You’ve probably heard that “eating right” can help you lose weight, maintain weight loss, and live a longer, healthier life. But with so much information available out eating right, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. What should you eat? What shouldn’t you ever eat? It can be a lot to absorb! These simple tips can get you started in the right direction.

Simple Ways To “Eat Right”

1. Use your hand to measure portions. Diet experts talk non-stop about practicing “portion control,” but many people have no idea what a proper portion is. As a general rule, a portion of protein is the size of your palm, a portion of carbohydrates is the size of your fist, and a portion of vegetables can be cupped in your hand. Practice only serving yourself one portion of a protein, carbohydrate and vegetable at a time.
2. Eat off of a smaller plate. Practicing portion control sounds great in theory, but it can be difficult if you feel like you’re depriving yourself. Use a smaller plate, maybe one typically reserved for salads. This will help train your brain that you’ve had enough even when you’re eating less.
3. Eat slowly. One way to overeat is to eat too quickly, which doesn’t allow your brain time to receive the signal that your stomach has had enough. Practice chewing your food thoroughly and putting down your fork between bites. See if you can make your meal last a full 30 minutes.
4. Cut out the soda. A soft drink has no nutritional value and plenty of things that are not good for you. Replace soft drinks with water, low-fat milk, or fresh fruit juices. Many people notice weight loss after making this one simple change.
5. Eat real food. The easiest way to determine if something is “good” or “bad” to eat is to consider how closely it resembles the way it’s found in nature. A whole apple that looks as if it could have been picked off a tree is going to be healthier for you than apple pie. Similarly, ask yourself what a donut looks like in nature.

These five simple tips will get you started on the path to eating healthy.