There’s no doubt that you’ve had numerous people telling you how to achieve that so-called “summer body”, but at the end of the day, good health is what it’s all about. Making a move away from unrealistic expectations is something everyone should be focusing on. As long as you’re leading a healthy lifestyle, that’s what counts. The main way to transform your life and start feeling healthier and happier? Spring clean your diet.
So, what exactly does “healthy eating” mean? The British Nutrition Foundation explains a healthy diet as one that “contains a variety of different foods, to help us get the wide range of nutrients that our bodies need.” These nutrients include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals, and they help to maintain your health, make you feel good, and give you sustained energy.
While this might seem simple, healthy eating can be a little daunting, so start with small, manageable changes. Spring is the best time to reset your eating habits and start afresh. Here are a few simple tips for healthier eating:
- Out with the bad. Spring cleaning your kitchen should always be step one. Get rid of items you know are bad for you, starting with sugar. Many people consume more sugar than they realise, because it’s often a hidden ingredient in sauces, processed food and even yoghurt. The World Health Organisation advises that sugar intake should not exceed about six teaspoons of added sugar a day.
- Time to restock. Now that you’ve made space in your pantry and fridge, you can stock up on fresh produce that’s good for you and those energy levels. As much as you can, buy products that are organic and fresh. Stock your kitchen with a rainbow of vegetables and fruit, healthy snacking items (like dried fruit, nuts, boiled eggs and plain yoghurt) and a balance of carbohydrates and protein – think white fish, chicken, eggs, beans, wholewheat pasta, quinoa and rye bread.
- Look to the future. If you’re bad at eating health food, it’s probably because you don’t plan ahead. Every Sunday, spend some time writing out a food planner – to outline what you’ll eat each night of that coming week, then write up a shopping list for what you’ll need. Sticking to this list will ensure you don’t waste money on unnecessary items, as well as keep you on track with your food plan.
The more you learn about the food you eat, the more care you can take when you make your food purchases. Get the freshest fruit and veggies from your closest Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Shoprite, Checkers or Spar, pay using your bsmart card and earn cashback. Who says healthy eating does pay?
At bsmart we aim to help our members live smart, spend smart and save smart, and we do this by sharing helpful information and advice. So, just as you’re taking a fresh look at your diet, you can also spring clean your life, and read up about the connection between your wallet and waistline.
We also help members save by paying out cashback bonuses every three months or annually. To learn more contact us or click here to sign up directly through our website.
Disclaimer: bsmart does not provide medical advice. The above article is for information purposes only. Please consult a suitable and qualified medical professional if you require specific medical advice.