Here are a few easy tips to improve what you eat, so that you always feel fabulous and fantastic.
Take advantage of Brisbane’s seasonal fresh produce. Our fabulous markets give you access to the very best ingredients.
What to eat
It is recommended that you eat a wide variety of foods from the five food groups to give you all the nutrients your body needs. Each day try to choose:
- Lots of vegetables
- A few pieces of fruit
- A couple of servings of dairy products
- A decent helping of meat, poultry or fish, and
- Several serves of cereal, bread and grains
Drink plenty of water
Water is essential for your body to function. It also replenishes you and stops you from looking and feeling dehydrated. Try and drink at least six glasses of water per day and remember that you may need to drink more when the summer heat starts.
Limit saturated fats
Eating too many foods with saturated fats can increase your body’s cholesterol levels and this makes you more susceptible to heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Always remember to check the nutritional panel on foods to keep a firm eye on your saturated fat intake.
Portion sizes
Not only is what you eat important, it is essential that how much you eat is a reflection of how much energy your body needs to get through the day. Excessively large quantities of food are packed with kilojoules that your body many not be able to burn. There is no need to worry about measuring or weighing your food if you don’t want to. A couple of easy indicators are:
- A small serve of meat is about the same size as your palm
- A small potato is about as long as a bar of soap and
- A cup of vegetables is about the size of your clenched fist.
Losing weight
Losing weight doesn’t have to take over your life. The most effective way of losing weight and keeping it off is to make small changes to your lifestyle. Not only are these changes easier to make, they become new habits that are easier to keep.
Set a goal
Any journey needs a destination. It’s important to set a clear and specific goal to work towards. If you want to lose weight or just feel healthier, any change in lifestyle is easier when you set a goal.
Time management
If you are tired after work why not use your lunch hour to go for a twenty minute walk? Or, if making dinner after work is a chore, make enough for a few meals and freeze them.
Keep food interesting
The best way to stick to any lifestyle is to regularly spice things up. Add new recipes to your cooking repertoire to keep meals interesting. Get recipes from the supermarket, friends, books or online.
Get active
Staying motivated is hard. Change your exercise routine every six to eight weeks. This summer try water aerobics or swimming. Or find an exercise buddy or join a team because you are less likely to cancel the exercise and let them down.
