As a yoga instructor, I often get asked for the best ways to lose weight. And my response is always, that the goal shouldn’t be weight loss, it should be healthier living. With the right healthy lifestyle changes, the excess pounds will shed off as your entire quality of life improves.
Usually weight gain is a result of unhealthy habits and unmanaged stress, but sometimes an underlying medical condition can be the root of your trouble. Before I delve into my top 5 tips for starting a healthy eating regimen, I suggest that you book an appointment with your primary care doctor. Ask for a total body evaluation and a blood test to check your thyroid levels, liver function, blood cell count, and any mineral or vitamin deficiencies. If you can also get tested for the top common food allergies, even better! You might also want to check some best diet reviews (check out to learn more) and discuss them with your doctor.
5 Tips for Kickstarting a Healthy Eating Routine
1. Don’t worry about restrictions and what you shouldn’t be eating, focus on all the amazing good-for-you superfoods you get to add to your diet. Fill your grocery cart with leafy greens, berries, salmon, sprouted nuts, avocado and lentils. Eating healthy is a mindset, and you should feel proud for nourishing your body!
2. Always keep a big bowl of fresh cut fruit and a big bowl of fresh chopped veggies on the top shelf of the refrigerator. It’s the best option for when you’re opening up the fridge to mindlessly munch.
3. Eat mindfully. Enjoy each and every bite of your food in a peaceful setting. Break the bad habits of eating on the run or standing in the same spot in the kitchen noshing.
4. Beans, beans and more beans! These little legumes are so satiating and healthy. Add them to your salads and bowls, make your own hummus, even put some in your smoothies and your desserts. Here is a recipe for Healthy Black Bean Brownies (gluten free!)
5. Watch out for hidden sugars in seemingly healthy foods. Become a pro at scanning the label for added sugar when grocery shopping. And be weary of sugar when dining out. An acai bowl contains an average of 50 grams of sugar, that’s double the recommended daily sugar intake for someone on a 2000 calorie a day diet.
Once you get your eating habits in check, spend some time assessing your stress levels. Practice self love by pampering yourself more, logging adequate sleep, spending time in nature, meditating, and stretching regularly.
Good luck on your journey! It just takes a few right decision to get the ball rolling and the fat melting!
xo