Good Dieting: Starting the Day On a Positive Note (and Keeping it There)

Simple tips for healthy eating

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Diet plays a role in everything we do throughout our day. Clean eating gives us more natural energy, helps prevent sugar spikes and falls, and gives us more power to work out, get outside, or make other healthy choices.

Starting your day off on a positive note all starts with what you put into your body. Let’s break down some easy meal plans and advice to make it easier than ever to eat healthily.

Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it kick-starts your metabolism and gives your body the proteins, carbs, and healthy fats it needs to tackle the morning. Even if you’re racing around and rushing to get out of the door, there’s no reason why you can’t make yourself a healthy, quick breakfast. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Breakfast Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to start your day because they are easy to make, can be extremely versatile, and provide a wellness boost. Some go-to recipes include the classic fruits like bananas, peaches, and strawberries or they can be as unique as pumpkins, dates, cashew milk, and peanut butter. I’ve also experimented and added different supplements such as Maca root powder and chia seeds. Choose a green drink or a fruity one, but either way, you’re sure to start your day on a positive note.

Check out these delicious breakfast smoothie recipes for more inspiration.

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is full of complex carbs and as long as you don’t load it up with sweeteners, it is a great start to your day. To take a more natural approach, cook some plain oats and add cinnamon and blueberries. These natural sugars will help fuel your body for the morning without adding any sweeteners. You could even toss in some honey or agave for a sweet kick.

3. Egg Muffins

The best thing about breakfast egg muffins is that you can prep them on the weekend for the rest of the week! All you need is a muffin tray, eggs, and your choice of mix-ins. Simply put your mix-ins in a muffin dish, pour the eggs over, and bake for 10-15 minutes. You can easily reheat the muffins at work for a few seconds in the microwave. These breakfast snacks are satisfying, and will give your morning a healthful boost.

Need more easy breakfast ideas? Here are 65!

Lunch

Packing a healthy lunch for you and your family is crucial to having a successful day and to sustain your energy while not weighing you down for the afternoon. Set yourself up at the beginning of the week to not have to think about lunches throughout the week and not be tempted to eat unhealthy, last-minute choices.

Salads are some of the easiest choices because you can buy all the ingredients ahead of time, they don’t require much prep, and they can be stored in the fridge for a few days without going bad. Pro tip: put a paper towel at the bottom of your salad container to keep all the greens fresh and to absorb any extra moisture.

When packing salads, consider your dressing choices. Many store-bought salad dressings are packed with sugar, so check out the ingredients before buying. If nothing else, you can always turn to the classic olive oil and vinegar for a simple and healthy salad dressing. These salad ideas will set you on the right path to eating healthy and starting your day off right.

Dinner

Dinner is a time for the family to get together, discuss the day, and get in a hearty meal. Building a healthy dinner will not only help you close the day off right, but it’ll also get you ready for tomorrow.

The best dinners include a lean protein, such as chicken, fish, or tofu — and a complex carb, such as brown rice or quinoa — and a veggie, such as broccoli and asparagus. Play around with which combinations are your family’s favorite and regularly mix it up, so no one gets bored of eating healthy.

Want to make dinner even easier? Try Crock-Pot meals! Preparing meals in the Crock-Pot is every busy parent’s dream because all you have to do is put a bunch of stuff in the Crock-Pot, turn the heat on, and come home to a cooked dinner.

Good dieting should not be a diet at all, but rather a way of life. By focusing on your nutrition, you will be taking care of your body and assuring every day is a good one.

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You may also enjoy reading Life Fully Charged: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life, by Joe Cross