The new year is a perfect time to commit to making improvements in your personal life. For lots of folks, this means losing weight, getting back in shape or simply learning to make better food choices. Are you looking to improve your eating habits? If so, you’re in the right place. We’ll share six ways that you can make healthier choices when it comes to food. From meal planning to knowing what foods to avoid, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

1. Start Your Day with a Nutritious Breakfast to Jump-Start Your Metabolism

Starting your day with a nutritious and energizing breakfast is an important habit you should adopt to give yourself the best chance of success. Eating breakfast helps boost your metabolism, which can help you maintain your weight and get the most out of each day. It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant; just make sure it consists of healthy food like eggs, fruit and whole grains. No time to make and eat breakfast at home every day before work? No problem! If you’re looking for a reusable and eco-friendly way to store or transport breakfast items, reusable silicone bags are a great option, and they’re a much better choice than single-use plastic bags or containers. You can either prepare your breakfast the night before and put it in the fridge, or prepare it in the morning and use silicone bags to take it to work with you. Once you figure out what works best for you and your schedule, you might be surprised at just how much better you feel when you start every day with a nutritious breakfast.

2. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables as Snacks and Side Dishes

Eating more fruits and vegetables as snacks and side dishes is a great way to stay healthy. They may not be as fun or tasty as your favorite chips and cookies, but they do a lot more in terms of improving your health and ensuring that your body has the fuel it needs to power through the day.

Fruits and vegetables are full of important vitamins and minerals that help our bodies fight disease, and they also provide us with energy. Not only are they nutritious, but their vibrant colors make them a fantastic addition to any meal. Adding a variety of fruits and vegetables to your meals is a surefire way to get in your daily dose of vitamins and minerals without having to resort to unhealthy snacks or drinks. If you aren’t a big fan of fruits and veggies, try getting creative with how you prepare them. There’s something for everyone — from roasted sweet potatoes to a fresh fruit salad. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring

3. Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day to Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for your health and well-being. Drinking plenty of water can help to improve your mood, boost energy levels and enhance mental clarity. Insulated drinkware is a great way to make sure that your water stays cool and refreshing all day long, helping you to meet your daily intake goals. Additionally, insulated drinkware may be a more economical option than purchasing bottled beverages on a regular basis, which can quickly add up. And, of course, using an insulated tumbler or bottle is a much more environmentally friendly option.

4. Avoid Sugary Drinks, Including Sodas, Juices and Sports Drinks

Consuming sugary drinks can contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle and put a strain on your health down the line. Sodas, juices and sports drinks often contain large amounts of sugar, which can increase your risk of dental problems, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and weight gain. And while you might think that sugary beverages will give you a boost of energy, that simply isn’t true. While you may experience a few minutes of enhanced productivity, the sugar crash that is sure to follow shortly after will likely leave you feeling worse than you did before taking your first sip.

Instead of reaching for something sweet to drink, try opting for healthier options such as filtered tap water with a splash of citrus juice or even unsweetened tea. Making better beverage choices can help you lower the number of calories you consume each day and enjoy improved overall health.

5. Limit Your Intake of Saturated Fats, Found in Fatty Meats and Processed Foods

Eating too much saturated fat can lead to health problems like high cholesterol, increased risk of heart disease and obesity. For this reason, it is important to limit the intake of saturated fats, found primarily in fatty meats as well as processed and fried foods. Doing so is especially important if you have a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease.

Rather than cutting out these types of food altogether, swapping them out for healthier alternatives is a great way to start making changes. Try using lean meats like turkey or chicken instead of beef, or switch to low-fat dairy products or plant-based milk. Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, is an excellent alternative to foods packed with saturated fat too.

If you do still choose to indulge in your favorite meats and processed foods, that’s okay! Just be sure to opt for smaller serving sizes and balance the not-so-healthy food with nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits. Making these small changes can create a positive impact on both your physical and mental health.

6. Choose Lean Protein Sources, Such as Grilled Chicken, Fish, Tofu, Legumes and Eggs

Including lean protein sources in your diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and there are several options to choose from such as grilled chicken or fish, tofu, legumes and eggs. These types of proteins will provide you with the nutrition you need without packing on the pounds. To make meals easier to prepare, consider stocking freezer storage containers with portions of lean protein so you can easily reheat and enjoy without having to cook after a long day.

Closing Thoughts

A healthy diet is important for many reasons. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, have more energy and avoid diseases. Making small changes in your eating habits can have a big impact on your health. Try incorporating some of the tips above into your daily routine. Not sure where to begin? Committing to eating breakfast every day and drinking plenty of water are two easy ways to start improving your eating habits today. It may feel difficult at first, but once you get in the habit of eating healthier, it will become second nature.