5 Minor Diet Tweaks that Provide Major Health Boost

Sharon Moore November 03, 2015

Healthy eating. It sounds too easy to do but the moment you start - it tends to give you a hard slap on your face. With all the tempting fatty, sugary food out there so readily available, eating healthy has become a major challenge. And if you’re used to a junk food diet for so long, switching to green living may be more of a difficult journey for you.

But don’t fret. Eating healthy every day is possible and fortunately, within your reach. The key is to start making simple tweaks in your diet. Yes. You need not make a giant leap. Small, baby steps are the best route. If you have been reading a lot of health news and diet blogs lately, you probably feel overwhelmed by now and confused what to eat, how to prepare them, and how to stay on track.

So let this guide be your starting point.

Below is a list of minor diet tweaks that you can start with today. Doing so could bring major positive changes in your health and wellness, and help make the transition from a high-fat diet to a healthy, clean and health-boosting one.

Spice your palate.

Cooking healthy foods is never boring when you’re using herbs and spices. There are so many of them, from hot and spicy ones like cayenne and paprika to flavourful ones like cumin and turmeric, and fragrant ones like rosemary and thyme. The more you use them, the more you will appreciate health food. What’s more, these herbs and spices - dry or fresh- are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can boost your health by fighting inflammation and boosting your immunity. Some of them, particularly turmeric, has been shown to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and cancer.

Have more legumes.

If you’re trying to lose weight, legumes are a good addition to your diet. A small serving of cooked legumes is really filling because it has high levels of fibre and protein that aids digestion and improves metabolism. They are naturally low in fat and no cholesterol. Navy beans, pinto beans, and soybeans are inexpensive legumes that are flavourful and versatile. Add them to stir-fries, soups and pasta sauces and you will surely have a health-boosting food that’s a winner!

Consider smoothies.

Who says you can’t enjoy a glass of cold, refreshing beverage when you are dieting? By making your own smoothie, you will appreciate natural flavours and sweetness and would totally forget about fizzy drinks that do nothing but wreck your health. Start with fruits and veggies you are most familiar with, like banana, apples and pineapples, broccoli and cucumber. Then explore other super foods as well.

Sip tea.

Coffeeholic? Replace one or two cups with tea. Matcha, green, white or black tea - they all taste good and really invigorating. What’s more, tea is loaded with tons of antioxidants and natural compounds that boost weight loss and immunity, and reduce your risk of developing diseases, particularly heart disease and cancer.

Slowly but surely - it’s the best strategy to do if you’re after healthy eating. Don’t think that a healthy diet isn’t sustainable or achievable. Because it is. As you get used to making good food choices, it will become part of your life. And you will forever be thankful.