Spring Clean Your Diet

Photos: 1) Having a visual such as what a healthy plate looks like posted on your refrigerator, along with keeping a diary and/or tracking what you eat via a Fitbit type watch or app, are effective tools to find ways to improve what you eat and whittle away calories. 2) Go to the grocery store with a list in-hand and look for healthy, individual portion-sized snacks. 3) Before hitting the cookie jar or bag of chips, drink a big glass of water. Often times, what you may think is hunger is actually more attributable to being thirsty.

The formula for weight loss sounds simple: You need to burn more calories than you take in. That usually means moving more and eating less.* But does the thought of cutting back on what you eat leave you, well … hungry?

Here’s a secret: You may not have to do anything drastic. Consider this three-step, no-diet, no-denial approach from UnitedHealthcare Florida’s chief medical officer, Dr. Mayrene Hernandez. It may help you shave calories on your way to weight-control success:

Step 1: Examine and plan

Play detective. Record what you eat and drink every day — for about a week — in a food diary. You can make your own — or use an app. Then look over your entries — and note essentials and extras. Essentials are foods that give your body energy and nutrients. These are healthy items such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean sources of protein. Extras are often sugary or fatty foods with few nutrients. You don’t have to give up these treats entirely. But ask yourself how you might cut back; sharing a dessert or French fries, switching to single serving bags are two easy ways to cut calories in half (or more).

Rethink how you eat. Do you finish your child’s leftovers? Nibble nonstop at work? Overindulge when you’re stressed? Try to identify times you eat when you’re not truly hungry. Think of ways you can switch up your behavior. Maybe that means having the kids clear the table, packing nutritious bites in small portions for work or making a cup of tea instead of grabbing a sugary soda when you feel tension rising.

Shop smart. Head to the grocery store with a list of healthy foods in hand. And don’t go in hungry. Shop after a meal or hearty snack, when goodies are less likely to tempt you.

Step 2: Trim at the table

Downsize dishes. Dish up on small plates and bowls. You’ll still feel like you’re getting plenty. But the portions will stay modest. This trick can work for beverages too.

Savor the flavor. Enjoy every bite — and eat slowly. It gives your mind time to get the message that your stomach is full.

Step 3: Be a savvy snacker

Tap into water. Drink up throughout the day. Quenching your thirst first may help take the edge off hunger. Aim for eight 8 oz, glasses per day, one upon rising, one before each meal or snack and then a couple throughout the day and you have met your goal!

Ready yourself for snack attacks. You don’t have to give up between-meal munchies. Just have healthy options on hand, such as whole fruit, fresh veggies, or plain popcorn with a little garlic powder or your favorite salt-free seasoning.

Unpack your bags. Do you sometimes eat straight from a package of crackers, nuts or chips? Even if you make a healthy choice, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve had. So serve yourself a small portion — and put the package away. Or pack up single servings in small baggies or containers that you can grab on the go.

For more free tips on healthy eating and living, visit www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness.

*For general good health, most people should aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. But to lose pounds or maintain a weight loss, you may need more. Ask your doctor what your goals should be. For safety’s sake, talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level.

Dr. Mayrene Hernandez is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Florida. She is also part of part of UnitedHealth Group’s South East Clinical Services Leadership Team, where she oversees hospital inpatient management as one of the medical directors for Orlando.