She Strengthens

Celebrate National Eating Healthy Day with These 22 Tips

November 7th marks National Eating Healthy Day, a holiday sponsored by the American Heart Association. To commemorate this occasion, we’ve compiled 22 easy and effective ways to make healthy eating a breeze.

Grocery Shopping Strategies

1. Make a List and Stick to It: Avoid impulse buys by creating a grocery list and using apps like GroceryIQ or Shopper to stay organized.
2. Don’t Shop on an Empty Stomach: Eat a healthy snack or meal before heading to the store to avoid last-minute cravings.
3. Load Up on Greens: Grab extra green veggies for their numerous health benefits, including a stronger immune system.
4. Opt for Fresh or Frozen: Choose fresh or frozen produce over canned goods to reduce sodium and sugar intake.
5. Avoid Processed Foods: Steer clear of ingredients like monosodium glutamate, high fructose corn syrup, and Yellow No. 5, which have been linked to various health issues.

Food Storage and Preparation

6. Buy in Bulk and Divide: Purchase items in bulk and portion them out to save time and money.
7. Prep in Advance: Designate a “Food Prep Extravaganza” day to chop, cook, and portion out meals for the week.
8. Pre-Portion Snacks: Divide snacks into individual servings to avoid overeating.
9. Grow Your Own Herbs: Cultivate a personal herb garden to season food without excess salt, butter, or cheese.

Cooking and Mealtime Tips

10. Sneak Veggies into Everything: Add veggies to your favorite dishes, even desserts!
11. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Meals: Prioritize meals with a variety of nutrients, colors, and fresh ingredients rather than counting calories.
12. Eat a Balanced Breakfast: Start your day with a healthy breakfast to set yourself up for success.
13. Opt for Smaller Portions: Use portion-size plates or estimate serving sizes to avoid overeating.
14. Replace Dessert with Fruit: Satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit instead of sugary treats.
15. Pace Your Mealtime: Eat slowly to give your body time to realize it’s full and avoid overeating.

Additional Tips

16. Choose Whole Grains: Select whole grains over processed alternatives to reap more health benefits.
17. Avoid Sweetened Drinks: Opt for water, seltzer, or 100% fruit juice instead of sugary beverages.
18. Eat Naturally Sweet Foods: Indulge in naturally sweet foods like beets, corn, and sweet potatoes.
19. Stick to the Edges of the Grocery Store: Focus on fresh produce, meats, dairy, and breads found on the outer aisles.
20. Prepare Your Own Food: Cook meals yourself to control ingredients and portion sizes.
21. Store Healthy Food Front and Center: Place healthy options in transparent containers and store them in visible areas.
22. Avoid Unhealthy Items Altogether: Consider not buying unhealthy foods in the first place to avoid temptation.

By incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you!