10 Healthy Habits of Nutritionists

Simple steps to better health

Nutritionists teach people how to eat healthy, and of course, they follow their own advice. But each has their own individual approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We asked some certified nutritionists we know to share their secrets to success.

Distribute more calories earlier in the day

"When you're trying to control your weight, it makes sense to eat breakfast yourself, share lunch with a friend, and give dinner to your enemy, as the old saying goes. Researchers recently hypothesized that consuming most of your calories in the evening can harm your waistline and increase fat storage. Start your day with a healthy breakfast and spread your calories throughout the day so you eat less in the evening."

- Joan Salge Blake, ED, RD, LD, FADN, author of Nutrition & You

Cook at home

"99 percent of my meals are at home. When I eat 'my food,' I know exactly what I'm eating, and I'm confident I'll feel good afterward. It's much easier for me to put together a healthy and nutritious meal at home than when I have to eat out. And home-cooked meals are more economical, which, of course, I also like."

- Sarah Haas, a board-certified and licensed consulting dietitian and nutritionist in Chicago, Illinois

Give preference to vegetables

"This means always having vegetables of all kinds (especially leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables) in the center of my plate. For example, I might eat leftovers from last night's dinner on a bed of greens, make anything (say, pizza, pasta, or burritos) with more vegetables, or start a meal with soup or salad to ensure I'm getting enough phytonutrients and fiber each day."

- Julianna Heaver, MS, RD, CPDN, ​​CPT, author of Plant-Based Nutrition (Idiot's Guide) and The Vegiterranean Diet.

Stretch before bed

"My most beneficial habit is stretching every evening, combining yoga, Pilates, and stretching exercises. I usually watch TV or listen to music while working my hip flexors, hamstrings, calves, chest, back, and arms. This habit has allowed me to achieve good flexibility, strength, balance, and stress relief. I can't imagine a day without it."

- Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, RD, Eat Well to Be Well RD

Add more nutrients to every meal

"I make small, nutrient-rich additions to my meals whenever possible. For example, I stir flaxseed into my oatmeal for omega-3s, top my quick lunch sandwich with tomato slices and baby spinach leaves, dip whole-grain crackers in heart-healthy guacamole for a snack, and add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and carrots to ground beef when making spaghetti sauce for dinner. With these small additions throughout the day, you can boost the nutritional value of your diet without having to give up your favorite foods."

- Jessica Ivey, registered dietitian nutritionist

Add some variety

"It's easy to get caught up in a routine of exercise and healthy eating, so I love to add variety. I'm always trying new recipes and looking for new ways to get moving: from a long walk through the farmers market to a picnic on the beach, there are plenty of opportunities to get the whole family involved in physical activity and healthy eating."

- Dana Angelo White, RD, RD, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, author of "The Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook" and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc.

Eat prunes (yes, prunes!) every day

"Every year, we need to think more and more about our bone health. About a third of women and 20 percent of men break a bone after age 50 due to osteoporosis. You can take action now to strengthen and maintain bone health! Here's one of my favorite ways: I eat five to six dried plums almost every day. The Osteoporosis Internatoinal study shows that this habit can help prevent bone loss. I love snacking on prunes or slicing them up and adding them to salads."

- Amy Gorin, MS, RD, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in New York City.

Start your day with water

"One of my best daily habits is to drink two large glasses of water when I wake up. I always feel a little dehydrated when I wake up, and I know I'm going to have coffee, so water helps me jump-start my hydration in the morning."

- Sarah Flugradt, MS, RD, LLD, author of Balance: Simple Recipes for the Cook Who Loves All Food

Take the time to create a meal plan

Meal planning saves you time and money, reduces food waste, and helps you balance and diversify your diet. Every weekend, I set aside half an hour to an hour to plan my weekly menu and plan my breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners. My menu is based on what's already in my kitchen, what's currently on sale at local supermarkets, what seasonal fruits and vegetables are available, and my children's preferences. I also create a shopping list based on my plan, which saves me time at the grocery store.

- Jessica Levinson, MS, RD, RD/NCDN.

Prepare in the evening

"When I clear the table after dinner, I also pack tomorrow's lunch, get everything ready for morning coffee, and hang out the kids' clothes. This allows me more time to spend at breakfast with my family without rushing. Good habits lead to a healthier lifestyle."

- Stacy Cluxton Michael, registered dietitian, Cluxton Consulting