Improving your nutrition can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! By tackling one nutrition task at a time, you can gradually create a healthier lifestyle, feeling more energized and positive.
Below are five simple steps you can take to improve. Remember, just start with one and build from there.
1. Clean out and organize your pantry and fridge
- Remove the old: Are there any expired items, items you don’t use or unhealthy items you don’t want available at all times?
- Make the healthy options visible: The convenient choice is the one we tend to make
- Organize and build up your spice cabinet for new and exciting flavors
2. Write your grocery list with your meals in mind
- Find your meals and recipes ahead of time
- Check out Slainte’s monthly dinner menu for recipe inspiration
- Create your grocery list based on what you weren’t able to find in your fridge or pantry
- While at the grocery store, STICK TO YOUR LIST!
3. Prep your fruits and vegetables ahead of time
- Wash, cut and store everything for easy access
- You will feel more obligated to choose those items for a snack because they are prepped and ready to eat
4. Start with your protein and then add your sides
- First, pick the protein (animal or plant source) you want to eat that week, and then think about what sides will pair well together
- It is much easier to add in vegetables and whole-grain items after selecting your protein source
- Hint: These items can be things you’ve had in your pantry or freezer for a while, like quinoa, brown rice or frozen vegetables
5. Rethink your drink
- Consume more water and unsweetened beverages than sweetened and sugary drinks
- Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily
- Decrease soda and energy drink consumption
- The FDA recommends no more than 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day, which equates to about 3 cups of coffee
- Try adding natural flavor to your water, like lemon, lime, orange, berries, herbs or a sugar-free addition
Keep it simple! Choose one of the steps above and get started on improving your nutrition today.
by Alexandra Hoppman