Sticking With Your Healthy Eating Goals
By Brandi Goodman
Too many people set healthy eating goals only to never stick with them. You need to be sure you have a plan in mind and can follow through so your eating habits don't suffer. Keep some tips in mind to make it easier to achieve.
Start Out Small
You can't throw out all of your favorite foods and replace them with health foods you hate. You should start out small and make minor changes at a time. Buy some flavored waters instead of soda pop. Next time you shop, buy some of your favorite fruits and light whipped cream to switch out your dessert. Making one change at a time and waiting a week or two before adding in another one can help you stick with it.
Always Choose Foods You Like
You're not going to like every single nutritional food out there. You don't have to eat every single one to get the benefits, either. Stick with healthy foods that you actually like. If you know you like apples and bananas, then choose those as your daily fruit options. If you prefer carrots over asparagus, then eat carrots. You can eat the healthy foods you like rather than forcing yourself to consume something you can't stand. You won't stick with a diet for long if you don't enjoy the taste of the food you eat each day.
Eat Before Attending Events
So many events are centered around food. Some places will even have trays of food set out for you to graze on. This makes it more likely that you'll overeat. Get in the habit of eating before you attend events. You can fill up on healthy food at home and just choose a snack or two once you're there.
If you do end up eating what's available, make sure you stick with one plate and then avoid the table the rest of the time. You don't want to take in too many calories grazing all night long.
Put Your Food on a Smaller Plate
Having such a large plate makes you more likely to fill it up. You should put your food on a smaller plate, so the amount you have seems much more plentiful. It's one way to sort of trick your mind into thinking you're eating a lot, even though it's a normal portion size.
Maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult, especially when you first begin. Make some small changes and opt for foods you like so you're more likely to follow through with your plan. Having a plan is a great way to help you meet your goals -- diet or otherwise.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenwood, Ind.