How to Start Eating Healthier: A Beginner's Guide

If you feel like you are constantly jumping from diet to diet, this blogpost is for you. I personally have ridden the roller coaster of starting a new way of eating, sticking to it for a bit, but then totally falling back into all of my old habits (and sometimes even picked up worse ones!)

You know what finally worked for me? NOT making a million changes at once and going into complete restriction. When I started making smaller changes and stayed consistent, I really started to improve my health. Sure, it took longerbut the results lasted, which was much better than any quick fix.

So let’s dive right in to what you can do! ‍

Why Eating Healthier Matters

First, know it not just about weight loss!!!

Healthy eating is crucial for preventing chronic diseases such asdiabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, a nutritious diet can boostyour energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and improve your mood.

Steps to Start Eating Healthier 

1. Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.Aim to fill half your plate with a variety of colorful produce at each meal.Try out different preparations to find what you love to eat.

2.Opt for Lean Proteins

Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth. Select lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, beans, and egg whites.  Avoid processed meats, which are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats.

3. Limit Added Sugars and Refined Carbs

Excessive sugar intake just makes you feel hungrier and increase the risk of various health issues. Reduce (but not eliminate!) consumption of sugary drinks, candies, and baked goods. Look at where your current consumption is and try to cut it down by a 1/3.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health. Estimate your current water intake and try to increase it by 10-20 oz a day. Water helps maintain bodily functions, improves skin health, and aids digestion.

 5. Plan and Prepare Meals

Meal planning helps ensure you have healthy options available and can prevent last-minute unhealthy choices. Dedicate time each week to plan your meals, create a shopping list, and prepare ingredients in advance. Start small by just prepping 1 or 2 items a week.

 6. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues, eating slowly, and savoring your food. This practice can prevent overeating and help you enjoy your meals more. Set a timer to see how long it takes you to eata meal and aim to add on a few minutes to that.

 Healthy Eating Tips for Beginners

·      Start small: Pick 1 or 2 of the steps above instead of trying to do them all. When that becomes easier, add in another one.

·      Read labels: Become familiar with reading nutrition labels to make informed choices.

·      Balance your plate: Include a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates in every meal.

·      Stay consistent: Consistency is key to forming healthy eating habits.

 Starting to eat healthier doesn't have to be complicated. By following these tips and gradually incorporating them into your daily routine, you can achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

YOU GOT THIS!!!

Feel like you need more help? I have self paced, online courses to help with mindfulness, meal prep and more! Check those out here!

Or for a more personalized approach, try some coaching.

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