CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – For many Americans, a new year means new year’s resolutions. Eating healthier and dieting have become common resolutions across the United States.
Kelly Homesley, a registered dietician with Novant Health, spoke to WBTV about healthy eating habits.
She said she doesn’t like to use the word “diet” when it comes to forming healthy eating routines.
“Diets are temporary. Usually, they’re really restrictive. They also can sometimes be unsafe because a lot of times you’re cutting out a major food group,” said Homesley.
She said that completely cutting carbohydrates from a diet would not be something she would suggest. She explained that consuming carbohydrates is still important for balanced eating.
“You want to shop in the perimeter of the grocery store. That’s gonna be your fresh fruits and vegetables, your meat, your eggs, your cheeses. That’s what you want the majority of your diet and the majority of your grocery cart to come from,” Homesley explained.
The dietician said protein is very important and should be eaten every few hours. She said protein should be paired with fruits and vegetables.
Homesley said it is important to limit the consumption of fats, sugars and processed foods. She noted that long term unhealthy eating can mean you are more likely to get some forms of cancer, heart disease or diabetes.
The dietician suggested a ‘three-bite rule’ for unhealthier dishes.
“That may be three bites of pie or three bites of macaroni and cheese. Those are the foods that make you feel like you’re not living on a diet long term, but they’re the foods that you don’t want to get full off of,” she elaborated.
She also suggested using a smaller plate when eating to manage portion size. Homesley also noted that people who enjoy caffeinated beverages should try to drink plenty of water too.
She said people should be wary of juicing because they could lose some of the nutrients they get from the fruits and vegetables once the juice is pulled from the items.
Homesley also said people should try to avoid abruptly changing their eating habits.
“I tell people, ‘Don’t change everything tomorrow, don’t change everything this week,’” she noted.
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