Want to Start Eating Healthier? Try These Easy Tips

The importance of eating healthy really can't be overstated, with everything from our skin to mental health being directly related to what we eat.

The good news?  Eating healthier doesn't have to be hard—just try giving these easy tips a go!

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1. Don't Cut Out Your Favorite Foods Completely

A lot of people think that "eating healthier" means quitting their not-so-nutritious favorite foods cold turkey. Doing that, however, usually just leads to crashing or bingeing on those unhealthy foods later. Instead, let yourself have a smaller portion of your favorite treats when you're really craving them and balance that with healthy foods for the rest of the day. It's also important not to let yourself feel bad when you eat these foods. Everything is okay in moderation!

 

2. Avoid Stocking Up on Unhealthy Snacks

When you have unhealthy food readily available, you're more likely to eat it—it's that simple. By avoiding that bag of potato chips or chocolates during your grocery store visit, you'll be less likely to eat them next time you're bored at home since you'll have to go out of your way just to get them. That way, you'll know when you're actually really craving a treat and when you might just want it because it's there.

 

3. Try Eating More Plant-Based

Whether you'd like to try going vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian or simply just want to try eating less meat, a plant-based diet provides so many health benefits. Even if you're a self-described carnivore, you'll probably find that meat-free food can be just as delicious (if not more so)!  When you reduce the amount of meat you eat, you'll have to fill that hole with more plant foods like fruits and vegetables, items that offer much higher vitamin and nutrient contents that will make you feel better overall before you know it. Try experimenting with some recipes, ordering the veggie burger instead of beef or just replacing your usual red meat choices with chicken or fish to get started. Interested in learning more about plant-based eating? Click HERE to read some busted myths about this lifestyle.

 

4. Pack Your Lunches

Nothing can crash your intent to eat healthy faster than limited options at school or work. Not only is packing a lunch a cheaper option, but it also means you know exactly what's in your food. Try meal prepping in advance to save yourself some time, and explore exciting lunch ideas that make your usual favorites so much healthier. Burrito bowls, anyone?

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5. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

If you're convinced you dislike most types of fruits and vegetables, you're less likely to incorporate them into your diet in any way, shape or form. In reality, you may have simply had one bad experience with a certain food years ago that has you turned off from trying them again when you might actually enjoy them now. Broaden your horizons and just give some new foods a try, you might be surprised which ones become your new favorites.

 

6. Try Different Cuisines

Sure, pasta and tacos will always hold a place in our hearts, but have you tried a spicy vegetable curry, flavorful falafel pita or simple yet nutritious sushi platter? The world has so many different dishes to offer, many of which are secretly packed with nutrients as well as flavor. Try something different next time you order takeout or go out to eat with your family, especially if it's a local business that makes truly authentic recipes.

 

7. Understand Why You're Eating Healthier

It's important to get one thing straight: eating healthier is a lifestyle, not a diet. Diets are typically designed with weight loss in mind, and this can be dangerous for so many reasons. Not only should we be more focused on our overall health than a number on the scale, but diets typically come with strict restrictions that only lead people to fail over time and return to their old ways of eating. Instead, focus on the many benefits of eating healthier, including everything from clearer skin to an improved mood and even better sleep.

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Ready to give eating healthier a go? Try the tips listed above, and read more about some healthy eating myths by clicking HERE.