Dieting is out, healthy eating is in

The Atkins diet, The 17 Day diet, the Zone diet and The Cookie diet (yes, that one really exists) are just a few of the numerous diets I’ve encountered in my life. Sometimes these diets seem to work for a while, but more often than not, their success is short-lived. I think it’s time to skip all the fad diets and it’s time to start nourishing our bodies with healthy foods.

The main problem with a lot of diets is that they don’t work on a long term. Because they aren’t realistic, are too restrictive, complicated or expensive to maintain, people often can’t stick with a diet for a long period of time. But if you start changing your lifestyle with small steps, you have way more chance to succeed and to reach your goals. Start with drinking more water, eating more veggies or going to the gym more often for example.

Healthy eating, how does that work?

Go for whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients and naturally lower in fat, salt and sugar. Foods like grains, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and they help you to feel full. And who said eating healthy is expensive? If you buy foods that are in season, save leftovers and leave unhealthy products on the shelves in the supermarket you can also save a lot of money.

You’ve got to nourish your body with nutrient-rich fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lean protein, so there will be less room for empty-calorie foods. And of course it’s OK to enjoy a small serving of those foods once in a while. In my opinion it’s easy: if you want to lose weight permanently and/or become healthier, you have to choose a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise. You have to work for it, there is no magic pill or diet that will do it for you. You’ve got to do it. You got this.

Dieting is out, healthy eating is in

After all that writing about food I got a little hungry, I think it’s time for a healthy and delicious recipe don’t you think? Try these Roasted chickpeas with quinoa and veggies with a delicious lemon garlic dressing. 

Ingredients

• 250g chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 50g quinoa (uncooked)
• 50g cherry tomatoes (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
• 100g spinach (washed)
• Pumpkin, sunflower and hemp seeds (optional

For the dressing:

• 1 lemon (peeled)
• 2 garlic cloves (mashed)
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Heat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and add the olive oil and cayenne pepper. Mix well and spread the chickpeas on a with parchment paper covered baking sheet. Bake until crisp, about 30-40 minutes. Cook the quinoa for 10-15 minutes. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl and add the quinoa and chickpeas (the roasted chickpeas are also great as a snack!)

Dressing:

Place the lemon, garlic cloves, paprika powder, ground cumin and salt in a hand mixer and mix for 10 seconds, add the olive oil and mix for 20 seconds. Pour in a small bowl and add to the salad.

Enjoy!