Food is the zest of life, and there are many flavors that encapsulate different parts of life. Whether it is on-the-go fast food, traveling abroad and dining at a cafe, or even the local diner two blocks down the street, diversity is the key to eating. The only two pleasures in life are sex and food, and whether you are a foodie or a connoisseur of the finer things in life, going out of your comfort zone can be fun. Here is a fun, and informative guide on how to conquer your 20s by eating healthier and more enjoyable.
1. Eating foods with a lot more color
- Fruits and vegetables are probably the healthiest option on the Food Pyramid. This doesn't mean you should immediately become a vegan. Do not drastically change your lifestyle due to a pop culture trend or what the professionals say, every human body is different. The more colorful your diet is, the more vitamins and nutrients you are getting. These options include apples, oranges, bananas, pears, blueberries and grapes. Eating a rainbows worth of foods not only means a healthier option, but having a lot more fun while doing it!
2. Go outside your comfort zone
- This is one of the hardest things to do, and going outside of your comfort zone in terms of eating is sort of tricky. Take it from me, I used to eat the same sack lunch during elementary, middle and high school (standard PB&J sandwich, with an apple, pretzels and a chocolate milk). If you are curious to eat a salad at your local cafeteria, or if you see that whole-grain option at the store, or even ordering pasta instead of the usual cheeseburger at your favorite diner, take that huge leap forward is a step in the right direction.
3. Organic vs. Name Brand
- One of the biggest pop culture trend questions of this century, seeing which is better for you is quite tricky. Organic, while healthier and mostly locally grown, is usually more expensive at the local super market. Name brand, cheaper and stuff that we have grown up with, tends to be processed with added ingredients that aren't usually good for our bodies. All I can say, is read the label on the back. I'm a big boy that reads a label, and if there is something that you don't like, keep on searching for something that fits your palette.
4. Avoid white food most of the tim
- Potatoes, pasta, bread, there are all common and popular foods. However, the extra carbohydrates and starch adds up, and can pack on the pounds. Although starch is typically a good source of energy when exercising, the sedentary lifestyle can make starch your arch nemesis. Take it from me, I LOVE mashed potatoes (favorite dish at Thanksgiving, don't judge), but it is my Kryptonite. Switch to whole-grain or whole wheat options. Different taste, but bigger benefit in the long run.
5. TRAVEL!
- If money was no option, I would travel for the rest of my life, and that is a major thing I want to do during my young adult life. From Canada to France, Brazil to China, Germany to Australia, trying different foods that are of a different culture is amazing, fun and can keep you informed about different cultures. If you want a more in-depth guide, read Eat, Pray, Love.
6. Cut the crap out of your diet
- This is a major biggie. Avoiding all the sweets, greasy or fried foods we all love, temptation is hard to overcome. As a consumer culture and nation known for fast food, it is hard to avoid the late-night run to McDonald's, or order a pizza on a Friday night. Trust me, it will help you in the long run, not only avoiding the extra pounds, but as well as avoiding health complications like obesity and diabetes. Once in a while as a treat, but sparingly at all costs.
7. Eat to live, not live to eat
- Portion control is probably the hugest thing you can do in order to have a balanced diet. Eating less means avoiding going for seconds or the late night snack at midnight. Smaller options when you are eating out or pre-planning your meals ahead of time are the simple solutions. Remember, eat to sustain yourself, not eat to become full.
8. "Do I need it, or do I want it?"
- While you're at the grocery store, and if you need to restock the pantry, you see that you need milk, bread, eggs and fruits. Uh-oh, you see a bag of delicious, powdered donuts. Only two dollars, what a steal! Next thing you notice is the candy isle, your favorite brand of potato chips, and half price on soda. Literally, say this to yourself when in this situation: "Do I need it, or do I want it?"
9. Mental Preparation
- Prepping your brain to eat healthier and choosing better options is tough, like really tough. But, remember, if you want to eat healthier, do it for yourself, not for others. And do not make drastic goals for yourself, like wanting to lose 50 pounds or becoming a vegan for life. An apple a day, walking instead of taking the bus, drinking water all day, and boom, you'll feel better about yourself and lose a few pounds in no time.
10. Exercise
- Same thing with mental preparation: do not push yourself into total submission. Only do what you can do to stay active and healthy. Exercise can totally help with a balanced diet. If your daily routine entails just a brisk 30 minute walk, 10 pushups, 20 minutes on the stair climber, or 2 laps around the pool, then that is what you can only do. Listen to your body, because just like mother, it knows best.
11. HAVE FUN!
- This is probably the most important. Seriously, have fun with eating healthier. You are crafting a new lifestyle for you, and don't totally starve yourself or drastically change your eating habits. You are doing it for you, and you only. If you choose to get a salad instead of a burger, and decide to take the elevator instead of the stairs, then good for you. Feeling better about yourself and having a joyful attitude is the best thing about eating better.
