7 Tips To Help You Eat Healthy (And Stick With It)

Sticking with a healthy eating plan isn't always easy. Believe me, I know.
Temptation is everywhere, and who doesn't want that gooey fudge brownie over some almonds or carrots? I know I do! But part of living a healthier lifestyle means sacrificing some of the things we want and making better choices for our bodies.
I thought I'd share a few tips that have helped make healthy eating easier for me.


1. Plan & prep.
This is probably THE most important thing you can do when you're trying to eat healthier.
Having things prepped and ready to eat as much as possible is vital.
I do my grocery shopping every week. I've tried to do it every other week, but with 3 kids it's just not possible. We always need to stock up on more milk, diapers, wipes, snacks, fresh produce & meats, etc.
The first thing I do is make my menu for the next week. That one thing alone makes the shopping and the prep work so much easier.
This also goes for eating out at restaurants, or at a party or event. Plan ahead and decide what you are going to eat, if possible. If you know what restaurant you're going to, browse the menu and decide what your choice will be. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions when it comes to sides, dressings, etc. They're happy to swap things out, omit items, or decrease the amounts.
If you know you're going to a party where "bad" food will be served, or there won't be many healthy options, eat something ahead of time so you're full and satisfied, and not tempted to eat what's there.


2. Cook extra!
Making enough for lunch the next day takes all the headache out of coming up with good healthy lunch options.

When I grill up some chicken for dinner to serve with veggies, I grill it all so that I can use some in salads and other lunch dishes throughout the week.


3. Stock up on easy to grab, but healthy, snacks.
My staple snack is a Larabar. They're delicious and filling and could not be better for you.

Another favorite is Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt. I love the vanilla with some berries and a little granola. So satisfying.

You also can't go wrong with an apple and some peanut butter, a serving of almonds, hummus and veggies, or a little trail mix....watch the sodium, sugar and other nutrition info on that, though.

4. If you can't resist the temptation, don't have it in your house.

I've learned there are certain things I just cannot have in the house, so I don't buy them. Potato chips, cookies and cakes, or candies. If they're in my pantry, it's really hard for me to resist them sometimes. If you know there are certain things you just can't resist, you're setting yourself up for failure by allowing them in your house. This is especially true if you're early into your new healthy eating lifestyle. If you haven't built up the willpower and discipline to avoid them, just don't even bring them into your home.

5. Get a George Foreman Grill

Or wipe off the old one collecting dust in your cabinet.

Yes, I'm talking about the Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine! 

For years, I hardly ever used mine. During the cold months or rainy weather when you don't want to grill outside, it's just way too convenient and quick to not use it. Get yourself one!

source

We have this model and it is awesome. It has 5 removable plates, although I mostly use the grill plates. It heats up fast, cooks evenly and quickly, and whips things up in no time. 

I couldn't live without this thing.

6. Try new things.

Don't be afraid to try new foods you've never had before. You may be surprised at what you'll like. And if you don't like it, you know never to buy it again. Haha!

For me, cauliflower is one of those vegetables that I've always hated...mostly because I'd only ever eaten it raw. Bleh!! But when you try cooking something a different way (or in this case, cook it at all), it can completely change its flavor and texture. I love making cauliflower mash when I'm wanting mashed potatoes as a healthier alternative.

Roasting it also makes it super tasty. If you're iffy about any veggie, give roasting a try. Just a little olive oil, salt & pepper and roast it in the oven. It gives things a wonderful flavor.

7. Cheat.

Kinda. You know I allow myself one "treat" meal a week. This is usually on a weekend, preferably for breakfast or lunch. I just don't like eating a big or rich meal for dinner.

I think it's so imperative that we allow ourselves a little cheat from our healthy eating for a few reasons: 

1. We're more likely to stick with healthy eating if we know that little treat is coming. 

2. It's important to reward ourselves on a regular basis so we don't feel deprived and go on an eating binge. 

3. We're human, and life is too short to not enjoy the ice cream or the pizza from time to time. Go for the splurge. There's too much delicious food in this world for us not to eat it. 

Just, maybe, don't eat it every day. :)

Happy Weekend!!