Healthy Eating

HEALTHY EATING

Eating well isn’t always the easiest option. It’s often more convenient to eat fast food or buy pre-packaged foods that don’t take long to prepare. But, this can be a problem for many reasons. For example, you don’t always know what’s in fast food, and pre-packaged meals. They can be high in sugar and salt or chemicals. And eating this way can also be expensive!

What are the benefits of healthy eating?

There are a lot of benefits to making and eating healthy, balanced meals:

• You will feel good.
• You will have more consistent energy to go about your day.
• You will be able to think and focus more clearly and handle stress better.
• You will have a stronger immune system and your long term health will benefit.
• You will feel full longer.
• You can save money by making your own meals.

If you want to change your eating habits, start with small, realistic goals like eating one extra serving of vegetables a day, or trying a new recipe each week. Experiment with different spices. Try and have fun with it!

When it comes to healthy eating, it isn’t always easy to know what information is true. There are so many trends and diets always popping up. Remember, dieting is not the same as healthy eating. Dieting is when you restrict what you eat to lose weight, but healthy eating is a life-long way of eating and involves choosing a wide variety of foods.

Tips for healthy eating:

• Enjoy a wide variety of foods each day, with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Eat mostly foods that come from the basic food groups, such as whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, yogurt and other foods with lots of nutrients.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat regular meals and snacks to keep your energy levels up and keep you from feeling sluggish
• Take time to eat and enjoy your meals. Sit and eat with others when possible.
• If you need more information contact a Dietitian at HealthLinkBC (8-1-1).

It’s All about Balance

It’s important to eat a variety of foods so your body has the energy it needs. But it’s also important not to get overly focused on only eating certain “healthy” foods. There are no ‘bad’ foods. What matters is how much you eat, how often, and your overall diet as a whole. Try and focus on feeling good about eating, eating enough and eating a variety of foods that you enjoy. Listen to your body’s cues – eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. Enjoy a wide range of foods and pay attention as you eat. Eating mindfully is a great way to help you pay attention as you eat. See here for more information.

If you want to change your eating habits, start with small, achievable goal. Eat one extra serving of vegetables a day, trying a new recipe each week. Experiment with different spices. Try and have fun with it! You can also check Canada’s Food Guide for ideas and other tips on how to change your eating habits.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your eating or exercising habits. You can also find information about disordered eating and supports and resources on the Foundry Eating Disorders Page.

Mindful Eating

Eating mindfully is a great way to help you pay attention as you eat. Try out this mindful eating tip:

“When you’re eating, try to only do that – nothing else. Notice the colours, shapes and textures of your food – notice the smells and how each bite tastes in your mouth. And try listening to the sounds you make as you eat or drink. Not only is this a great way to practice mindfulness, it’ll also help you enjoy your food even more.”

If you are interested in learning more about mindfulness and how to be mindful, check out the Mindfulness page.

If you have concerns about your eating habits, talk to your doctor or call 8-1-1 to speak with a dietitian at HealthLinkBC. You can also find information about disordered eating and find supports and resources on the Body Image and Eating page.