One Snarky Chica with Issues

Looking for ways to eat healthier or to jump start a diet? If so, check out these tips from Eat Better America.

1. Identify your eating triggers. Are you a mood eater, a stress eater, or a habit snacker? Figure it out and focus on the fixes.
2. A cup of broth soup with veggies before meals can help you fill up with few calories.
3. For snacks, try a small handful of almonds or dry roasted soy nuts for a snack packed with nutrients.
4. Healthy snacking is key. Spread a brown rice cake with reduced fat ricotta cheese and top with fresh strawberries.
5. Go for fiber. By eating more fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and grains, you may cut calories for the same-size portion.
6. Win with water. Choose foods naturally high in water like fruits and veggies.
7. Feel full with fewer calories. Amp up on fruits and veggies to bulk up your daily diet.
8. Do over your dip. Use non-fat plain yogurt with dill and green onion for a tasty low-fat veggie dip.
9. Serve cut-up veggies and whole-wheat pita triangles with hummus for a tasty fiber-rich snack or appetizer.
10. Choose a flavored no-calorie drink like mineral water with a twist of lime or orange instead of juice or soda.
11. Snack wisely. For 100 calories, eat 2 cups of grapes or ¼ cup of raisins
12. Punch up the produce. Add apples, pears, grapes, or peaches to chicken salad. Add carrots, peppers, or celery to tuna salad.
13. Start right. Add ¼ cup high-fiber cereal and ½ cup berries to low-fat yogurt and make it a fiber-full breakfast.
14. Change your proportions. Serve a salad, veggies, and fruit at dinner to ensure everyone is getting enough.
15. Try reduced fat microwave popcorn for a whole grain snack.
16. Puree 1 cup of garbanzo beans and stir them into meat loaf.
17. Use soy crumbles with black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans for a delicious chili sans meat.
18. Make a risotto with whole grain barley to get some heart-healthy soluble fiber. Stir in cooked mushrooms, celery, or onion.
19. Top your bowl with dried cranberries, apricots, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a healthy start to your day.
20. Be sure to have a colorful plate. Always try to eat veggies of every color to get the most vitamins and nutrients.