to feel hungrier and crave more food than usual.
It is always best to eat your normal meals at their regular times. This can lead to consuming more calories than you need in a day. This can also cause inflammation, which leads to an increased risk of getting diabetes.
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