Eating healthy can be challenging, especially in our fast-paced world where unhealthy foods are often more convenient and affordable. But making healthier choices doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.
Here are a few tips to help you conquer common eating challenges and develop healthier habits:
Too busy to cook on a daily basis:
Meal prep on the weekends. Set aside some time on the weekend to chop vegetables, plan for the weekly menu, may be semi cook some of the foods so that it can be a quick meal prep and assemble meals for the week ahead. This will help you to eat healthy when you’re short on time.
Eating healthy on the go:
There are plenty of healthy convenience foods available, such as pre-washed fruits and vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables, salads and low fat curd. Always make it a point to read the nutrition label when buying such things, look for options that are low in processed ingredients and have no added sugar.
Are your cravings becoming a show stopper for you?
Identify your cravings. What are the specific foods that you crave? Once you know what you’re craving, you can start to develop strategies for dealing with it. For example, if you crave sugary snacks, try keeping healthy alternatives on hand, such as sweet fruits, raisins , figs or homemade fruit yoghurt.
No deprivation, please
If you deprive yourself of your favorite foods, you’re more likely to binge on them later. Instead, allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation.
Eating out too often:
Plan your restaurant meals ahead of time. Before you go out to eat, look at the menu online and choose a healthy option. This will help you avoid making unhealthy choices when you’re hungry. Make small changes to your restaurant meals. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side, and choose grilled or baked options over fried ones.
Pro tip – never leave your house on complete empty stomach because that will make you over eat
Are you intelligent in emotional eating?
Identify your triggers. What are the things that make you turn to food for comfort? Once you know your triggers, you can start to develop strategies for dealing with them in a healthy way.
Remember don’t try to change everything about your diet at once. Start by making small changes that you can stick to over time.
Work to develop a positive relationship with food and you will be able to overcome all the challenges and enjoy good health