We’ve all been there. The fear of not being able to stick to a healthy diet, the frustration of resisting temptations, and the goal to make better food choices beyond just a few weeks time.
These feelings are all too familiar, but with the right mindset and strategy, it’s possible to develop healthy eating habits and achieve a balanced lifestyle.
Your fear: “I worry that I won’t be able to stick to a healthy diet and will fall back into old habits.”
Breaking old habits can be challenging, especially when it comes to food. It’s important to acknowledge this fear and understand that slip-ups are a normal part of the journey.
Here are some tips to help you stick to a healthy diet and avoid falling back into old habits:
1. Start small: Instead of trying to overhaul your entire diet at once, focus on making small, achievable changes. This could be as simple as swapping out soda for water or adding a serving of vegetables to your dinner.
2. Plan your meals: By planning your meals in advance, you can ensure you have healthy options available and avoid resorting to unhealthy choices when you’re hungry and short on time.
3. Identify triggers: Figure out the situations or emotions that lead you to make unhealthy choices and develop strategies to cope with them. This may include finding alternative ways to deal with stress or seeking support from friends and family, instead of coping with food.
Your frustration: “It’s so hard to resist temptation and make better food choices.”
Resisting temptation can be difficult, but it’s essential to remind yourself that you’re working towards a healthier lifestyle.
Here are some strategies to help you stay on track:
1. Keep healthy snacks on hand: Stock up on nutritious snacks like fruits, nuts, and jerky to ensure you have something to munch on when cravings strike.
2. Practice mindful eating: Eat slowly and savor each bite, paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. This can help prevent overeating and make you more aware of the food you’re consuming.
3. Don’t deprive yourself: Completely cutting out your favorite treats may lead to feelings of deprivation and increase the likelihood of binge eating. Instead, allow yourself to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Your goal: “I want to learn how to make healthier food choices and enjoy a balanced diet.”
Achieving a balanced diet is about more than just counting calories or following a specific meal plan. It’s about learning how to make healthier food choices and incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your daily routine.
Here are some tips to help you reach your goal:
1. Educate yourself: Learn about the nutritional value of different foods and their impact on your health. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions when choosing what to eat.
2. Experiment with new recipes: Try new recipes and ingredients to keep your meals exciting and prevent boredom, which could lead to unhealthy choices.
3. Focus on balance: Instead of focusing on eliminating specific foods, aim to create a balanced plate with a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Anyone can do something difficult for a few weeks. The challenge is to develop the discipline you’ll need to implement some of these tips into life long habits.
Doing so will allow you to continue to enjoy many foods you want to eat, while also keeping your health goals on track.
Dr. Brian Strump is a chiropractor and owner of Live Active Charlotte, a CrossFit/functional fitness gym located in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.
If you’re interested in making a change in your health or simply have questions, you can learn more about Brian and his staff by visiting: liveactiveclt.com
