The benefits of becoming a healthy foodie are numerous, from being able to build a rock-solid immune system to being able to maintain high energy levels throughout the day. If you are one who is a foodie and one who enjoys munching something or the other throughout the day, read on to learn simple tips to becoming a healthy foodie.
Choose macrobiotic/whole foods
One of the easiest ways to improve your diet is by choosing unprocessed foods. Healthy foods are those that are as close to their natural state as possible, and they provide the body with essential nutrients, fiber, and other important compounds.
Examples of whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins.
Experiment with healthy recipes
Cooking at home can be a fun and creative way to improve your health. By experimenting with healthy recipes, you can expand your culinary skills and discover new flavours and ingredients. Look for recipes that feature unprocessed foods, healthy fats, and a variety of vegetables.
Two healthy easy-to-make recipes
Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-Fry:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp
- Add cooked quinoa and soy sauce to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot
Greek Yogurt Parfait:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup granola
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola
- Drizzle honey on top
- Serve cold
Meal planning
Meal planning can help you in organizing your meals in advance, usually for a week or more, to ensure that you have healthy and balanced meals throughout the week.
Basic meal plan
Breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs/Tofu scramble with spinach and mushrooms
- Fresh fruit (such as a sliced banana or berries)
Lunch:
- Grilled chicken breast/Grilled chickpeas
- Quinoa salad with mixed vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers)
Dinner:
- Roasted sweet potato and Brussels sprouts
- Steamed or sautéed green beans
Remember to always vary your meals and choose different ingredients to keep your meals interesting and get a range of nutrients. Also, make sure to stay within your recommended daily calorie intake and consult a doctor or registered dietitian if you have any concerns about your diet.
Moderation and balance
It’s important to remember that moderation and balance are key when it comes to healthy eating. It’s okay to enjoy your favourite indulgences in moderation, but make sure that most of your diet consists of healthy, whole foods. Pay attention to portion sizes and try to balance your meals with a variety of nutrients.