Have you ever noticed that quick, easy meals are often high in calories and low in nutrients?
When we’re hungry, we might reach for the potato chips. Or, when we’re tired from a long day at work, it might feel easier to order a pizza for dinner. And while we can indulge ourselves once in a while and get our favorite treats, it’s important that we ensure that we’re getting in the daily nutrients that our bodies need to function well. To help, we’re sharing a few ways that you can easily incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into your diet.
Make Simple Switches
Making simple switches is possibly the easiest way to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into your diet. This allows you to eat as you normally would but with changes that you may not even notice, or even better, that you may like your substitution more than what you would typically eat.
Here are a few easy swaps to consider:
- Greek yogurt in place of sour cream
- Spinach in place of iceberg lettuce
- Dark chocolate in place of milk chocolate
- Whole grain bread in place of white bread
- Brown rice in place of white rice
With just a few small changes to your diet, you could make a significant difference in the nourishment your body gets in a day.
Have Healthy Food Prepped and Ready
Sometimes, we turn to snacks that are low in nutrients and high in calories because they’re the most convenient option at the time. Instead of reaching for the carrots that you need to chop, you might opt for the snack mix in your cabinet that you can eat immediately. To help curb this habit, prep your fruits and vegetables right when you bring them home from the grocery store. By having healthy options at your fingertips, you’ll be more likely to choose those when you get the craving for a snack.
Of course, fruits and vegetables aren’t your only healthy snack options. You might make some turkey wraps or lentil salads. Get creative with it!
Plan Your Meals Before You’re Hungry
We make some of our worst food choices when we’re hungry. When you’re tired and hungry after a day at work, it may sound more appealing to eat the easy options that you can grab on your way home or have delivered. We don’t blame you! It happens to us too. The best way to prevent this is to plan your meals and even prep them ahead of time. When you know what you’re having for dinner, it’s easier to follow through with that plan. If you’re worried about time, you can cook elements ahead of time to keep in your fridge, such as sautéed veggies, rice, and lentils.
Have you been working nutrient-rich foods into your diet? Great job! With these tips, you can be on a healthier path with just a few small tweaks to your daily routine.
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