If your goal is to start eating a healthy diet, you might feel overwhelmed. It can be tough to make a change when you’re used to eating a certain way. It’s easy to fall into a comfortable pattern where you just eat the foods you enjoy without paying attention to how they affect your body.
However, there are steps you can take that will help you revamp your diet. Here are five tips that can help you eat healthier.
1. Include variety in your diet
Eating the same foods every day can get monotonous. That's why it's important to mix things up a bit. You're more likely to stick with your diet when you add variety. Add proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables so that you can maintain a balanced diet.
2. Prepare meals in advance
When you’re pressed for time, it’s tempting to grab a meal that’s quick and easy. If you’re tired and hungry after work or school, a fast-food meal or microwave dinner might be your go-to. However, planning meals ahead of time will stop you from making the wrong food choices.
Try cooking two or three meals simultaneously (known as batch cooking) so that you can save time. Setting healthy snacks aside, like cut fruit or vegetables, can also prevent impulse eating.
3. Practice mindful eating
How many times have you eaten a quick meal in front of the TV without giving it much thought? Before you know it, you’re looking down at an empty plate and wondering where all the food went. If this has become the norm, it’s time to slow down and enjoy each bite. Look for ways to apply mindfulness to eating.
Mindful eating involves paying attention when your body tells you that you're hungry or full. Stay aware of these signals by steering clear of distractions such as your television or phone while you're eating a meal.
Instead of staring at a screen, focus on your food by paying attention to what you're eating. what do you notice about the taste? What do you notice about the smell and texture? By doing this, you’ll enjoy your food and stop yourself from overeating.
4. Don't make your diet too restrictive
You might think the best way to get on track with your diet is to stay on a strict meal plan. However, this approach could backfire. Withholding all of your favorite foods could result in binge eating. After a long stretch without your favorite treats, you’re likely to overdo it the first chance you get to eat something you’ve been craving.
You'll be happy to learn that you don't have to cut out your favorite foods. Every now and then you can enjoy taco night or your favorite donut. Instead, aim for balance. Have your favorite foods in moderation while focusing on eating healthy food most of the time. This will help you stick with your goals.
5. Speak with a dietician or nutritionist
It’s OK if you need some help. Making a big change to your diet can be tough. A dietician or nutritionist can point you in the right direction and show you where you need to cut back or add more. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to your medical team for guidance.