Losing weight, overcoming illness, and simply living a healthy lifestyle will require two important factors: exercise and nutrition. While many people focus on exercise as a means to get in shape, it must be understood that this is only half the equation. Though exercise is important, what you put in your body has a lot to do with maintaining a healthy weight and optimal health. Even if you’re already aware of this, sometimes it can be rather difficult to switch your eating habits.
It goes without saying that change can be difficult to overcome at times. When something has become a habit (such as unhealthy eating) it can be hard to turn things around. If you’ve found it difficult to stay on the right track with your nutrition, hopefully these tips will give you the motivational boost you need to keep pressing forward.
Education is Key
Do you know which foods are good for your health and which ones are not? Before you can begin to change your eating habits you first need to learn which foods are best suited for your body. There are plenty of reputable resources you can refer to only to learn more about health and nutrition, however, it might be ideal to first consult with your primary doctor or nutritionist. Why? Well because everyone’s body is different. If you have preexisting medical conditions, there may be a specialized diet that you must follow. Talking with your doctor or nutritionist upfront allows you to address health and nutrition as it pertains to your health.
Finding Tasty Substitutes
When most people think of diet or nutrition, they think about having to trade in delectable foods for bland tasting food. This can make it a bit more challenging to make the transition from poor eating habits. However, you’d be surprised to find out that it is exactly the opposite. There are plenty of food ideas that can make nutritional foods taste just as good as processed or high fat foods that you’re not supposed to eat.
Sit down and go over the things you like to eat on the regular basis and search the internet for substitute recipes that are healthier. For instance, if you’re a lover of fried chicken, substituting it with oven fried is a good alternative. You can utilize the same seasonings you would use for regular fried chicken, however instead of using flour and grease; you’d be using bread crumbs, egg whites, and the oven to make the chicken crispy.
By finding healthier substitutes for the meals and snacks you love the most, you can compensate for your cravings without feeling tempted to go back to your poor eating habits.
Create Realistic Goals
Goal setting is a huge part of staying on the right track when it comes to eating right. If you’re going to stick to your healthy eating habits you’re going to need to have a plan in place. If your goal is to lose a certain amount of pounds, then keep track of these goals by weighing yourself at least once per week.
Goals give you something to look forward to. They keep you on track and also motivate you to move forward. As you set goals, remember to make them realistic. Setting the bar too high too fast could cause you to revert back to your old ways. For instance, if you say you want to eliminate all unhealthy foods from your diet in a week, chances are this would be too complicated for someone who is used to eating poorly. However, setting this same goal over the course of 2-3 months might be a bit more manageable. As you set these goals, also remember to reward yourself for every milestone you’ve conquered as this too can keep you motivated to press forward.
Surround Yourself with Like Minded People
Last but certainly not least, if you’re really serious about improving your poor eating habits you want to make sure that you surround yourself with others that think the same way. Trying to eat healthy when everyone around you is still eating poorly can quickly cause you to backslide. Eating healthy is beneficial to people of all ages, and therefore, if you have others in your household, try to get them into the same habits as you by switching out high sugary, fatty, and processed foods and replace them with options that are more nutritional in value. This will prevent you from feeling tempted and will also help those you love.
Eating healthy is important, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy thing to accomplish. While relapse is to be expected, consistently practicing, finding tasty (nutritional) replacements, setting goals, and being around like minded individuals can certainly help to make your healthy eating more of a habit. Take your time through this process, and don’t beat yourself up too much. Remember, with all changes in life there will be an adjustment period. As long as you’re trying to do better, eventually it will become second nature.
Thank you Jane Brown – contributor for today’s informative article!
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