Eating healthy is really important, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Old habits, temptations, and stress are always lurking around corners and trying to entice us back into our old ways. That’s before we even get into how a busy lifestyle can make eating healthy long-term seem like just too much effort, or how the images of perfect-looking people we see in the media and the endless diet advice that’s everywhere we look can derail us from our mission of simply being the best version of ourselves.
Here’s how to turn your healthy eating plan into a long-term lifestyle change. For more information and tips on how to get healthy and stay healthy, visit new alpha nutrition.
Think about why you’re doing it.
It sounds obvious, but staying focused on why you’re doing something is a great way to motivate yourself. Think about what you want the outcome to be for your life, your body, and your future and remind yourself constantly – whether it’s setting a reminder on your phone, or leaving a note on the mirror.
Make time for food prep.
Any healthy eating plan requires time and consideration to be given over to food prep, but this can seem impossible with the busy lifestyles of modern adults. Use a time planning app or calendar to set aside time every weekend to buy food, and plan and prep meals for the week. When everything’s done, you’ll have ready-to-go healthy meals that will keep you on track. While you’re at it, you can toss out any temptations you might have stocked up on in a weaker moment.
Treat yourself.
If you really, really need a treat, have one. ‘Everything in moderation’ is kind of cliché, but it’s true. Sometimes, we really need a brownie, or a scoop of ice cream, and giving in to that temptation occasionally prevents us from bingeing or veering off-track completely. As long as you’re sticking to your plan for the most part, a treat or two won’t hurt. One good way to do this is to still avoid processed snacks with tons of refined sugar, and choose healthier whole food versions instead.
Budget
One of the major stumbling blocks for many people when it comes to healthy eating is budget. It seems that many healthy foods are simply more expensive than their less-healthy counterparts. But then, you can eat well without breaking the bank. You just need to be smart about what you spend your money on. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, and stock up on grains and pulses.
Can, and not can’t
When changing up a diet plan, don’t focus on what you can’t have. Focus on what you can have. Thinking constantly about all the things you’ve given up makes you more likely to give in to the temptation and eat bad foods. Instead, think about all the delicious foods you’re introducing to your diet. Just because something is good for you doesn’t mean it isn’t tasty!
