- 1). Write down how many servings of each food group you want to eat each day. A balanced diet consists of fruits, vegetables, oils, grains, dairy and protein, says the Family Education website. Evenly distribute the items throughout several meals. A written goal will help you manage your food choices by serving as a visual reminder.
- 2). Schedule your meals ahead of time. Each evening, decide what foods you will eat the next day. Write down your planned menu, and follow it as closely as possible. Include the type of food, portion size and calories it contains. Pre-planning your meals enables you to see exactly how much of each food group you are consuming and shows you what areas you need to make adjustments in.
- 3). Fill up on fruits and vegetables. Take advantage of snack time to eat a banana or apple. A medium-sized banana is a full serving of fruit, says the Life Clinic website, but only contains about 100 calories. Many vegetables are low in calories, which makes them a satisfactory snack option because they are both filling and non-fattening, Family Education says.
- 4). Read a cookbook or recipe website to select a variety of low-calorie meals designed to offer an assortment of flavors with minimal calories. Many meals, especially those prepared in skillets or Crock-Pots, combine several foods and offer low-calorie servings. Choose meals that are mostly protein-based, which will fill you up but are not high in calories.
- 5). Keep a food journal of each item you eat. Write down the food, serving size and caloric content each time you eat. This will help you keep constant track of how many calories you have left for the day. It can be easy to sneak a bite of a candy bar or taste foods while you bake, but those calories add up quickly and might cause your 1,200-calorie diet to become unevenly balanced. Record each item you eat, regardless of how small it is.
- 6). Eat regularly. Avoid skipping snack time or delaying your meals until you feel hungry. Instead, eat every few hours to keep your blood sugar levels balanced and your body feeling satisfied. Skipping snacks or waiting too long between meals might cause you to overeat and exceed your daily caloric limit.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up here to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time
Prev Post