- 1). Replace bad carbohydrates with good carbohydrates. Good carbs digest slowly and don't cause your blood sugar levels to spike which can lead to feelings of hunger and cravings. Eat brown rice instead of white rice and consume whole-wheat bread instead of white bread. Fill up on vegetables, beans and fruit.
- 2). Avoid trans fats and saturated fats found in cookies, fried foods and cakes and replace them healthy plant oils such as olive oil, peanut oil and canola oil. Bad fats have a negative influence on your cholesterol.
- 3). Get your protein from sources such as chicken, fish and turkey, nuts, eggs, beans and tofu. Protein contains amino acids which are the body's building blocks for growth and energy needed to maintain organs, tissues and cells.
- 4). Avoid skipping breakfast. Eat a healthy breakfast to keep your blood sugar level stable and to wake up your metabolism which slowed down while you were sleeping. Eat whole-grains such as whole wheat toast or oatmeal. Drink low-fat milk or have low-fat yogurt with your breakfast to get calcium. Avoid drinking juices and eat fresh fruit instead. Fruit has fiber which makes you feel full and promotes digestive health.
- 5). Watch your salt intake including salt found in many foods, such as hot dogs and tomato soup. Salt has been linked to a heightened risk of heart disease, stroke and increased blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends you consume less than 1,500 milligrams of salt per day.
- 6). Drink a minimum of eight cups of water per day to promote digestive health and to stay hydrated.