You want to let go of your bad food habits and would like to eat like a nutritionist. But you feel discouraged because you think that healthy food is boring and tasteless? That’s a lie! Nutritionists also enjoy their food! All you have to do is making smart choices, plan ahead and be inventive when cooking!
In the past few years, we’ve been overwhelmed by nutritional advice. Some people are getting more and more obsessed with healthy eating. So obsessed that a simple trip to the market is a torture. The supermarket has become a confusing place because you feel forced to know everything about what’s healthy or not. How to choose the proper milk? Which are the hidden sugars? Which are the good and bad fats? Should you avoid gluten or is that not necessary? And so on.
At the same time, you’re in love with food. And you don’t feel like giving up on everything you like. The truth is that being healthy is about balance. Keep in mind that food is a source of nourishment, but also a pleasure.
Most nutritionists promise that, if you follow their rules, you’ll be happier, healthier and you’ll feel more energetic. And it’s true, as long as you don’t make healthy eating a damaging obsession. Maybe it’s better for you if you learn how to eat like a nutritionist and enjoy food too.
How to eat like a nutritionist and still enjoy food
1. Pick quality ingredients and plan your meals
If you want to eat like a nutritionist, think local, sustainable, organic, seasonal, fresh whole foods and plan your meals. Processed and refined foods are not good for you. Because we are all busy, we risk choosing unhealthy foods when we’re hungry. Healthy eating doesn’t just happen – you really have to make it happen! So you should buy real food and plan what to eat for – let’s say – a week.
Supposing you’re aware of what you’re eating for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, be careful with your snacks! Prepare your snacks and keep them in your drawers at work. In case of emergency, always have something in your purse. The key is never letting yourself get too hungry.
2. Tons of veggies and more plant-based protein foods
If you want to eat like a nutritionist you should eat many vegetables. Especially cruciferous vegetables, along with legumes, ancient grains (including grains like spelt, Kamut, millet, barley, oats, bulgur, and the pseudocereals quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, and chia), and berries. Choose different colors of veggies and you’ll be healthier because you’ll get a large variety of vitamins and minerals! And that isn’t boring at all!
You should also eat less meat, but more plant-based protein foods. Any nutritionist will recommend you tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, beans, and nuts. Do you like hummus or falafel? Try to enjoy them as much as possible. They’re not only healthy but also tasty!
3. Use healthy cooking techniques
Eating healthy can be fun and delicious if you learn some healthy cooking techniques. To maximize flavor and nutrient retention, try: steaming, roasting, poaching, stir-frying, and braising. You should also take advantage of culinary herbs and spices. They make your meal tastier and contain important antioxidant phytochemicals, with anti-inflammatory effects. Brown rice or quinoa is a healthy choice, that gets even better with the right herbs! Try bay leaves, cardamom, cumin seeds, thyme, oregano, and coriander.
If you don’t have time to cook daily, prepare extra food! Cook in large pots and don’t throw away the leftovers! Pack them into single serving containers and freeze them for later. That way you’ll always have something healthy to eat, with no effort. Always complete your meal with a fresh salad.
4. Eat mindfully
Slow down and appreciate how your food tastes. If you’re pleased with the origin of your food and the way it’s cooked, then you’re on the right path. Don’t be afraid of eating quality fats, like olive oil, coconut, avocado, nut or seed oils. Avoid sugar as much as you can, but spoil yourself from time to time with some homemade desserts. Drink alcohol only on special occasions and no more than two glasses. If you love coffee, don’t give up on it, just drink less. Choose whole-grain bread and pasta, and don’t avoid gluten unless you’re sensitive to it.
After all, eating like a nutritionist means being aware of what your body needs in a specific way. Eating well doesn’t have to be boring or a chore. You can and should make eating healthy fun and interesting!
