Introduction
Eating well is crucial for both our physical and mental health. But it can be hard to stick to a healthy diet, especially when life is overwhelming. But healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and regular exercise are not optional if you want to live in abundance. So I wanted to share some tips — secrets if you will on sticking with a healthy diet.
It’s not about being restrictive and avoiding everything. It’s about shifting your mindset and focusing on your objectives so you can be successful in sticking to your goals.
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Set realistic goals
Setting unrealistic dieting goals can lead to failure. Especially when it comes to eating. It is not in your best interest to subject yourself to the trauma of trying and failing one diet after another. For example, if you’re used to eating unhealthy foods, it may be hard to switch to healthy foods overnight.
Allow your body and mind time to adjust to a new eating pattern. Approach the new way of eating gently and kindly to your body. When I go on a juice fast I give myself time to adjust to a new way of “eating” for however long I’m juicing. I watch videos and read up on the benefits of fresh vegetable juice. I decide how long I’ll just for and make sure my mind is on board with my plans ahead of time.
Setting realistic goals that align with your lifestyle is one of the best ways to set reasonable expectations for yourself. Recognize also that sometimes it may be difficult to switch to a healthier way of eating all at once. Gradually adding the new healthy foods you decide to eat may be more realistic for your lifestyle.
Plan ahead
Meal planning is an excellent way to stay on track when beginning a new eating regimen. Investigate and develop recipes based on the foods you intend to consume. Decide where you can get those foods and make plans to get them ahead of time.
By planning ahead of time, you reduce the chances of grabbing something unhealthy because you are tired and don’t have the foods you intend to eat on hand.
So, once you’ve decided how you’ll eat, will you follow an established diet plan, such as keto or Paleo, or will you wing it? Then, research where you will buy your groceries. Is it possible to order from Amazon Fresh or Thrive Market?
Many meal prep videos on YouTube can help you prepare meals ahead of time, freeze them, and then reheat them when you’re ready to eat. You can also batch-cook meals ahead of time with a slow cooker or an instant pot to save time, money, and frustration from going hungry.
Finally, keep some healthy snacks on hand, such as dark chocolate, nuts, or fruits, for when you’re hungry between meals or just want a treat.
Make healthy choices easy
When you prepare yourself for a healthier way of eating, you can make it easier for yourself to choose healthier options. When I watched food movies or read up on healthy foods before my juice fasts, I did so to create a mindset shift that would help me stay on track even when I was tempted by fried chicken or donuts at work.
Spend time, especially on weekends, experimenting with different ways to prepare the foods you eat. Watch videos on YouTube or other platforms. Learn from others and then create a plan that works for you.
Also, try to eat as diverse a variety of foods as you can afford or find. You won’t get bored with variety, and you’ll be able to delight your taste buds over and over again.
Finally, when eating out try to visit restaurants that will give you options to eat healthy foods. As you can imagine this is not the time to choose to go to In-And-Out!
Find support and accountability
It’s critical to find support whether you choose an established diet plan or create something for yourself. Inform your friends and family about your plans to eat a healthier diet. Seek the advice of a professional, such as a dietician or a naturopath, to help you on your new path.
You can also join a Facebook community where others are going through the same thing. There, you can learn about other people’s struggles and progress. It’s also a great way to learn about what works for others.
However, don’t allow the success or failure of others to jeopardize your healthy eating plan. Everyone’s journey is unique. Accept your personal journey. Celebrate even the tiniest victories. But, whatever you do, be kind to yourself, even if you don’t achieve your goals exactly the way you planned them.
Overcoming obstacles
As you begin your new healthy eating plan, you may encounter a number of challenges. Your friends and family may be unsupportive. You must maintain your position. This is where the mindset shift will be helpful. Also, if you are committed to your goals, you will be more likely to achieve them.
There will be numerous opportunities to deviate or stop. If you do, don’t punish yourself. That will be your most difficult challenge. Stay on track even when your progress is slow or you fail to stick to your plans.
Prepare for difficulties. Expect things not to always go as planned. If you miss a goal or eat something that wasn’t on the menu, admit it and move on. But don’t give up hope.
Conclusion
When you decide to change to a healthier lifestyle it’s important to set goals and prepare yourself for your new lifestyle. It is also important to get support and surround yourself with others who will support your journey.
Also, don’t beat up on yourself when you “fail”. Learn to celebrate even small wins. It’s a good idea to keep a journal so you can track your progress, review how far you’ve come and write down your wins.
Whatever you do, don’t give up. If you’re unhealthy it may have taken you decades to get here. So be patient with yourself.
Finally, take advantage of these resources that can help you on your journey to a healthy way of life. Also, reach out if you want to talk. I’m here to help you with sticking to a healthy diet.
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