Yes, you are what you
eat! A big part of slimming down requires a healthy diet. Once you've reached
your weight loss goal, it's important to maintain good eating habits. Change
your lifestyle and move toward a healthier weight! Try
these seven tips from the Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics to get you started and help keep you on the
right path.
Start
with a plan for lifelong health. Focus on the big
picture—achieving overall good health—not just short-term weight loss.
Set
healthy, realistic goals. You are more likely to succeed in
reaching realistic goals when you make changes step-by-step. Start with one or
two specific, small changes at a time. Track your progress by keeping a food
and activity log.
Get
a personalized eating plan. Go to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for a
plan that will give you the amounts of each food group you need daily. If you
have special dietary needs, consult a registered dietitian for a customized
plan.
Eat
at least three meals a day and plan your meals ahead of time. Whether
you’re eating at home, packing a lunch or eating out, an overall eating plan
for the day will help keep you on track.
Balance
your plate with a variety of foods. Half your plate should
be filled with fruits and vegetables, about one-fourth with lean meat, poultry
or fish, and one-fourth with grains. To round out your meal, add fat-free or
low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese.
Start
your meal with low calorie foods like fruits, vegetables and salads. These
foods are packed with nutrients your body needs.
Focus
on your food. Pick one place to sit down and eat at
home. Eating while doing other things may lead to eating more than you think.
Also, switching from a large plate to a smaller one may help you feel satisfied
with reduced portions.