7 Simple and Practical Tips For Healthier Eating
You want to eat healthier however you just don’t know where to start?
We have all been there: ‘I’ll start Monday” or “I’ll wait until after that function next weekend.” There is honestly no time like the present, so my advice would be to: just start!
Look at healthier eating as a lifestyle change
When it comes to eating healthy it shouldn’t be a short term goal.
Ultimately it’s a change to your lifestyle that continues into the long term so that you experience other benefits to your overall health and wellbeing.
We know so much about how our lifestyle can affect our immune system. And with this knowledge comes the power to make changes to support our long term wellness.
Remember that if you fall off the wagon (and you likely may), try not to worry or beat yourself up. Take a breath, refocus, and get back on track.
No one said that changing your habits to include healthier eating was going to be easy! But I do encourage you to start.
So with that in mind,
Here are 7 simple and practical tips for healthier eating:
#1: Make small changes
When it comes to changing your eating habits make small changes every week that you know that you can sustain long term.
Sometimes changing everything we are currently doing can be so overwhelming, we simply give up because it all seems too hard.
Try to avoid setting yourself up for failure in this way, by starting with a very small goal and maintaining this over a longer period of time. An example here might be to start your morning with a glass of water. Simple, yet very effective for hydration and setting up healthier eating habits!
#2: Eat regular meals
You might be enticed into trying to eat fewer meals, or skipping meals when it comes to making healthier eating choices. Maybe you don’t know what to eat, so you don’t bother eating. Or maybe you suspect that eating fewer meals equates to healthier eating.
However, when you skip meals you tend to get so hungry you eat whatever we can get your hands on. This could be junk food or you could simply overeat on healthier foods.
#3: Clean out your pantry and fridge
Take the time to support your future self by cleaning out your pantry and fridge!
Remove all of the unhealthy food that shouldn’t be in your pantry and fridge. By this, I don’t mean go and eat it all so it is no longer there!
Removing all of those foods will help you make better choices because there are no bad options to choose from.
This is particularly important if you are an emotional eater or simply have no will power.
#4: Plan your meals
When you plan your meals, particularly weekly, it allows you to buy all of the food you need in the one shopping trip.
Planning in this way means there really won’t be any need to go to the shop every couple of days to pick things up and let unwanted foods back into your pantry.
#5: Go to the shops prepared
When you go to the shops prepared, you’re less likely to fall back into old habits.
Being prepared means:
Making a shopping list - and sticking to it!
Shopping when you feel full.
Sticking to your shopping list means that you only by the foods you need for your weekly planned meals (and you may even notice some more money in your wallet at the end of the shop!).
And if you go shopping on an empty stomach you tend to buy foods you simply don’t need. Instead, try to go when you feel full.
#6: Freeze meals
When you are planning your meals each week, try to make extra and freeze what is left over.
This will help you eat a healthier option when you can't be bothered cooking or if you’re short on time.
How lovely is it knowing you already have a meal waiting for you?!
#7: Reward yourself
As with every new change, it’s important to reward yourself when you reach your mini-goals.
Allow yourself some treats when you’re working towards healthier eating. It could be a takeaway meal or a piece of chocolate.
Just watch the amount you eat and limit it to once a week.
Healthier eating doesn’t have to be boring
Contrary to what you may believe, healthier eating no longer needs to be boring! There are so many options that are healthier alternatives to all of your favourite junk foods, especially if you take the time to find new recipes or experiment in the kitchen.
If you're having trouble with your nutrition and would like more guidance and support to help you feel better, BOOK YOUR FREE 10 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL HERE to chat about how I can help.