If you’re new to dieting, it can be overwhelming to navigate all of the different advice and strategies out there. But don’t worry – with these three key tips, you’ll have a solid foundation to build your healthy eating habits on.

Tip #1: Eat a Balanced Diet

The most important aspect of any diet is balance. This means making sure you get all of the nutrients your body needs to function properly. A balanced diet includes:.

Protein – for healthy muscles and organ function
Complex carbohydrates – for energy and brain function
Healthy fats – for heart health and cell function
Vitamins and minerals – for overall health and disease prevention

Avoid extreme diets that eliminate entire food groups or severely restrict calories. Instead, focus on incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet. Examples include:.

Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu
Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, sweet potatoes, and quinoa
Healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil
Fruits and vegetables of all colors to get a variety of vitamins and minerals

Tip #2: Practice Portion Control

Even healthy foods can be overeaten, leading to excess calorie consumption. To avoid this, practice portion control. A serving size is the amount of food recommended by nutrition experts for each type of food.

For example, a serving of protein is around 3 ounces (about the size of a deck of cards), a serving of grains is usually 1/2 cup, and a serving of vegetables is around 1 cup.

One easy way to practice portion control is to use smaller plates and bowls. This makes it easier to visually gauge how much food you’re eating. You can also use measuring cups and spoons until you get a better sense of what a serving size looks like.

Tip #3: Be Mindful of Snacking

Snacking can be a healthy habit, but it can also be a trap for overeating. To make snacking work for you, focus on nutrient-rich options that will keep you full and energized. Examples include:.

Fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and berries
Protein-rich snacks like hummus and hard-boiled eggs
Whole grain crackers and rice cakes
Nuts and seeds

Another way to be mindful of snacking is to avoid mindless eating. This means avoiding snacking while distracted, such as while watching TV or working on a computer. Instead, take a break and fully focus on your snack.

This will help you tune into your body’s hunger signals and avoid overeating.