Think healthies, not selfies: How to eat a healthier diet on a budget

Want to start thinking about how you can improve your diet by making the most of seasonal fresh salads and summer fruits?

Celebrity trainer Dalton Wong and founder of TwentyTwo Training, and co-author of The Feel Good Plan, lists his top tips on how to eat and enjoy a nutritious and delicious daily diet for a healthier and happier you this summer.

What’s your favourite healthy breakfast to set you up for the day?

During the week I’m short on time in the mornings, and as I aim for 10-15 portions of fruit and vegetables a day a fresh green smoothie is a great way to start my day. I throw plenty of green veggies into my Nutribullet to alkalize the body, such as spinach, kale, etc, some protein powder to make it more filling, and then to make it taste good, some mint, a squeeze of lemon or lime, a pear or half an apple, maybe some ginger...play around and see what you prefer. Green veggies aren’t for everyone so adding a little fruit or herbs will make it more palatable and they also have their own health benefits! At the weekend when I have more time to sit and enjoy breakfast with my family I love to make eggs, avocado, and fresh chilli on sourdough bread.

There is a lot of confusion out there about diet and nutrition.

What are your top tips for following a nutritious diet? Any secret ingredients that will help achieve results, or big food no-nos to avoid?

My number one tip would be to eat whole, nutritious food and avoid junk food. You don’t have to avoid everything you like, if you want a brownie, you can have a brownie, but make it yourself with real ingredients, and enjoy the time spent making it and the satisfaction of making it. Homecooking is also a great way to get the kids involved and interested in food.

Now that it’s summer which delicious seasonal foods can we add into our diet to give our health a boost during the warmer months?

Locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables. Make the most of the seasonal food and the extra variety that you have, and eat the things that you couldn’t enjoy during the winter months. They also have more nutrients than something that has been shipped over in a container.

What about all of the powder supplements you can buy now such as powdered greens? Should we be trying to incorporate these into our diets ?

These things are great when travelling, and I do use them when I’m not at home. For example, when I can’t make my usual green smoothie sachets of green powder mixed into water are an easy and convenient substitute. But it’s a supplement. Yes they can enhance your smoothie, but nothing beats real, whole foods. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on exotic ingredients for a healthy nutritious diet.

Many people are heading off on holiday. While it can be a time of rest and relaxation, it can also be a time of temptation! When surrounded by delicious desserts and cocktails, how can we stay healthy when away from home?

You’ve probably already done plenty of workouts and preparation before the holiday so this means you can relax and enjoy it while you’re there! What’s the harm in having an extra couple of drinks? There is no harm! Have an extra cocktail, enjoy a delicious dessert. You work hard working out and you work hard at your job and you’re on holiday, so don’t feel guilty!