insideKENT Magazine Issue 34 - January 2015 | Page 72

HEALTH+WELLNESS

it’s not a diet;
it’s a healthy eating plan!
I don’t know about you but when I hear the words ‘New Year, New You’ and
‘diet’ or ‘detox’, I roll my eyes and think of food deprivation, banned treats and
weekly weigh-ins. It doesn’t sound like much fun does it? BY JULIE CLARK

However, the start of a New Year is the ideal time to address your nutrition
and lifestyle; after all, if you don’t do it now, when will you do it? Another
year will fly past, and chances are you could be in the same boat next year.

Healthy Eating Plan – The basics
1. Eat foods with as little intervention as possible – i.e. more homecooked
foods and less processed
2. Limit caffeine intake and drink more water
3. Swap white carbs for wholegrain and brown carbs
4. Replace sugary treats with healthier versions
5. Opt for better versions of your favourite foods
6. Reduce salt and use herbs and spices
7. Cut out artificial sweeteners and fizzy drinks
8. Go easy on the alcohol

So how would it benefit you if you changed your lifestyle and food
intake now?
• You can run around and play with your kids more
• Get your confidence back
• Reduce your medications
• Have more energy
• Feel mentally stronger
• Inspire others to change
• Set a good example to your children
• Drop a few dress sizes
• Ditch the scales

How to swap
For many people, food at mealtimes can become a bit ritualistic, and they
often find themselves opting for the same meal choices day in and day out.
Here are my suggestions for swapping everyday not-so-healthy meals for
healthier versions, without compromising on taste.

Changing to a healthy eating plan means that no food is off limits or banned,
but you will be improving the nutritional content of the foods you consume
80 per cent of the time. Here’s how:

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