Michelle Marie Health & Wellness

It is officially fall! Fall is typically a time when most people get organized, back into routines, and create some new health goals. Today I am sharing ten tips to kick start your journey that doesn’t require dieting or counting calories; who wants to do that anyways?!

These tips focus on YOU, how you feel, and just simply making some smarter choices when it comes to food. Now remember, the biggest tip to cleaning up your eating habits is to aim for 90% clean food and 10% “cheat/unclean” food, but be happy if 80/20 is how it turns out some weeks too! You have to enjoy the little things in life, including some tailgating food and pumpkin beer with friends.

1. Feed your soul with primary food. What is primary food? Primary food is your friends and family, physical activity, spirituality, and a satisfying caree. All of these things in life give you energy, think of them as food. A lack of primary food creates over-reliance on secondary, edible food.
2. Drink water. Most people are chronically dehydrated and don’t even realize. Many people often mistake thirst for hunger. If you feel hungry between meals, drink a glass of water before giving into any cravings.
3. Eat mainly plant-based diet. Plant foods are typically lower in fat and calories and higher in filling fiber than meat, dairy, and processed foods, while providing loads of essential nutrients.  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables!!
4. Chew your food well. Digestion actually begins in the mouth; by thoroughly chewing your food, your body will better digest all of its important nutrients. This mindfulness will also allow you to slow down your eating. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that it is full so by eating slower you might feel satisfied with less food.
5. Eat real food. Avoid products with high-fructose corn syrup or a long list of unpronounceable ingredients. These foods are highly processed which means they are lacking the nutrients your body needs; essentially they are empty calories.
6. Eat breakfast. Skipping meals causes your blood sugar levels to peak and dip, affecting your energy and moods. It can also cause overeating later on because you’re so hungry.
7. Eat mindfully. Turn off the TV. Get away from the computer. Sit down and savor the food you are eating with no distractions!!
8. Get moving. Do any type of physical activity every day. Find movement or exercise you enjoy.
9. Sleep, rest and relax. When you are sleep-deprived or stressed, your body will crave energy, causing cravings for sugary snacks and caffeine as an energy boost.
10. Schedule fun time. Boredom and stress can lead to overeating; in order to avoid this make sure to take time to laugh and participate in activities that make you happy.

content via IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition)