For the past month and a half, I’ve been tweaking my diet with the help of the Fresh Fix group, and I’ve felt SO much better! The changes haven’t been complex, but it’s made a world of difference in my energy levels, cravings, and bloating (who doesn’t want to get rid of that?!).
So what exactly have I been doing? Here it is:
Watching My Macros
I started using MyFitnessPal to pay attention to the macronutrient breakdown of my daily diet. I’m not obsessive at all about tracking, but periodically I log the food/meals to get a sense of where I am. On the suggestion of a holistic health coach, I made my break down 35% protein, 35% carbohydrates and 30% healthy fats.
By making sure I have protein with each snack and meal, I have felt more satisfied after meals and have felt less of a need to snack between meals. I try to get a good macro balance not just with meals, but with snacks too. If you are really sensitive to carbs, I would DEFINITELY recommend trying out this approach. Join me in a Fresh Fix group, and give it a go!
Choosing Better Carbohydrates
I have also been taking more care in choosing the carbohydrates I consume at each meal. For example instead of jasmine rice, I’ll choose whole grain brown rice of a mix containing barley, millet or other grains. Another swap I’ve made at lunch is trading whole wheat sandwich bread for a lower carb wrap containing flax and oat bran.
Complex carbohydrates don’t cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate as much as more simple carbs like sugar, white bread, pasta, etc. The result is that you don’t feel ravenous about an hour after eating them (like I sometimes feel after eating a bagel!).
Drinking at Least 6 Glasses of Water Daily
I’ve also made a BIG push to get a minimum of 6 glasses of water each day. I made a promise that I would stick with it for at least a month, and it’s been about 2, and I’m still going strong! It’s made a difference in how I feel, since I’m pretty sure I was chronically dehydrated! π
The trick for me was to find a reusable cup I liked with a straw. For some reason, I find that I drink more water when it’s in a cup with a straw! Weird, I know…
Taking My Vitamins
Making sure that I take my vitamin strip each day has also been crucial in feeling better all around. I try to eat healthy as much as possible, but I’m not perfect. I know there are gaps in my diet, and it makes me feel good to know they are covered! The probiotic in the strip has helped reduce bloating and improved my digestion–this was a really pleasant surprise for me!
How are things going with your eating? Are you back on track now that summer’s over and school has started?Β
It’s funny how little tricks can help us adopt better habits! For me, I learned I ate more vegetables when they were out on the refrigerator shelf, instead of in the bottom crisper drawer. Who would have thought? It’s neat to see how the little tweaks you are making to your diet are having a big impact.
Diana
betterthanalive.com
You gotta do what you gotta do, right?! π
I’ve loved the Fresh Fix group too! Having the group accountability and suggestions is always helpful. I love hearing how it’s benefiting you! And yes, I can’t go back to life without that vitamin strip.
Accountability is SO huge! It’s been a great learning experience for me π