How to Start Eating Healthy

Author: H Mattenson

A great place to start is at home. Get rid of all of the unhealthy food in your pantry and refrigerator. If you don’t already have healthy food to eat instead, go buy the healthy food first, then get rid of all of the junk. It will be easier to get rid of it when you have a healthy option instead. Buy food that is easy to eat on the go, such as apples, carrots, bananas or granola bars so you won’t be tempted to grab the chips instead. If you find that you just cannot bear to toss out the sweets, try keeping something tiny on hand, like chocolate chips. Eating a few of these won’t ruin your diet and it will still satisfy your sweet tooth.

Take the time to learn what nutrients will compliment your needs the best. In order to start eating healthy, you need to also start thinking healthy. Knowing why certain foods are better for you than others makes it much easier to accept into your normal diet. Most people eat something because it tastes good. They don’t take into account the ramifications that food may have on their system or their overall health. If that used to be you – today is a new day!

Eating on a schedule is critical when you start eating healthy. Try to eat around the same time every day and avoid snacking in between. This is challenging for a lot of people because our bodies have become accustomed to receiving food whether it needs it or not. A lot of people eat because they are bored, emotional, or have developed a habit that associates a certain activity (like watching TV) with eating. This step is the hardest for a lot of people because it requires a change in thinking as well as changing the physical habit.

Plan your meals ahead don’t allow yourself to snack. When you do eat, eat enough so you will be full until the next meal time. Avoid stuffing yourself, but when you eat, it should be a meal. Keeping yourself on a schedule will make this easier. We all have times where we must eat between meals. Keep fresh fruit or raw vegetables on hand so you can grab a few to tide you over until the next meal.

Taking the steps to start eating healthy may be challenging and a slower process than you prefer. Know this going in, and keep your expectations realistic. Start small, even if it’s just replacing one soda a day with a glass of water. You will be surprised how much of a difference small changes make. Keep a daily log of what you ate and try to make it a little better every day.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/how-to-start-eating-healthy-898196.html

About the Author:

I enjoy a healthy lifestyle - which includes eating what I want, when I want. I do not believe that to live a healthy lifestyle, you have to deny yourself foods you enjoy.

I have taught myself to enjoy food in moderation, and like to share with others. Diets fail because they require too much sacrifice. There is an easier way!