10 tips to make balanced eating easy
Portion Control is a great way to start eating balanced nutritious meals while also hitting your fitness goals. Here are a few tips to help you get started!
Use the tip of your fingers - quite literally - when on the go
Yes, Portion Control can be very much on the tip of your fingers - especially when you're on the go. Use the following as rough estimates:
One cupped hand = 1/2 cup
Palm = 3-4 ounces
Fist = 1 cup
Fingertip =1 teaspoon
Thumb = 1 tablespoon
Keep track of the food you are eating
Track everything you eat on paper, or on the AimFit app so you can always have it handy. Tracking your portions will keep you more mindful by having it visualized in front of you.
Photo by Tara Clark on Unsplash Make one trip to the grocery store and you're done - YAY!
The best thing about Portion Control is that you know what and how much to eat giving you flexibility with your meal choices. You can make it more manageable in terms of time by planning in advance for the week so you aren't rushing to the grocery store at the last minute. Ideally, you should have a day every week dedicated to a grocery trip.
Gulp down a glass of water before every meal
Want to fool your belly into thinking it is somewhat satiated? Hint: a glass of water is the secret. Have a glass of water before every meal to keep in line with your portions throughout the day and not binge eat in one go. Fact: half the time you think you're hungry, you're actually thirsty.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash Stick to your favorites
No need to stress about buying expensive food scales. Instead, use your fixed favorite tablespoon, saucer plate, teaspoon, standard 250 ml glass for estimates on portion sizes – and stick to it!
Fill up your plate with colors
An easy way to keep track and do justice to all food groups is by filling up your plate with as many colors as possible. It is also a win-win for 'that girl' Instagram feed (Oops, food bloggers' most famous secret is out!)
Ditch the container, girl.
Eating straight out of the containers is a big no-no because it defeats the purpose of being mindful with your eating habits. It’s also difficult to keep track of and hence, makes it very easy to overeat.
Eat slow, savor every bite!
Switch off that cell phone, your emails can wait. Netflix is a must for you while you eat? Maybe it is time to change that habit. Take a break, sit down and savor every bite without any distractions. This is a must with Portion Control as it helps being mindful of portions covered, and the ones remaining.
Pen down a schedule
There are several reasons you should smartly pan out your portions throughout the day to avoid hunger pangs or fatigue and what is a better way than to write it down? for example:
Have fewer carbs for breakfast and lunch if you want to avoid the afternoon slump
Eat a substantial amount of fat in meals to avoid unnecessary munching
Incorporate protein post workout to aid in muscle repair
Bonus: This way, you can arrange your coffee or weekend dinner date around the clock accordingly in advance as well.
Photo by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron on Unsplash Replace candies with fruit bowls
As the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind. Don't keep things that serve your sweet tooth in easy access, for example: no junk food on the shelves but in closed cupboards. In fact to cure your sweet tooth, stock up your shelves with fruits.
