Have you made a resolution to eat better and lose weight? Follow our month-long program of daily nutrition tips, created by dietitian Leslie Beck to change your lifestyle for January - and beyond. And to get your fitness on track, try our personal trainer-designed Boot Camp 2012 program .
DAY 20: Treat yourself
You’ve almost done it – conquered The Globe and Mail’s Healthy Eating Jump-Start and mastered some healthy habits along the way. Today, it’s time to indulge yourself. Plan for a splurge you enjoy – be it cookies, cake, ice cream, French fries or, better yet, dark chocolate. (Do this along with getting your whole grains, fruit, vegetables, water, vegetarian protein foods and watching your sodium, of course).
To maintain healthy eating habits, it’s important that you don’t feel deprived. As soon as you put a food on a forbidden list, it becomes more desirable. When you’re stressed or bored you're more likely to crave what’s taboo – a feeling that can lead to bingeing.
Make this weekly treat part of your ongoing eating plan. The occasional indulgence won’t hinder your ability to eat healthfully – or lose weight for that matter.
Missed earlier days? It's easy to get caught up.
DAY 19: Go for whole grains
DAY 18: Don't eat after 8 p.m.
DAY 17: Eat an afternoon snack
DAY 16: Track your calories
DAY 15: Ban sugary drinks
DAY 14: Eat an orange vegetable
DAY 13: Add ground flaxseed to your diet
DAY 12: Eat one vegetarian meal
DAY 11: Pass on the salt
DAY 10: Plan next week’s meals in advance
DAY 9: Eat a leafy green vegetable
DAY 8: Drink a cup of green tea
DAY 7: Snack on fruit
DAY 6: Use a smaller plate
DAY 5: Eat more veggies
DAY 4: Practise eating slowly
DAY 3: Boost fibre at breakfast
