5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Diet Today

​Many of us have good intentions when it comes to eating better. However, we just don't know where to start. Changing how we eat seems like it is so much work. In this article, I’m going to look at five simple ways you can improve your diet today. The best part is that these five things are so simple to do it's not even going to seem like work.

1. Have An Orange Instead Of Orange Juice.

​Many of us have a glass of orange juice with our breakfast. It’s full of Vitamin C and tastes great. However, a glass of orange juice typically has about 21g of sugar in it, while an orange has just 12g of sugar. Oranges are also higher in fiber than a glass of orange juice, which is important to keep your digestive system happy. Always opt for the whole fruit instead of the juice.

2. Eat Popcorn Instead Of Chips.

This doesn't mean that you should reach for your extra buttery bag of microwave popcorn. Instead, pop your popcorn at home and eat it plain, or with just a little bit of seasoning on it, try adding chili powder or other sodium free seasonings.
​
A 25g serving of plain air popped popcorn contains around 90 calories, no sugar and only one gram of fat. If you really want chips, consider making your own chips out of kale or sweet potatoes to make them healthier. 

3. Make A Meal Plan.

​I know, this one doesn’t sound so easy does it. When you get in the habit of creating a meal plan, you’ll be surprised just how easy it is. Before your week starts, take the time to write down what you are going to eat for breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks. Having a plan will help you shop more efficiently, keep a variety of foods in the house, and make sure that you are eating the way you want to be to lose or maintain your weight. Having a plan will also help prevent you from ordering in a pizza when you get home from work and are too tired to figure out what to make. 

4. Eat Breakfast.

Numerous studies have shown that those who eat breakfast are more successful at both losing weight and keeping it off.

People think they are cutting calories by skipping breakfast but people who skip breakfast are more likely to snack on unhealthy foods and eat more than they need at lunchtime. Not to mention your blood sugar will be low which won’t help you to do your best thinking once you get to work.
​
By ensuring that you have healthier options available for breakfast and that you eat them, you are setting yourself up to be successful in your food choices for the entire day as well as successful on the job.

5. Change Your Flour.

​There are many great alternatives to white or all-purpose flour. Choose almond (healthier cholesterol levels), chickpea (excellent source of B vitamins & folate), coconut (healthy fats and low glycemic), oat (lowers blood pressure & cholesterol), brown rice (great for pasta!)   Give them a try, they may change the flavor of your food slightly, but you also may find you like it!  All of these options provide more protein, nutrients and fiber, all of which are good for you.  

​The five suggestions that have been listed here are all easy to incorporate into your regular diet and in most cases; you aren't even going to have to put any real work into making the changes. 

Some other easy things you can do to IMPROVE YOUR DIET

Try one or two of these habits first, and then add in more when you're ready.
​

• Drinking more water
• Being mindful of your portion sizes
• Taking your time while eating
• Only eating until you are eighty percent full
• Adding one additional vegetable to every meal 
• Eating more fresh fruit

Each of the above suggestions is going to change your diet in a positive way. Each idea is geared towards helping you to cut calories, increase nutrients and is going to leave you feeling healthier and happier.