Are you ready to put down the junk food and pick up healthy eating habits this summer? CREB^®’s Critical Illness Benefit Society (CIBS) believes there’s no time like the present to make nutrition number one.

With the right attitude and the right information, anyone can make a positive change around health and wellness.    

Check out these easy to implement, dietitian-approved eating tips from Alberta Health Services below: 

Boost your breakfast

A nutrient-packed breakfast will help you get through the morning. To increase the fibre and protein in your diet, choose:

• Whole grain cereals, breads and tortillas;
• Cereals and breads that have two grams or more of fibre per serving; and
• Items such as yogurt, cheese, meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, cooked beans or lentils.

Make lunch a habit

A healthy lunch provides the much needed fuel and nutrients to help you focus during your busy work day. To make time-saving lunches:  

• Pack your supper leftovers for ready-to-go lunches;
• Wash and cut vegetables and fruit the night before and put them into small plastic containers or bags; and  
• Change it up! Make sandwiches, wraps and pitas for a quick and healthy lunch. 

Dish up a healthy dinner 

When deciding what to have for dinner, use Health Canada’s Eat Well Plate as a guide. The Eat Well Plate recommends you: 

• Fill half of your plate with vegetables and fruit;
• Include different whole grains such as whole grain rice, barley, couscous, quinoa at each meal; and
• Choose lean meats or meat alternatives. 

Love your meal 

How you eat can be just as important as what you eat. Focus on your meal and the people you are eating with. To enjoy your meals:

• Slow down to make time for meals. No matter how busy life gets, make meals a priority; 
• Turn off all devices. Make your meal time a screen-free zone with no television, phones, computers or tablets at the table; and
• Eat together. Not only to share your food, but also to connect with each other and nurture those important meal-time relationships. 

For more information on CIBS, click here.