1. Make breakfast the most important meal of the day
Don’t skip breakfast in the morning or you will be trying to catch up throughout the day. Breakfast helps to kick-start your metabolism!
2. Eat lots of vegetables
We are all aware that we should be eating our 5-a-day, but did you know at least 2 out of these 5 should be vegetables? Too much is never enough as far as vegetables go. Try to steam your vegetables as this will maintain its nutritional value.
3. Avoid fast food
If you love your fast food then try watching the film 'super size me' as it should put you off! This programme highlights that there are surplus nitrates (cancer causing additive) and excitotoxins, found in fast food, which affect brain function. As if that’s not enough most are loaded with harmful fats too,
4. Eat about six times a day
You will in fact lose weight by boosting your metabolism. If you only eat two or three times a day, your body starts to wonder when its next meal is coming and it will store energy in the form of fat. Remember the food you are eating should be health.
5. Do not eat just because the food is there!
It happens to us all. We have the best of intentions for the day ahead, then someone offers us cake or chocolate. If you didn’t plan to eat it, then just say no. It’ll take practice but it’ll be worth it in the end!
6. Avoid sugary foods
The amount of sugar you put into your body will alter your insulin levels. The insulin response caused by sugar in food is measured by an index called a glycemic index (GI). (See GI index for further details).
7. Make sure you are eating enough protein
Most of the population don’t get enough protein in their diet. Protein is found in foods such as meat, fish and nuts.
8. Not drinking enough water
As we know, the body is 67% water. Drink around 2 litres a day to maintain proper hydration.
9. Cook for yourself
Meal preparation is a critical skill. Ready Made Meals have high levels of fat. Making the same meal from scratch can save you valuable calories.
10. Eating too much
Excess calories are stored as body fat. To achieve true nutritional success we need to practice nutrient based dieting, so you need to become nutrient conscious. Read the labels on the food you eat. And remember everyone is different, experiment and monitor to find what works for you.
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