A fitness influencer has shared a number of meal ideas in a bid to make healthy eating “easy” for those aiming to slim down.
With the new year often serving as a catalyst for resolutions and lifestyle changes, many look to shift away from the indulgent food and snacks of the festive period in favour of fresher, healthier options.
While it’s commendable to set goals and work towards them, experts advise against making any sudden, drastic changes. A balanced approach is key, and finding out what specifically works best can help people stick to their new routines for definite results.
The NHS states all diets should be healthy and balanced to maintain optimal wellbeing and physical health. Fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike frequently look to social media platforms like Instagram for motivation and advice, where they can find shared experiences and tips from others.
Sophie van Oostenbrugge, an Instagram fitness influencer with a following of 2.5 million, has garnered a dedicated fanbase through her posts showcasing her workout routines and dietary habits. In a recent post, Sophie shared several images of meal suggestions with the caption, “and suddenly… eating healthy became easy”.
Her post featured a variety of dishes incorporating ingredients such as avocado, eggs, rice, potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, tuna steak, chicken, quinoa, mango, and more, presented in an array of combinations.
The comments section quickly filled with people sharing their opinions on her ideas, with one user raving: “Simple and yummy. Thank you!” while another person agreed: “Looks healthy and so damn delicious”.
A third fan said: “Absolutely love all of these”, and someone else chimed in: “Perfect timing. Thanks for sharing!” However, not everyone was on board with the recipe, with some expressing dislike for the combination of ingredients on show while others said they couldn’t afford the variety of ingredients Sophie shared.
The NHS Eatwell Guide advises “eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight”. The health authority recommends eating at least five portions of “a variety of fruit and vegetables every day” as well as basing meals on “higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta”.
Dairy, or dairy alternatives like soya milk and oat milk, and protein-rich foods are also listed as important additions to the diet, as well as consuming six to eight glasses of fluids per day. It suggests limiting intake of saturated oils and spreads as well as high-fat, salt and sugar-laden foods and drinks.
Regardless of your health and fitness aspirations, maintaining balance is crucial. The NHS recommends individuals with specific dietary requirements or a medical condition should consult their GP or a registered dietitian.