Kathy Freston's 3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Diet

Why is it that vowing to eat better so often feels like biting off more than you can chew? In her latest book, The Lean, wellness expert Kathy Freston presents a 30-day plan for "leaning" into good health—gradually and gently. Here, a few toe-in-the-water tips that are too easy not to follow.

Cinnamon

Work two tablespoons of vinegar or a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon into your recipes. These two ingredients have been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and keep blood sugar levels steady—which could help prevent postmeal pangs.

Kale just might be the super-est of superfoods. Tear it up, toss it in a little olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes at 300 degrees (turning as necessary), for a crispy, nutrient-packed, guilt-free snack. No time to bake? Try New York Naturals Kale Chips or Brad's Raw Leafy Kale.

Swap a better spread for butter. A healthy amount of saturated fat is around 15 grams a day, and butter packs seven grams (and 102 calories) per tablespoon. Instead, try hummus (25 calories per tablespoon) or pureed avocado (23 calories)—both of which have less than a half a gram of saturated fat.

Next: 25 superfoods to incorporate into your diet now