Smart tips to eat a well-balanced diet all the time

As much as I wish we could eat a well-balanced diet all the time, I understand that sticking to healthy food choices on a daily basis can be a challenge. You have to attend the office happy hour, the block BBQ, a birthday dinner or a retirement party. Bottom line: There will always be temptation, and it’s okay to give in once in a while.

Part of rebooting your body is learning to eat in moderation. For example, go ahead and have a slice of birthday cake, but then make the conscious and healthy choice to follow it up with more nutritious foods the next day. Remember that what you eat will support and fuel your body. If you are eating foods rich in sugar, like birthday cake, chances are you will experience a severe crash in energy. Maybe eat just half a slice of cake or take just a bite. Another alternative: Fill your plate with low-fat cheeses and crackers or veggies and hummus to sustain energy for a longer amount of time.

Eating healthy means enjoying a broad variety of foods with a mix of carbs, protein and fat. As you continue your journey to a healthier, happier you, here are some wellness tips to keep in your back pocket.


Stay hydrated. Always drink before, during and after physical activity.
Water helps you feel satisfied, flushes your system and keeps you hydrated, but it’s not the only source you can use for hydration. Fruits have liquid which support hydration. Try oranges, watermelon and apples. In addition to hydration, they can help keep you full longer.

Fill your plate with all foods. 
In order to ensure your nutrients are coming from food sources, at every meal, fill your plate with fruits and/or vegetables, a protein source (preferably a lean protein), and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and legumes. For example, lunch can be a chicken quinoa salad with the dressing on the side. An option for dinner can be steamed fish with kale and a side of bulgur.

Eat your colors.
Vegetables and fruits are packed with the essential nutrients we need on a daily basis. Filling your plate with colorful choices within your caloric count will help you get the most out of your reboot. From fiber to antioxidants, a plate full of colors – red, orange, green, yellow, blue and purple – is truly the easiest way to get the healthy nourishment you need. 

Pack portable snacks.
You never know when in-between-meal hunger will strike. So keep portable non-perishable protein-rich and carbohydrate-containing foods in places like your purse, gym bag, glove compartment of your car, office drawer or briefcase. By doing this, you will avoid the temptation to select chips from the vending machine or other unhealthy snacks. Dried plums, nuts and turkey jerky are all great options.

Hats off to you for rebooting your body and dedicating yourself to happier, healthier you!

Text: © blog.doctoroz.com