When you think of healthy eating, you most likely think of celebrities, fitness trainers, magazine covers and numerous commercials featuring toned and slim models. But you should know that healthy and balanced diet is not reserved for professional athletes and celebrities only. It should be a part of everyone’s to-do list. Of course, you do not need a nutritionist to spell it out for you how important food rich in minerals and nutrients is for your physical and mental performance. And even though you are very much aware of this, it seems as if there’s always something ‘stopping’ you from choosing a healthy meal over a tempting junk food.

But eating healthy should not be an obligation and is easy to follow. Now, you may say that you most likely have better chances of winning a 100 meter sprint than you do of following a healthy diet. If so, keep in mind that healthy eating is more a marathon than it is a sprint. It is your life. And if you want to feel good, have energy, look amazing and take off years of your actual age, then follow our tips on ways to eat healthy. You will never feel hungry and will notice results almost instantly.

Make 5 Your Lucky Number – Make it a habit of eating five times a day – breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks. This way you will not only eat less and feel full, but also helps your body process and digest food easier.

Never Skip Breakfast – Skipping breakfast is a huge mistake. Even if you don’t feel hungry in the morning, have something light, such as a glass of milk and banana or bowl of cereal. Research shows that breakfast speeds up the metabolism and helps avoid overeating at lunch. Also, people who consume breakfast are slimmer than the ones that choose to skip this important meal of the day.

Enjoy Every Bite – Instead of hoovering food in 5 minutes, make each meal a 30 minute pleasure task. Your stomach needs time to notify brain receptors when you’re full. Twenty minutes, to be precise. Therefore, eat slowly, sip water between bites and chew food thoroughly.

Say ‘Hello’ To Fruit And Vegetables – Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. They are not only loaded with minerals and nutrients, but also have high percentage of fiber which will keep you full and help you loose weight.

Eat Fat – Now, who said fat is bad for you. Contrary to popular belief, fat is good for your body as it allows it to function properly. Good fat, that is. Steer away from butter and saturated fat and go for healthy fat such as olive or canola oil.

Snack On Gourmet Healthy Snacks – Snacks are very good for you. They will help you stay full in between meals. But, it’s important to snack wisely. Thus, instead of grabbing a doughnut, bag of chips or microwaved popcorn, have a couple of healthy cookies or biscuits, a handful of olives or nuts, or a slice of toasted whole-grain bread with a good preservative or honey.

Love The Water – Drink plenty of water. This miracle drink is not only calorie-free, but also helps flush toxins out of your body, keeps body and skin hydrated and helps avoid false hunger alarms. Try to drink 8 glasses of water daily and avoid soft drinks like juices and sodas.

Cheat Sometimes – Of course it’s hard to stay away from those delicious desserts, but try to have these tempting food when not home. So, if you’re having a dinner in your favorite restaurant or are at a party or other celebration, satisfy your sweet tooth with a piece of cake.