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12th Jun 2017

13 Easy Ways To Eat Healthier With Absolutely Zero Effort

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In today’s day and age, it’s nearly impossible to stay on a consistent, healthy eating schedule.

We go on absurd diets, cleanses, and detoxes that usually fail – because they’re excessive, and we’re human. 

Eating well should be no more expensive or difficult than eating loads of shite that’s toxic to our bodies. So here are some easy tricks that’ll get you straight on the healthy eating train… 

1. Eat before you shop

Everyone knows not to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach, because at that point you’ve lost all inhibitions to buy healthy foods. Or maintain a budget for that matter. 

Have a snack before you go – fruit works best, as it’s said to prompt your desire to buy fresh produce. Or something.

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2. Always have a snack on hand

On a hunger scale of 1-10, with one being STARVING and 10 being just-ate-two-pizzas, you’re always supposed to be right about at a 7. So eating bits throughout the day is actually the best way to maintain this number.

Eat less, more often, basically. Some stellar snack options are nuts, apples and peanut butter, hummus and veg, or healthy granola bars.

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3. Incorporate healthy fats into everything

Fats are you friend – the right ones, that is.

We’re talking avocado, olive oil (uncooked), salmon, nuts, tuna, olives, peanut butter… all highly delicious and highly nutritious.

A low-fat diet is NOT key to maintaining your figure, but choosing the right fat is.

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4. Put healthy foods on display 

This one’s simple. When the fridge or pantry door opens, make sure the healthiest items are up front. This way your mind is immediately triggered to reach for those, not whatever is lingering behind it.

Hide that leftover chocolate cake in the back corner, and maybe – just maybe – the voluptuous grapes in the front will catch your eye first. 

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5. Make grocery list ahead of time

This way you steer clear of making last-minute, unnecessary purchases that your appetite thought you needed. Make the list, even if it’s just a few items on your phone’s Notes, and stick to it. 

You’ll save time, money, and likely empty calories. 

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6. Have dark chocolate on hand

Not kidding on this one. Dark chocolate is one of the healthiest ‘sweets’ you could eat, as it’s loaded with both antioxidants and minerals, and relatively low on sugar.

Whenever your sweet tooth comes creepin’ in, a square or two is there to save the day. This prevents you from splurging on an entire candy bar or slice of calorific cake, as well.

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7. Cook colourful meals

No one wants to eat a dull, colourless meal – no matter what it is. Take the time to prepare meals that look appetising, with extra colourful fruit and veg. 

The appeal of what’s on your plate makes such a difference, so get creative, and you’ll thank yourself later. 

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8. Amp up your porridge in the morning

Oats are one of the World’s Healthiest Foods, as they’re loaded with fibre and nutrients. What better way to start your day off than with a filling and delicious bowl?

The best part is, you can completely customise your oats. Go with a slow cooker with apples and cinnamon, throw a tablespoon of peanut butter with a banana, or add a tablespoon of greek yogurt with blueberries.

The options are endless – make it yours, and make it yummy. 

Easy.

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9. Splurge when the time is right

You’re not perfect. Throw the word ‘diet’ out of your vocabulary, and make healthy a lifestyle. If there’s a deadly homemade cookie up for grabs, enjoy it.

Moderation is key, as you’ve likely heard, and a whoppin’ burger and chips now and then isn’t going to kill you. 

Be wary of portions, and consider it a reward. 

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10. Prepare whole grains for the week

Cooked quinoa can be added to nearly anything, and it’s both fiber and protein-rich, which will surely fill you up. Labeled the ‘Supergrain Of The Future’, this is defo a staple item you should get used to.

Brown rice is a nice gluten-free alternative, and can be prepped early on for a variety of meals throughout the week. It’s also rich in proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium – so you’ll be feelin’ goooood. 

Both take a while to make though – so cook ’em up in advance, and you’ll never have long to wait.

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13. Stop counting calories 

Few calories does not always equal good health. Not only is it monotonous to count calories, but it’s also ineffective.

Focus on a variety of colours, fresh ingredients and nutrients when strolling through the grocery aisle – NOT wasting time on each and every nutrition label. 

It’s a dangerous habit, and it actually ruins the absolute joy of eating. 

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We Sat Down For An AMA This Week With Irish Lifestyle And Fitness Legend, Rob Lipsett…

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