It’s no secret that many of us could stand to improve our eating habits. However, if you’ve grown accustomed to making poor dietary choices, you may have trouble even determining where to start. In addition to helping you increase your stamina levels and maintain a healthy weight, good eating habits can contribute to sound mental health and a more positive outlook. While developing healthy eating habits takes a fair amount of willpower and follow-through, improving your diet should be well within your abilities.
Be Mindful of the Food You Purchase
One of the best ways to steer clear of temptation is being mindful of the food you buy. After all, if you make unhealthy purchasing decisions at the grocery store, these are likely to transition into unhealthy eating choices. By placing strict limits on the amount of junk food you purchase, you’ll effectively limit the number of unhealthy options you have on hand the next time you get a craving.
Of course, this isn’t to say that healthy eating can’t be enjoyable. When searching for health-conscious alternatives to your favorite unhealthy snacks, you may be surprised to discover just how many options are readily available. For example, the next time you have a craving for potato chips, indulge in some veggie chips or mixed nuts. Similarly, if you have a hankering for chips and salsa, a red bell pepper and guacamole can serve as a tasty alternative. Lastly, if you’re big on ice cream, consider substituting this for Greek yogurt and mixed berries.
Consult a Physician
If you’re having trouble putting together a healthy eating plan that’s suited to someone of your age, weight and lifestyle, schedule a consultation with your physician. Your doctor should be able to help you decide on a diet that’s uniquely suited to your needs and make a plethora of healthy food recommendations. Depending on the type of results you’re looking to see, your doctor may also recommend certain supplements. For instance, some mushroom supplements can help promote good gut health and foster a resilient immune system. If your current diet is tied directly to a disability, you may also want to ask your physician about long term disability insurance.
Limit Restaurant Visits
It isn’t hard to see why so many of us enjoy dining out. In addition to saving us the trouble of meal prep and cleanup, dining out provides us with ample opportunities to sample an array of tasty dishes. Still, as anyone who dines out on a consistent basis can attest, such habits can also bleed you dry financially. Furthermore, restaurant food generally isn’t all that healthy. In fact, if you look at the fat content found in many restaurant entrees, you may not believe your eyes.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can never dine out or order in – you’ll just need to do so in moderation. Limiting restaurant visits to once or twice a month can help you build healthier eating habits and make the occasional restaurant indulgence seem like more of a treat, thereby providing you with something to look forward to. Additionally, since many restaurants now provide detailed rundowns of their respective menu items’ nutritional values, it’s easier than ever to make smart choices when dining out.
Avoid Skipping Meals
When trying to lose weight in a timely manner, many people opt to skip meals. While the logic behind this is somewhat understandable, this practice is extremely ill-advised. For starters, while you may see results in the short term, skipping meals is a bad idea for anyone striving for long-term weight loss. Second, skipping meals breeds intense hunger – which, in turn, breeds poor eating choices. So, in addition to eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains and proteins, make a point of eating three meals a day and enjoying healthy snacks between meals.
The benefits of healthy eating habits are practically limitless. From increased longevity to heightened energy levels, eating right is among the core tenets of feeling good. However, not everyone is capable of immediately embracing a healthy diet – especially those of us who have become acclimated to poor eating habits. Still, while altering your eating habits may take some work, it’s far from impossible. So, if you’re ready to start eating better – and enjoying the many benefits associated therewith – consider the measures discussed above.
