9 Tips to Make Healthy Eating Easier

Cooking healthy in my opinion is more a habit than an effort and with making these few changes you will make a massive difference to your waist line.  Healthy eating becomes easier when you change your mindset to healthy thinking.

1. Swap the sour cream for a fat-free yoghurt

Not only does it taste great and increase one’s calcium intake, but it also cuts down the total amount of fat as well as saturated fat in a meal.

2. Bye bye butter- hello Canola oil

Replace some or all of the butter in your recipes with heart-healthy canola oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fat. If you choose to keep some butter in the recipe, the neutral taste of canola oil lets the remaining butter flavour shine through while slashing fat.

3. Love leaner meats

Choosing lean cuts of meat will automatically reduce the total fat in your diet. Choose round, sirloin, chuck, or loin, and extra-lean hamburger meat. Even better, add bulk with meatless ingredients such as olives and peppers. Each patty will have less meat and added vitamins and nutrients.

4. Discover Soy

This food adds lean protein without much fat and can be a great addition to your meat-free Mondays and even your daily eating. The entire FUTURELIFE® product range contains soy, providing you naturally with a lower fat protein option with all the benefits of Omega-3 fats as well as lecithin (both known to contribute to your heart health).

5. Give your sweet treat a fruity twist

By swapping out baked sweet goods with fruit such as strawberries with low-fat cream cheese, you naturally cut down on calories, fat and added sugar while getting the added benefit of more vitamins and minerals in your diet.

6. Add flavour without the fat

Natural flavours; such as citrus fruits, herbs, spices, and vinegar; add zing to meals while reducing fat and sodium. By tossing the salt out in favour of lemon juice you may even lower your blood pressure.

7. Opt for Asian cuisine

Asian cuisine is typically low in bad fats and full of fruits and veggies. Fish, a staple in the Japanese diet, is a great source of heart-healthy omega-3s. Take the Asian inspiration a step further by pickling vegetables, the vinegar adds flavour without fat or cholesterol.

8. Go nuts!

Nuts are loaded with healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, and they’re an easy way to get in that heart-healthy fat and fibre. Walnuts are especially rich in omega-3s, so adding them to a decadent dessert can make an indulgent treat feel less sinful.

9. Choose your portion with caution

We all crave guilty pleasures once in a while. To keep your diet on track when indulging, prepare your treats in proper portion sizes or portion your store bought treats as soon as you buy them to avoid being tempted to eat more.

About The Author

brigitte

Yes I am THAT girl that hopped around on an island in Panama on the first season of survivor South Africa (my claim to fame). Thank goodness I had a modeling career to fall back on because I was left starving and I didn't win the million bucks! I am anything but ordinary and I have learned to be ok with it. What drives me is the stuff that I love doing, spending time with good friends, learning from extraordinary people, drinking wine, writing, (did I mention drinking delicious wine?) I love traveling, nature, animals, exercise helping others to achieve their goals gives me a kick, I thoroughly enjoy music that moves me and love looking at and taking pictures that speak to me. I stay slim by following a healthy diet of wine and carrying my massive baby around (not sure how he got that big but he is huge, and very cute) - He is my absolute pinnacle out of everything I have done right so far. (I actually have some real weight loss secrets on The Jog Blog) I also run with my two Jack Russell's Jesse and James, James is really, lets call it, "big boned", so I wouldn't say we run marathons but we at least enjoy it thoroughly. Like all South African's I also love the odd South African Braai and grew up barefoot playing on dirt roads. The biggest goal in my life is to enjoy and savor every moment, to be mindful of each and every person and situation in my life and to be the master of my own mind. What do I do for a living? I have a bit of digital savvy, write a lot, manage projects and initiatives that help promote brands digitally and love a challenge. I am an avid entrepreneur Sport and Sports-development is close to my heart. I also proudly endorse Futurelife, Garmin, Adidas Eyewear and Cipla Nutrition. I help where I can do the best with what I have and give it my 110% I am the Glass-Half-Full girl and thank you for supporting The Jog Blog. You can have a look at my charity projects www.glamouraid.co.za or follow me @brigittewillers @glamouraid and @thejogblog oh and don't forget instagram @brigittewillers (totally obsessed) *laughs*