How to Make Healthy Eating a Lifestyle

Healthy eating shouldn’t be a fad diet or have an end goal. It should fit into your lifestyle and be something you can maintain for life! Here are some tips on how to make healthy eating a habit that you enjoy.

Keep Your Pantry Stocked

The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is preparation. Stock your pantry with healthy food staples, such as whole grains, dried beans and legumes, nut butter, and healthy snacks. As long as you have these staples, you can easily and quickly make a well-balanced, nutritious meal or snack. Having these items handy will encourage you to eat healthy instead of reaching for junk food.

Eat Food You Love

Food should be enjoyable, and if you’re making healthy eating a lifestyle, you shouldn’t feel restricted or unhappy with your food choices. Think about the long run! Eat the food you enjoy and create your favorite foods in a healthier version when possible. Just as one day of healthy eating won’t make a difference, neither will one piece of cake or takeaway. Everything is fine in moderation!

Make Healthy Eating Work for Your Budget

We often hear that healthy eating is expensive and not accessible for everyone. While this may be true, there are ways that you can cut down the costs and make healthy eating work for your lifestyle and budget. Buy frozen fruits and veggies instead of fresh, shop for whole grains and snacks in bulk stores, and buy foods that are in season. Make changes wherever you can.

Eat Intuitively

Counting calories and macros is helpful for some people who have particular goals, but it isn’t sustainable in the long run. Instead, try to eat intuitively. Have a general understanding of macronutrients and which foods are nutrient-dense. Include complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, and protein into all of your meals. As long as you eat whole foods and diversify your meals, you are most likely getting all the nutrients you need.

Drink Water

Swap out your sugary fruit juices and sodas for water. Water is essential to our health, and it contains zero calories and sugar. It will keep you hydrated, allowing you to glow from the inside out! You can also make infused water if you want some flavor. Mint, strawberries, cucumber, oranges, and lemons can make your water taste delicious!