A Call For New Eating Habits: What Are Your Eating Tips? #HFExtendedFamily

I’m in need of some new eating habits. I was doing really well a year and a half ago and now I’m back on the chocolate, whipped cream and heavy butter diet again and it’s not working out so well for me. During the holidays I’m always reminded of how much I LOVE decadent food and getting back on the right track is always difficult. Especially when my husband is in the kitchen making delicious treats.

Last year I enjoyed working with Hormel and decided to continue my relationship with them. They sent me a few ideas on how to change your eating habits and I want to share their ideas with a few of my own. Mostly mine are things like, give up butter, go light on the chocolate and cut the sugar in half. But with my never stopping always screaming for more sweet tooth I think I’m fighting a losing battle this year.

Tip 1.

Keep it simple. Don’t attempt to overhaul your entire style of eating immediately. Gradual changes are key. Start by adding fruit as a dessert or a delicious veggie as a side dish to dinner.

 

I see fruit as a dessert going quite well, but I would want to add whipped cream. YUM! Oh put that sweet tooth on the naughty spot someone please help me.

Tip 2.

Eat a variety of foods. Bringing the same sandwich to work every day isn’t going to get you the nutritional value that your body needs. Try making a sandwich with Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats, which contain no preservatives, artificial ingredients or MSG and include a variety of options including turkey, ham, chicken, and roast beef, so your sandwich selection never gets boring!

Just planning out your lunch can help you fight the calories. If you don’t plan you might end up in the drive through and that’s not good for anyone’s hips.

Tip 3.

Don’t deny yourself your favorite treats. It’s important to remember moderation, not elimination.

Making sure that you eat the things you love is the only way to have a successful diet, I can’t go without chocolate completely so I shouldn’t even try.

See two thumbs up for Tip 3.

Tip 4.

Sit down with your family and create a meal plan for the week. Keeping in mind the food pyramid and using a tool like MyPlate, create dishes that everyone in the family will enjoy. Let each family member plan a dinner dish for the week and then get everyone’s input on what changes can be made to make it a healthier meal.

Letting the kids get involved in cooking is the best way in our house to assure that they will try different things. Give them choices in the veggies and take them to the grocery store. Let them help you cook, it’s fun getting everyone involved.

Tip 5.

Remember to drink water consistently throughout the day. For the body to function properly, you need to continually replenish it with water. This goal could be the perfect opportunity to cut out that extra glass of juice, soda, or coffee, and replace it with a cup of water.

 

Water water and more water. I’d have to say that drinking water has been a challenge lately. Our water bottles the straws on them have become really hard so I have to bite down on them to get any water out so I find it’s too much effort, so being lazy is getting in the way. I need to start drinking more water how about you. Are you drinking enough water?

Tip 6.

Add a little bit of excitement to an otherwise boring salad by choosing a protein to sprinkle on top. Try Lloyd’s® Woodfire Barbecue™ pulled chicken for added flavor or a quick fix like Hormel® chunk chicken, made with one hundred percent real meat.

I’m surprised they didn’t recommend my favorite addition, the turkey pepperoni they make. YUM! So tell me what are your tips?

What has been working for you in your efforts to eat healthier?

This post is written as part of the Hormel Extended Family Program with Hormel Foods, I have been entered into a contest by submitting this post.