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You are here: Home / food / Four Small Diet Tweaks to get Healthier for 2014

Four Small Diet Tweaks to get Healthier for 2014

January 7, 2014 By Shannah Coe 21 Comments

Getting healthier is usually at the top of everyone’s list for a new year.  It is definitely high on mine for 2014.  As I mentioned in my word of the year post, I am not one who is able to do something major like Whole 30 or anything like that drastic.   So, instead, I am focusing on four small diet tweaks that I can make for 2014 to help me accomplish my goal of getting healthier.
Four Easy Diet Tweaks

It’s that time of year when the latest, and greatest in diet trends are unleashed. Each one promises un-paralleled results and yet few actually produce the promised results. In the beginning you shed a few pounds but they find their way back in no time. Instead of buying into the latest diet fad, consider making a few simple changes to help you meet your weight loss goals.

1.  Make water your beverage of choice. The market is saturated with beverages that claim zero sugar, zero calories but they are often loaded with unhealthy chemicals and hidden calories. Make the switch to water and you will begin to notice almost immediate changes in how you feel.

– Don’t like the taste of plain water? Add some great fresh flavors to change the flavor without adding calories or chemicals

– If you drink a lot of sugared drinks, you may need to wean yourself off of them. Cut back a little more each day until you’re only drinking water.

– Drinking water helps you feel full. Many times we confuse being hungry with being thirsty. By staying well hydrated you will be better able to judge just how hungry you really are.

2.  Cut down your portion size. Reducing the amount of food you eat doesn’t mean you’ll be left feeling hungry.
reduced portions

– A plan that may work well for you is to eat five times a day – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks in between. Having small portions throughout the day, so your total daily consumption still falls within your recommended caloric intake means you’ll feel satisfied without overeating.

– Instead of filling up on a large potato, or hearty side dish, choose a large salad or extra helping of vegetables. You’ll feel full while consuming fewer calories. Just watch out for salad dressings and other high calories toppings.

 3.  Switch snacks. Are you making the best choices when choosing snacks? Having a favorite comfort food from time to time is ok, but switching every day snacks to healthier options can help you see more weight loss.
2535_apple_sandwiches– Snacks like fruit, sugar-free Jello-O, low calorie frozen fruit bars, and yogurt are a few good options.

 – If you like salty or crunchy foods, fruit sticks, hummus, roasted chickpeas, or nuts are a few snack swaps to consider.

4.  Skip Side Dishes. Often times the highest calorie items on a plate are the side dishes. Foods like potato salad and mac and cheese can contain more calories than the main dish. Eat only a few bites of these, or omit them altogether.

By adapting these diet changes, I don’t think I will feel like I am depriving yourself of eating the foods I enjoy. But, I am hoping I will begin to see changes on my weight loss journey.
Instead of hopping from one fad diet to the next, in hopes of finding the magic bullet, try making a few of these changes. Not only will you look better, you’ll begin to feel better too!

This post is shared at the list of fabulous parties found here.

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Filed Under: food, Non-House Stuff Tagged With: balance, being healthier, diet tweaks, live healthier, lose weight, weight loss challenge, weight loss journey

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Comments

  1. Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says

    January 10, 2014 at 11:47 am

    Good for you! Way to make the changes that will make you healthier this year.
    Jessica @FoundtheMarbles recently posted…Thoughtful Thursday: Be a Champion for Kids!My Profile

    Reply
  2. Heather Lawrence says

    January 10, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    I need to print off that “Keep calm and control your portions”.
    Somedays I get it right and others I go a little over board.
    Oops! Love all of your tips!
    Heather Lawrence recently posted…Some friendly advice…My Profile

    Reply
  3. Debbie Denny says

    January 10, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Good ideas. Flavored water is what my daughter does!
    Debbie Denny recently posted…DreamWorks Pictures’ Need for Speed Coming March 14th! #NeedForSpeedMy Profile

    Reply
  4. brett says

    January 10, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    we don’t use our dinner plates anymore. mind over matter, right?
    brett recently posted…First Aid Kit Necessities (with savings) #Moms4JNJConsumerMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Debra says

    January 10, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    I so need to cut soda out of my diet. I’ve been swapping it lately for fresh brewed iced tea – and limiting myself to one soda drink a day….
    Debra recently posted…Achoo! Seven Tips To Battle the Common ColdMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Francine @ Teresa's Family Cleaning says

    January 10, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    These are all great tips. I really have to get my act together and work on my health!

    Reply
  7. Virginia @thatbaldchick says

    January 10, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Increasing my water intake is certainly one of my goals. I hate the taste of water.
    Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…Zoobean Review + Giveaway (1/26)My Profile

    Reply
  8. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    January 10, 2014 at 4:02 pm

    I am so trying portion it’s so hard when you have over done it for so many years! Working on it this year!
    Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Winter Theme Play Table (Learn & Link With Linky)My Profile

    Reply
  9. gloria kersh says

    January 10, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Great ideas — we already do smaller plates and I do think that helps.
    Thanks and happy 2014.
    gloria kersh recently posted…Chorizo & Sweet Potato EnchiladasMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Jennifer B says

    January 10, 2014 at 5:34 pm

    I love these tips because honestly, anyone can start doing these very small things and they will see big changes!
    Jennifer B recently posted…Beautiful Wall Hangings from All Tapestry ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Tina Ashburn says

    January 10, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    I haven’t had a soda in so long I can’t even remember. Your hints are great, and easy, too. Good luck to all of us who are working on our selves, this year.

    Reply
  12. Angela says

    January 10, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    I am glad you said small tweaks. I am usually only successful with small changes.
    Angela recently posted…NAYAD, Design Your Own Fitness ApparelMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Pam says

    January 10, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    These are great tips! One way I plan to eat healthier this year is by swapping out some of my Diet Mountain Dew for water. I can’t give it up completely though.
    Pam recently posted…Chocolate Peanut Butter Freeze #glutenfree #lowfatMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Cynthia L. says

    January 10, 2014 at 9:12 pm

    Great tips to remember. I never really thought about the skipping the sides. I will have to try that and see how it works out.
    Cynthia L. recently posted…Menu Planning Made Simple Part 2 – How to Plan A MenuMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    January 10, 2014 at 10:38 pm

    One of the biggest things that works for me is to use those small plates. If it fills the tiny plate, I always feel more satisfied than if it’s dots on a giant plate!
    Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted…Quick Snack Ideas to Pump Up an Afternoon Slump #greatstartsMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Amanda Love says

    January 10, 2014 at 11:43 pm

    I definitely need to skip the side dishes. I also need to learn how to portion. I always want a big bowl of everything. 🙂
    Amanda Love recently posted…The Snug Bug Diaper Changing Mat #Review #GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Elizabeth Ferree says

    January 11, 2014 at 9:47 am

    Yes, I agree little steps at a time make it last. I love adding cucumber to cold water. I can’t typically drink room temperature water. My doctor has always told me to eat 5 meals a day but never could figure out how as I’m not normally hungry for a snack.
    Elizabeth Ferree recently posted…What My Son is Learning about SavingsMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Stefani says

    January 11, 2014 at 9:56 am

    These are some great tips. I am glad I love water because I drink it all day. They do have those water flavors like the Mio that have no calories that come in handy.
    Stefani recently posted…Why I Think The Dollar Tree Is HandyMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Elizabeth @ Food Ramblings says

    January 11, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    control of my portions is key for me!
    Elizabeth @ Food Ramblings recently posted…Pecan Bars {The Leftovers Club}My Profile

    Reply
  20. Danielle @ We Have It All says

    January 11, 2014 at 9:18 pm

    I LOVE this post, these are all great ideas! LOVE that apple snack idea, I’m going to try that! I’m in the process right now of giving up pop and drinking more water. It’s not easy, but I’m getting there.
    Danielle @ We Have It All recently posted…Disney On Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate! Coming to Chicago in January | Save 20-40% HERE!My Profile

    Reply
  21. Pamela @ Still Dating My Spouse says

    January 11, 2014 at 11:24 pm

    We have changed the size of our plates that we use at home. It helps because we don’t even miss the food that can’t fit on the plate LOL
    Pamela @ Still Dating My Spouse recently posted…Parents Guide to Dating with ChildrenMy Profile

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Shannah! Welcome to My Suburban Kitchen, where you'll find tons of recipe ideas including family friendly dinners, sinfully delicious desserts and even Paleo and Whole30 recipes. I love spending time in our kitchen and also share little glimpses of my life as a wife to one awesome Mathlete and working mom to 2 cute kids! I hope you'll grab a seat at our table and enjoy your time in the kitchen with us.

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