Health Eating Habits (That You're Probably Not Doing)

Eating healthy is more than just consuming the right kind of food, it's also about forming good habits that can lead to a healthier lifestyle. However, many people are unaware of the simple changes they can make to their daily routine, which can have a huge impact on their overall health and well-being.

a man and a woman eating healthy food at a table while smiling

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any health program.

In this blog article, we will discuss some important healthy eating habits that you’re probably not taking advantage of. We will look at how chewing your food properly and finding ways to eat without technology can help improve your eating behaviors.

Additionally, you'll learn why awareness of what foods are beneficial for your body and mind is essential for any healthy eating plan.

Now, let's get started.

Chewing Food Properly

Taking the time to really chew your food properly can be one of the most beneficial things you do for your digestion. By breaking down your food into smaller pieces, you're giving your body a helping hand in the digestion process and ensuring that you're getting the most out of all the nutrients contained in it. Plus, with enzymes already doing their thing in your saliva while you chew, you know that everything's working together to help improve your nutrient absorption as much as possible.

There are several tips you can follow to ensure you're chewing your food properly:

  • Take small bites. Eating large bites of food can make it difficult to chew properly. By taking smaller bites, you can thoroughly chew each bite.
  • Chew each bite thoroughly. Many people tend to rush through their meals, which can make it difficult to chew properly. To ensure you're properly chewing your food, take the time to chew each bite at least 15-20 times.
  • Avoid distractions while eating. Whether it's a book, a movie, or a phone, distractions can make it difficult to focus on your food. To ensure you're properly chewing your food, avoid distractions while eating.

Benefits of chewing your food properly include:

  • Better digestion
  • Improved nutrient absorption
  • Reduced risk of overeating
  • Increased satisfaction after meals

Eating Without Technology

Instead of focusing on our technology while we're eating, why not take the time to savor our food and be mindful of what we're consuming? That way, we can choose healthy foods, eat fewer calories — and enjoy our meals more. Distracted eating can easily ruin a meal's potential for fulfillment, both mentally and physically. Eating with your full attention allows you to appreciate the flavor of your food, which can help you make better decisions about how much you need. This makes it easier to practice moderation and stay healthy.

To avoid the negative effects of using technology while eating, try the following tips:

  • Turn off all devices while eating. This will help you focus on your food and prevent distracted eating.
  • Set aside specific times for technology-free meals. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, set aside specific times for technology-free meals.
  • Engage in conversation or other activities while eating. Rather than watching TV or scrolling through social media, engage in conversation or other activities while eating.

Benefits of eating without technology include:

  • Improved focus on food
  • Reduced risk of overeating
  • Increased awareness of hunger and fullness cues
  • Enhanced satisfaction after meals

Eating Mindfully

Have you ever stopped to consider how mindful eating can help you achieve a healthy weight and enjoy your meals? Eating with presence and awareness involves taking your time to savor flavors, feel the different textures, and appreciate any aromas that come from your food. Not only does this make meals more satisfying, but being mindful of what you’re eating helps keep an eye on portion sizes. Plus, it can also have a positive effect on digestion.

To eat mindfully, try the following tips:

  • Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and smells of your food. Take the time to savor each bite and appreciate the flavors, textures, and smells of your food.
  • Listen to your body's hunger and fullness signals. Eating mindfully means listening to your body's signals and stopping when you're full.
  • Avoid distractions while eating. Whether it's a book, a movie, or a phone, distractions can make it difficult to focus on your food. To eat mindfully, avoid distractions while eating.

Benefits of mindful eating include:

  • Improved digestion
  • Enhanced satisfaction after meals
  • Reduced risk of overeating
  • Increased awareness of hunger and fullness cues
  • Better control over portion sizes

Eating a Variety of Foods

It's essential to pay attention to what you eat to maintain your overall health. Eating a balanced and varied diet is the best way to ensure you get all the nutrients needed for a healthy lifestyle. But don't forget about processed foods. Even though it can be tempting, try to limit them as much as possible when devising your meal plan. Also, make sure to eat fruit and vegetables with each dish - not only are they full of vitamins and minerals, but they also help make meals exciting, enjoyable and satisfying.

To incorporate various foods into your diet, try the following tips:

  • Try new foods regularly. Whether it's a new vegetable, fruit, or protein source, try new foods regularly to ensure you're getting a range of nutrients.
  • Experiment with different cuisines. Trying different cuisines can introduce you to new flavors and ingredients.
  • Mix up your protein sources. Rather than relying on one type of protein, such as chicken or beef, try different protein sources like fish, tofu, or legumes.

Benefits of eating various foods include:

  • Increased satisfaction with meals
  • Reduced risk of nutrient deficiencies
  • More exciting meals
  • Creates a well balanced and healthy diet

Planning Meals Ahead of Time

Eating healthy doesn't have to be stressful or time-consuming. With a bit of planning and forethought, you can create delicious, nutritious meals that will help you reach your health goals. Meal prepping makes it easy to stay away from unhealthy foods full of sugar and processed ingredients. In addition to helping you avoid temptation, preparing meals ahead of time can drastically reduce the amount of time you spend grocery shopping and cooking each week.

To plan your meals ahead of time, try the following tips:

  • Make a grocery list before shopping. Plan out your meals for the week and make a grocery list before you go shopping. This will help you stick to foods to make healthy meals and avoid impulse buys.
  • Prepare meals in advance. Whether it's meal prepping or making a large batch of food to last multiple meals, preparing meals in advance can save you time and ensure you're eating healthy.
  • Keep healthy snacks on hand. Keep healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, or nuts on hand to avoid impulse eating.

Benefits of meal planning include:

  • Reduced risk of impulse eating
  • Saving time grocery shopping
  • Encourage healthy eating habits
  • Reduced stress around meals

Eating With Your Non-Dominant Hand

Have you ever tried eating with your non-dominant hand? It can be a great way to slow down when you eat and fully enjoy each bite. Becoming more mindful of what you're consuming is important for your overall health, and this simple habit can help you do that. Plus, it's a fun challenge that creates awareness and promotes mindful eating.

To eat with your non-dominant hand, try the following tips:

  • Start with small amounts of food. If you're new to eating with your non-dominant hand, start with small amounts of food and gradually increase over time.
  • Pay attention to how it feels. Notice the differences between using each hand while eating and pay attention to how it feels.
  • Get creative with meals. Instead of eating sandwiches or wraps, get creative with meals and try foods like salads or stir fries that don't require a utensil to eat.

Benefits of eating with your non-dominant hand include:

  • Improved focus on your food  
  • Slowed eating pace
  • Enhanced awareness of what you're consuming
  • More mindful eating

Eating at the same time everyday

Sticking to a regular eating schedule can do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Eating at set times every day helps keep your body's natural rhythms balanced, which in turn can help you lose weight. It also helps keep hormones in check, encourages better digestion, and ensures you get the nourishment your body needs.

To establish a routine for eating, try the following tips:

  • Aim for regular mealtimes. Set a goal of having meals and snacks at regular times during the day.
  • Set reminders for meals. Set reminders on your phone or use an app to keep track of when it's time to eat meals or snacks.
  • Decide on the times you like to eat. Choose the times of day that work best for you, and stick with it.

Benefits of eating at the same time everyday include:

  • Improved balance of hormones
  • Better digestion
  • Enhanced body clock regulation
  • Improved nutrient absorption
  • Can help prevent weight gain and weight loss
  • Improved energy levels throughout the day

Conclusion

Again, creating healthy eating habits goes beyond the foods you choose to eat. It's also about the behaviors and habits you practice. Meal planning, mindful eating, and eating at the same time everyday are all great ways to help you stay healthy and reach your goals. With a little effort and focus, you can create healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

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