3 Simple Changes to Better Your Diet

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Big changes start with small steps in the right direction. The little changes that you might not think are important now will start a snowball effect. The effort will build up over time and you will soon be able to take those "harder" steps.

Replace an unhealthy snack with an unprocessed snack.

The key is to change unhealthy habits by replacing them with healthier ones rather than cutting things out. If you cut what you like out, it will create a negative connotation and result into a future binge.

Don't drink your calories. 

Many people don't think about how many calories they consume when they drink. It can be juice, coffee and of course the biggest issue for most, alcohol. Hundred of calories can add up in less than half an hour. Switch to water or tea (if you need the caffeine) and you'll save yourself a lot of those extra calories.

Change your mindset.

Thinking you can't have something is not the same as thinking you don't want to ruin your progress. When you give into a craving, you're thinking about the temporary satisfaction that will ensure. When you regret it later, you're going to think about how it affected your progress in eating clean. Fortunately, that little cheat will not have a big impact on your progress. But it is best to get your cravings under control, so the next time you cheat it's because you want to and not because you lacked the control to resist.

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Eating Before Bed?

Image Credit: Sam

Sleeping and eating are both vital components in maintaining proper physical and mental health. But when the two are combined, things can go terribly right or terribly wrong. 

People gaining weight because they ate prior to sleeping is a myth. The calories consumed and not burned off is what will result in weight gain. It does not matter when they actually ate.

While eating before bed is okay to do, there are foods one should not consume. Fats, fiber and protein should be avoided at all costs. Foods that have a high content of any of the three will have a negative impact on digestion and sleeping. They break down slowly thus causing discomfort in the stomach, which can lead to trouble falling asleep. The best way to avoid poor results is to eat a meal two to three hours beforehand or carefully choosing a light, healthy snack to have soon before bed. 

Some foods to avoid before bed are foods that are either fried, spicy or considered junk food due to the high level of sugar content. Another poor choice is red meat due to the fat and protein content. The fiber in oatmeal will also cause gas and digestion to slow. 

Eating before bed isn't a bad thing as long as it is the right kind of food.

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