10 healthy eating habits

Rethink the way your eat: boost your health and shift pounds with our guide to easy healthy eating

Posted: 15 February 2012

Make time for breakfast: You'll kick your metabolism into high gear so it burns fat all day long.
Avoid processed foods: Meals made with fresh ingredients are more nutritious and lower in salt, sugar and fat - plus they're tastier!
Eat every 3-4 hours: This keeps blood sugar and insulin levels stable. It also prevents overeating later in the day. Double whammy!
Keep it colourful: Trying a new fruit and veg each day spices up a boring menu and adds vital nutrients.
Be prepared: Keep healthy snacks close so you can't just grab whatever's around. Bright idea: Freeze extra meals for those times you can't be bothered to cook - it's cheaper and healthier than a takeaway.
Check your portions: Be honest with yourself. A serving of lean meat is 4oz, or about the size of your palm. A serving of cheese is 1oz - the size of one dice. How do your meals measure up?
Cook light: Choose healthier oils (like olive or sunflower) and use herbs and spices for flavour instead of salt and sugar.
Skip fatty protein: Choose lean meat and fish, and try to eat two portions of oily fish a week for beneficial vitamin D and Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Your skin, nails and hair will thank you.
Brown is best: Eat three portions of wholegrains every day. Complex carbs are full of important vitamins and minerals to keep you fuller long and increase your fibre intake - all of which help contribute to healthy weight and digestion.
Drink up! Did you know that hunger is actually the first sign of thirst? And that every cell in your body requires water to function efficiently? Aim for at least 8 glasses (2 litres) of water a day.