With a rise in illnesses, diseases, and infections, the need for eating healthy and unprocessed foods has topped everyone’s list. We all know how eating unhealthy food and continuing with an unbalanced diet can impact both our physical and mental health. What’s worse is struggling to stay consistent when starting off. Many fail to stay focused and determined during the initial stages, eventually giving up when they see a bag of doughnuts in front of them.
If you are one of these people, then you are not alone. Have your friends or colleagues started eating healthy around you? Are you struggling to join the boat and build the same healthy eating habit as well? Well, you need not worry. Here you will find the perfect tips and tricks on how to switch to a healthy eating routine in no time!
Buy A Healthy Food Cook Book
Invest in getting a cookbook that has healthy recipes. You can even follow bloggers and Youtuber’s who eat healthily and post delicious and healthy recipes. Try to follow these recipes and try out something new every few days. By doing so, you will not only increase your taste palette but will be motivated and excited to cook and try out the new recipe as well. It will help keep you on track and help you find your topmost recipes.
Not only this, but you can partner up with your family members or friends as well to make the experience more interesting and lively. Skip the junk food and snack table on games night and replace it with healthier options such as fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate, or even homemade popcorn!
Slowly Cut Out Processed Foods and Sugar
Start slow and gradually build up. You don’t want to quit sugar entirely. By doing so your body will have sugar withdrawals which you don’t want. Here you will end up taking in more sugar and having that extra bowl of cream instead of eating in moderation. Instead, switch to natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses, or stevia. Brown sugar workds best in oats and cereals too. So, start today and watch your sugar cravings diminish as time passes by.
Add More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits rich in fiber are not only a good source of nutrition but can curb cravings. Leafy green vegetables have a lot of probiotics that can improve your gut health. A happy and healthy gut ensures a healthy mindset and this is exactly what you’re aiming for.
Make sure to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables and actively make them part of your diet. Having fruits for breakfast is also a healthy way to start the day and maintain your sugar levels. Inculcate this habit in your children as well – their physical and cognitive development will be aided better with a cup of mangos and sliced cucumbers rather than a bowl of sugary cereal.
Increase Your Water Intake
This is a mistake many are guilty of – not drinking enough water. While the human body consists of a large portion of water, it still requires an intake of at least 8-9 glasses per day to function better. If you struggle to drink enough water, then don’t worry.
Try to make drinking water interesting by adding in chopped mint leaves, ginger, or cucumber. Sip on the detox water throughout the day. You can even carry a reusable water bottle with you in your bag while running errands. Keep it near you on your desk at work too – if it’s in front of you, the chances of you drinking are higher.
Meal Prep
Meal preps can do wonders to giving you a healthy food habit. With work and chores during the rest of the week, preparing for each meal can get difficult. To make it easy, you can prep your meals for the week on a Sunday perhaps. Pack it up in air-tight containers and store it away in the refrigerator. When needed, reheat and enjoy.
This will save you a lot of time and prevent you from giving in and ordering a pizza on the days when you are exhausted and in no mood to cook in the kitchen. Also, you can even plan the meals for the week in advance and get in touch with a meal service provider to deliver healthy meals at your doorstep. The possibilities are endless!
Satisfying Your Cravings? It’s Ok to Cheat
Indulging in your favorite foods or comfort meal once in a while is okay. It’s always good to satisfy your cravings by giving your body what it desires. Be it that hearty bowl of mac n cheese or the warm and fudgy chocolate cake, cheating on your diet helps maintain a balance. Just remember not to diverge and give in so frequently. Stick to two days in a week at max and be sure to watch the portion you’re consuming as well.
The Final Verdict
So, now that you know how to kick start the healthy food habit, get on going today! Clear out your cabinets and cupboards of any processed foods or junk that is potent with artificial sugar and flavors. Prep your meals from before if you can, if not, then plan out a healthy meal plan for the week and try to follow it as earnestly as you can.
Remember, the first few weeks will be tough and a roller coaster ride. You might experience your emotions whirling all over the place, but stay focused and keep an eye on your end goal. Once accomplished, who knows, you might end up giving your family members and friends the encouragement and motivation they need as well.
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