On a day like today, our wonderful Fourth of July holiday, when the barbecue is red hot, the sun is out and friends are all around there is the potential to lose track of what we eat, to indulge just a bit more than we “should”. It is times like this when it it is a good time to remind ourselves of some of the ideas, and healthy eating habits that can help us eat a bit better. Bottom line is that healthy food is that which is good for your body – after all it is what is used to build it on our road to THPL..

Snack on fruit, vegetables and low fat plain yogurts instead of chips and chocolate bars. If you don’t like plain yogurts, make your own toppings using fruit, berries, seeds, nuts, honey or cinnamon.
Try to eat meals that are at least half vegetables. Vegetables can be eaten in pretty much unlimited amounts and can easily fill up a plate making a meal look larger.
Go whole grains when possible. Also due to their higher fiber content whole grains take a lot longer to digest keeping you fuller longer. Eat oatmeal, quinoa, brown and wild rice, rye and wholegrain bread when you can.
Use smaller bowls and plates for every meal serving to trick yourself into thinking you eat more than you do.
Eat slower to eat less and get more satisfaction out of food. You don’t have to chew everything 24 times times, but try to stretch the eating process to make it last at least twenty minutes when you can.
Eat one piece of fruit with every breakfast. Turn it into a “Fruit of the day” challenge. It doesn’t have to be a different type of fruit every time, as long as you have a piece.

Loving life, and feeling better because I eat well

Ciao

Joe