Wondering how to take control of your diet? And by diet, I don’t mean some fad diet, I just mean the way you eat. A lot of my clients are unsure of the basics – how to balance a meal, what to snack on. Here are my top tips for taking control of your diet and meeting your health goals.
- Record a three-day food diary – I’m generally not a huge fan of counting calories or detailed food records, but I think it’s worth it to do this once and include one weekend day, because we generally have different habits on the weekend.
- Understand your macronutrients – what is a protein, a carbohydrate, a fat and fiber? What foods fit in these categories? Getting to know this begins to unlock the mystery behind the foods you eat and how they affect your health.
- Learn what a balanced plate looks like – I’ve said it many times, but get to know what a quarter protein, a quarter carbohydrate and half veggies looks like in all forms is so important for building healthy eating habits. If you can make a bowl or a salad or a traditional dinner plate that matches this, you’re on your way.
- Learn to read labels – understanding what a serving size is and how it relates to the nutrients on a label helps you choose smartly at the supermarket. Plus, you can apply your macronutrient knowledge here and start to understand micronutrients.
- Set out your goals – what are your dietary goals? Is it to feel better, live longer? Do you want to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet? Do you want to tackle symptoms or prolong fertility? If you have a goal, you can start to work toward it.
- See a dietitian – Once you have a goal in mind, it’s a great time to see a dietitian. We have all the knowledge and skills to help you meet those goals through better nutrition and lifestyle changes!
What are your diet goals? Do you want to eat more plant-based foods to feel better, lose weight and enjoy your food while you’re at it? If so, feel free to book a session with me here or if you’re not sure book a free 15 minute nutrition chat to talk about your goals and whether we should work together.