The idea of eating healthily is appealing, but when the rubber meets the road, it takes a little determination to actually follow through. Eating healthily can be likened to jumping into a cool pool: Once you're in there, the water feels good, but it can take some getting used to. In the same way, immersing yourself in healthy foods is the best way to get used to eating healthily.
Experiment With Herbs
Experimenting with different herbs will help you discover new ways to eat the same foods a little healthier. For instance, black beans are a good side dish, but add garlic powder and chopped cilantro and you have a great side dish that didn't require an ounce of fat to make it tasty. Instead of using salt, butter and sour cream to flavor your food, eat healthier by reaching for the herbs.
Take a Break From Meat
If you eat vegetarian just one day of the week, you're doing yourself and the environment a huge favor. A movement called Meatless Monday touts the benefits: "Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity." One meatless day a week can help decrease your carbon footprint and save valuable resources.
Keep It Steady
Avoid fluctuating blood sugar levels by staying away from processed foods and sugars. Choose whole wheat bread rather than white; choose fruit rather than a candy bar. By keeping your blood sugar steady, you'll avoid the temptation to reach for caffeine or sweets as a pick-me-up, which would put you right back on that roller coaster.
Mix It Up
There is nothing more refreshing than variety, and mixing it up is endorsed by the American Heart Association: "A heart-healthy diet is delicious and varied." Your diet should include plenty of vegetables and fruits; whole grains, high-fiber foods, lean meats and poultry; fish at least two times a week; and dairy products that are fat free or 1 percent fat. Keep your diet interesting by keeping it varied, and you'll be less likely to get burned out on healthy eating.
Find Kindred Spirits
There is no doubt it's easier to exercise with an accountability partner, so get a lunch buddy who encourages you to eat healthily as well. Whether you're trying to eat better because of a health condition, for weight maintenance or just to be healthier overall, a kindred spirit will keep you on track as well as expose you to new dishes and recipes.
Find a New Normal
By learning a new normal, you can change your take on different foods. If you don't have sweets every day, fruit will taste sweeter when you eat it. How do you learn a new normal? By pushing through a healthy diet until your body and taste buds get used to it. Eating healthier gets easier and more enjoyable the longer you stick with it.
Member Comments