Top 10 Tips for Eating Healthy

While reconnecting with an old friend recently, we happened upon the subject of my healthier lifestyle. My friend was interested in hearing what helped me lose weight, and I rattled off a few tried-and-true methods I regularly use to keep my weight in check. Since our conversation, I've recalled other things I should have mentioned that might be more relevant. So I'm attempting here to list what are my Top 10 Tips for Eating Healthy after further consideration and mental debate.

1. Eat when you are hungry--First, you must differentiate between being hungry or otherwise unsatisfied. Once you accomplish that, I don't think you should just eat a meal because it is mealtime. Sometimes, you may have a bigger lunch and not be hungry at 5-6 p.m. In which cases getting in some exercise before dinner might be more what your body is craving. Then, you'll have a more revved up metabolism which will be helpful to burn off a balanced dinner, even if it's at 8 p.m.

2. Eat off a smaller plate--This is an everyday rule for me. At my height of 5' 2", my body does not require the same caloric needs of someone who is much taller (unless I'm burning 'mad' calories hiking or something else similarly strenuous). I've found that if I stick to a small plate, I'm more in control of the portions and calories. For example, if I'm having a sandwich for lunch, I usually only use one piece of bread folded in half, with a small portion of a vegetable-based side dish. This fits perfectly--and fills me up without weighing me down.

3. Skip the cheese--While we're talking sandwiches, I think many people are so used to putting cheese on their sandwiches that it feels weird not to, but I'm suggesting you just say "no" to the fattening, artery-clogging addition. After a while, you'll hardly miss it at all, and you can instead get a good burst of extra flavor from veggies, like arugula and tomatoes (in season, of course). If you must have cheese on pasta or pizza night, grate your own Parmesan, Asiago or Romano to control the portion.

4. Eat for balance throughout the day--I rarely eat bread or starch-laden meals back-to-back. If I choose to have a sandwich for lunch, I won't have pizza for supper. Or, if I have pasta for dinner, I won't have toast with breakfast. This forces me to think of meals with greater protein and veggie compositions.

Don'tcha

Today, as I was preparing a chicken to roast for dinner, I was listening to my iPod. I enjoy having music on while cooking and will typically dance around a bit to burn off some calories that I'll be indulging in later. My iPod is an eclectic mix, including everything from Stranglehold by Ted Nugent (a rocking song) to Don'tcha Wish Your Girlfriend was Hot Like Me, by the Pussycat Dolls. When the latter started up, I couldn't help but start singing my own lyrics, which went something like this, "Don'tcha wish your girlfriend could cook like me? Don'tcha wish your girlfriend knew how to bake like me? Don'tcha? Don'tcha?" I cracked myself up and just wanted to share.

New Food Network Show--Meat and Potatoes

Just the previews for "Meat and Potatoes" make me sick to my stomach. Are they serious with that burger the size of a grown man's head? And, how is that host going to do a full season of this show without having a heart attack, raising his cholesterol and possibly increasing his risk of cancer? I'm not a vegetarian, but I believe Michael Pollan had it right with "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Eating that much red meat is not good, and I bet the host knows this deep down inside, but agreed to do the show for the minimal fame and fortune that comes with the job. I wish him no ill will, but eating all that meat surely will make him ill.