7 ways to improve your diet

You've probably heard that you should eat healthily before. You should have a lot of this and a little of that. Everywhere you turn, there seem to be new rules about what it means to eat well. Having a healthy and varied diet is important for your well-being. But does it really mean you have to live on spinach and carrots, and that pizza is a thing of the past?

Not black and white

A healthy and balanced diet means just that – balanced. Forbidding yourself from eating certain foods, or restricting how much you eat, can be harmful. A healthy diet doesn't mean you have to live on kale and chicken. It's about giving your body what it needs to feel good. This means replenishing it with carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Having a pizza now and then doesn't really matter. The main thing is that you're also fuelling your body with other good things.

Small changes make a big difference

If you want to eat a more balanced diet but don't know where to start, there's no need to worry. There are several small steps you can take in your daily life to improve your diet, without having to spend hours in the kitchen or double your food budget.

7 steps to a better diet

1. Eat more fruit and vegetables. Have an apple with your lunch or a banana before your workout. If you're not a huge fan of vegetables, our best tip is to mix them into your food so you don't even notice them.

2. Half wholegrain. Eating only wholegrain rice and pasta isn't much fun. Sometimes, you just want a really big bowl of non-wholegrain pasta. Swap half of your carbohydrates for a wholegrain variety, and you'll be well on your way to better habits.

3. Cut down on ready-made meals. We know, sometimes it's wonderful to avoid cooking or even thinking about dinner. Cutting down on ready-made meals doesn't mean you have to stop completely. But instead of buying a pre-made pie, buy ready-made pastry and make your own filling!

4. Reduce sugary drinks. A cola now and then is never wrong, but it's not great for your body. Instead, try experimenting with flavoured water or another refreshing alternative, and swap every other sugary drink for something kinder to your body.

5. Eat more protein. Protein sources like fish, poultry, and legumes contain less saturated fat than red meat. Replace beef mince with chicken mince and try to include fish in your weekly menu now and then.

6. Reduce saturated fats. Saturated fats, found in things like dairy products and red meat, are enjoyable, but not so kind to your body if you have too much.

7. Drink enough water. By drinking enough water, you keep your body hydrated, and you also reduce the risk of overeating or not feeling full.