10 Ways To Eat Healthier

It's never too late to eat properly if you follow these 10 ways to eat healthier. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests a diet that provides good balanced nutrition in limited fat and calorie content. Those commonsense rules for healthy eating don't have to be a challenge if you commit to living a healthier lifestyle. So, lay off the the sugar, fatty meats and processed foods and read the following tips to get more low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits and veggies into your diet.

1. If you can't grow it, don't eat it. A zucchini grows out of the ground and an egg comes from a hen. But where did that Twinkie come from? As a rule, don't eat food with questionable origins. Stick to food that Mother Nature produces.
2. Crunchy is good. Crunchy snacks, like celery, apples and nuts offer a satisfying crunch when you bite into them. While you are busy chewing and chewing, you'll more likely to eat more slowly. The slower you eat, the more time your body has to realize it's full.
3. Portion control. It can be tempting to eat that two-pound burger combo or 64-oz ribeye steak. However, eating large portions can drastically slow down your metabolism at best or cause indigestion at worst. Limit meat portions to no bigger than the palm of your hand.
4. Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is calorically high and devoid of nutrients. Instead of guzzling a pack of beer, try finding a favorite wine and have an occasional glass.
5. Modify your existing diet. By modifying what you already eat, you feel like you're reinventing the wheel. If you drink whole milk, try switching to a reduced-fat version. Eat a lot of rice? Choose brown rice over white rice.
6. Eat less fatty foods. This includes fat in delicatessen meats, red meats, cheese and packaged meals. Go with lean cuts of red meat and low-fat turkey or chicken slices. Eat cheese sparingly as it really ups the fat factor, especially when used in sandwiches.
7. Whole wheat flour trumps white flour. Bleached white flour reduces the amount of vitamins, fiber and minerals consumed. Whole wheat flour not only retains these vitamins and minerals, but its density makes it more filling in your stomach.
8. Lose the sweet tooth. Simple and refined sugars are frequently combined with saturated fats. While these sugary foods have a relatively high energy content, they also have low to no nutritional value. So when the sweet tooth starts calling, grab a handful of dried fruit or a juicy peach.
9. Drink water. Water is crucial to your health. On average, 60 percent of your body weight is water. A lack of water can lead to dehydration which is when you don't have a enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.
10. Eat breakfast everyday. Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Begin your morning with some oatmeal or whole wheat bagel to jumpstart your calorie burning machine for the day.