One of the best ways to improve your overall health is to adopt healthy eating habits. Eating healthy can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and even improve your overall mood.

But when it comes to making dietary changes, it can be difficult to know how to start. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – it just requires a few simple changes.

Here are five of the best ways to adopt healthy eating habits:

1. Eat Breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it provides your body with the energy it needs to start the day off right. Eating breakfast helps to jumpstart your metabolism and, also allows you to better manage your hunger throughout the day.

Try to include a combination of the following in your breakfast:

• Protein: eggs, chia seeds, nuts, chicken sausage, bacon, etc.
• Healthy fats: Avocado, sardines, tuna, flaxseeds, etc.
• Complex carbohydrates: oats, quinoa, lentils, sweet potatoes, sugar beans, etc.

Remember, you can get these products at any local supermarket at an affordable price. You can also look for alternatives that are more suitable for your budget.

2. Drink Plenty of Water. Water is essential for good health and proper hydration. Adults should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Water helps to flush out toxins, keeps your body functioning properly, and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Keep a water bottle to help you remember to drink water.

3. Avoid processed foods. Unprocessed foods provide more vitamins, minerals and fibre than processed foods. Try to focus on eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are packed with essential nutrients and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Processed foods are food like cereals, snacks, bread, tinned vegetables, and ready-to-eat-bought food, etc.

4. Meal Prep. Planning ahead is key to eating healthy. Take the time to plan out your meals for the week, shop for groceries, and prep your meals in advance. This will help to make healthier eating easier and more convenient.

Tip: You can freeze your prepared meals to keep them fresher for longer and heat them up as you go for your convenience.

5. Be Mindful. Being mindful of your eating habits is important for creating a healthy relationship with food. Take the time to enjoy your meals, be aware of your portion sizes, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Being mindful of your eating habits can help you to make healthier choices and eat in moderation.

Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you are full.

Healthy eating habits can be challenging to develop, but with a few simple changes, you can make a big difference in your overall health. Give these tips a try and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Remember to not be hard on yourself. Keep motivated and get up after every fall.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message, an  Instagram message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).