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3 Simple Ways to Make Healthier Changes in Your Diet, According to Dr. Taz Bhatia

It's never too late to switch up your diet and make small changes that will have a great impact. Dr. Taz Bhatia exclusively shared her biggest health tips with E! News. Keep reading below.

By Alyssa Morin Feb 14, 2023 8:47 PMTags
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Here's some food for thought: You don't need to make drastic lifestyle changes to be a healthier version of yourself.

But don't just take our word for it—we called in expert Dr. Taz Bhatia, a board-certified integrative medicine physician and wellness specialist, who shared three easy ways to create a healthier diet. And as she puts it, instead of making "heroic changes," the key is to keep it simple

"Look at your plate and try to get the majority of the plate filled with plant-based foods, eating specifically fruits and vegetables," Dr. Bhatia exclusively told E! News. "The second is lowering your consumption of sugar and high salt foods—both will impact insulin, blood sugar levels, your cravings and your appetite."

While her last tip is no tall order to fill, she admitted it's hard for people, including herself, to follow.

"Drink more water," Dr. Bhatia suggested. "I don't think we drink enough water, and I'm guilty of that myself. And a lot of times, we'll mistake thirst for hunger or we medicate fatigue with more caffeine instead of drinking water."

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The Super Woman Rx author recommends drinking at least 54 ounces—a.k.a. eight glasses—of water a day. For those who regularly exercise, she said, "They probably need closer to 100 ounces." (About 13 glasses.)

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But if you're already feeling intimidated to incorporate healthier foods into your diet, Dr. Bhatia said to think of it as a fun addition to your meals.

"The easiest place to start is by including more fruits and vegetables, and finding ways to be creative with them," she shared. "Find ways to make them palatable for you—whether you're cutting them up and dipping them in different sauces, you're sautéing them or you're stir-frying them."

She explained that you'll gradually begin to notice that "you don't want the packaged goods, you don't crave the sugar because a lot of your nutrient needs are being fulfilled."

According to Dr. Bhatia—who offers support on her Super Woman Circle Community—noted that planning your meals ahead of time will also help you stay on track.

"When we don't do it, we get into more trouble," she pointed out. "For example, I'll plan at least three days of meals at a time, so I know what we're all going to be eating."

Dr. Taz Bhatia

And if you aren't seeing results right away, be gentle with yourself, as Dr. Bhatia reminded us that everyone's health and wellness journey is different.

"Treat yourself like your own child and over-nurture yourself," she suggested for anyone finding themselves in a negative headspace. "That's when you do an extra massage or you call up your best friend or you take a quick trip somewhere that resets your energy."

She added, "Being aware that you're slipping into that space and being very conscious of pulling yourself out of it—just like you would pull somebody drowning in a pool—do the same for yourself."