You eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full
This simple behavior is a hallmark of healthy eating.It sounds really silly, but it's amazing how many of us don't do that, Dr. Cindy Geyer, medical director at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, told INSIDER. "We forget to eat so we're starving and then we eat a ton, or we're eating mindlessly in front of the TV, or we're eating in an emotional context because it's how we're self-soothing."
You're eating a varied diet rich in whole foods
A lot of diets exclude certain foods, but when I look at clients'eating patterns I look for a wide array of foods, Hartley said.A diverse diet ensures that you're more likely to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need, she explained. This is even more true if that diet that's rich in whole, unprocessed foods, which tend to be more nutrient-dense than processed stuff.
You're eating enough
In our culture, sometimes people think of healthy eating as, 'how can you eat as few calories as possible and survive?' Hartley said. "But in reality, I want to make sure people are eating enough." Everyone has different calorie needs that vary based on age, sex, and activity level. You can estimate yours with a simple online calculator.Remember, calories aren't your enemy or some evil force to be reduced at all costs. They're an energy source that helps you live your life and do what you love. And if you're not eating enough of them, you could end up feeling moody, weak, achy, and more.
You can make it up two flights of stairs and feel pretty good
If you want to become a ripped bodybuilder or ultra marathon runner, more power to you. But it's OK if you don't aspire to those goals. You don't have to be an extreme athlete to be healthy.The recommended amount of exercise for good health is 150 weekly minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking.