Creating a healthy meal plan is probably one of the most important steps you should take on the path of healthy eating. It’s not about making a very strict diet that scares you right from the beginning, it’s about creating a smooth healthy plan that you love to follow and stick to.
There are some principles you should take into account while creating a healthy meal plan. First, you have to know those basics in order to be able to practice them on a daily basis when it comes to your eating habits.
9 Tips For Creating a Healthy Meal Plan (Part 1)
I have provided here 9 tips for creating a healthy meal plan for you, hoping to help you get a better picture about diet, nutrition and meal plans. This is the first part of a 2-part series containing 5 tips. You can read the second part here. Read them one by one and make some notes if you want:
Tip #1 – Change Your Attitude:
Instead of thinking about a healthy diet as a big dramatic change, set up yourself as you are going to take easy and doable steps. That way, your attitude about the healthy eating approach will be improved and you’re more determined to stick to your healthy meal plan.
You have to simplify your habits in terms of thinking about variations, freshness and color rather than counting calories and measuring portion sizes. You also need to start slow and keep going gradually rather than expecting immediate results. Remember the main goal of a healthy meal plan is about being healthy, having enough energy and reducing the risks of diseases, so any change even in minor dimensions matter.
Tip #2 – Maintain Balance & Moderation:
Having a healthy meal plan does not mean omitting the foods you love. The main point is not to exclude certain foods such as sweats, salts and even some unhealthy foods instantly, since you can still take advantage of each and every food group.
A healthy meal plan helps you to create an eating habit composed of eating more healthy and fresh food groups and getting less and less other “controversial” foods. But, banning yourself completely from these foods will have a temporary effect since you will still be craving them. Try to keep the balance and reduce gradually those unhealthy foods as well as their portion sizes.
Tip #3 – Adopt Healthy Eating Habits:
You may have heard this phrase many times before that state: “it’s not about what you eat, it’s more about how you eat!”. That’s true. You should adopt some healthy eating habits in order to be able to follow your meal plan.
First, you should think about listening to your body which never lies to you. If you’re hungry, eat something instead of ignoring your body which will turn your metabolic activity into a saving mode, a negative impact on your system. Try to eat socially and avoid sitting in front of TV or Computer while eating. Eat breakfast and never ignore this very important meal even if it’s a simple snack.
While you are eating, you should take it easy and eat in small portions and also chew slow. Finally, if it’s possible, try to not eat late at night and have your dinner early in the evening.
Tip #4 – Get Fruits and Vegetables:
For creating a healthy meal plan, taking fruits and vegetables into account is essential since these stuff are low in calories and packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Some great examples of fruits would be apples, berries, oranges, bananas and mango. Fresh vegetables can be ranged from Greens such as broccoli, cabbage, kale to Sweat Vegetables including beets, sweat potatoes, onions, corn and carrots.
These food groups should make the main foundation of your healthy meal plan not just because of their healthy nutritional facts, but also their color, variation and freshness.
Tip #5 – Add More Proteins:
Proteins are the best food groups after fruits and vegetables in your healthy meal plan. They give you enough energy to maintain your regular physical activity. Additionally, they contain amino acids which are the building blocks of your body cells and tissues, maintaining your muscle mass and accelerating your body growth especially for children.
Sources of protein vary and it’s necessary to know the main ones such as beans like lentils, black beans and garbanzos, soy products such as soy milk and tofu, and nuts including walnuts, almond and pistachios. Remember the quality and size of protein portions matter when your are creating a healthy meal plan.
The above-mentioned tips are the most important points when you are going to create a healthy diet. In the next part, 4 more tips are provided for you that are likewise essential and you have to take them into considerations as well. You can read the second part here:
9 Tips For Creating a Healthy Meal Plan (Part 2)
What Are Your Tips For Creating a Healthy Meal Plan?
After reading this 2-part series of tips about creating a healthy meal plan, do you have anything extra to add? Why not share your experience with us about your healthy diet?! It’s appreciated.
Good Luck!
Hooshi
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