How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits

When it comes to healthy eating, we find it so hard to stick to the plan and end up having more cheat days instead. You don’t have to worry, though, because all it takes is to form healthy eating habits that will help you stick to your plan. To help you form those habits, here are some tips on how to develop healthy eating habits

Fruit & Vegetable Box

Tip # 1: Set up your healthy-eating plan and follow it one step at a time.

Define your limits, know how many calories are recommended for you and stick to it. Then, begin weaning from large portions and start on the plan you have set for yourself. Develop a plan you can easily follow and just take it one step at a time. Start by just taking your time in enjoying and thoroughly chewing your food. This will not only help your digestion but also help you avoid overeating. You can also try eating less in the evening, especially if you no longer have any exercise for the rest of the day.

Tip # 2: Know your balance.

Ensure that you have the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and good/healthy fats. Your diet can comprise of 45% carbs, 30% protein, and 35%good/healthy fats. Also, ensure that you read the labels on what you eat. Know just how much servings you need and how much you’re actually taking.

Tip # 3: Discard the junk and stack on green stuff.

Avoid processed or artificial foods that contain a lot of junk. Choose fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole-grain pasta, rice, and bread, unrefined sugar, and sea salt. These are healthier choices and are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Fill your diet with fruits and vegetables, especially those deep in color which contain more nutrients.Make it accessible that you can snack on it when you’re hungry. Don’t forget to drink lots of clean and pure water to flush out toxins.

Tip # 4: Never deprive or overindulge yourself.

Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast and have at least 3 meals a day. This ensures you’re adequately nourished throughout the day and helps you avoid binging on your next meal. You can even have snacks like fruits or crackers in between meals to curb your hunger. Small frequent meals are better for your digestive system than overeating.

Tip # 5: Make a Food Journal.

Write what you’ve eaten after every meal and what you plan to eat. This can also serve as your grocery list that you must stick to, so you can avoid getting unhealthy foods. Keeping a food journal helps you keep tabs on yourself.

With these simple tips, you can now start building your healthy-eating habit. It may be difficult at first but it’ll soon be all worth it!

Do you have other healthy-eating tips? Share them with us! You can also check out 10 Simple Ways to Detox Without Dieting for more of our tips.

Sources:

C., Mary Anne, Lisa Brooks, Tom Viren , Andy Zhang, and et al, eds. “How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits.”wikiHow. N.p.. Web. 6 Dec 2013. <http://www.wikihow.com/Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits>.

Editors of Runner’s World, ed. “6 Ways to Develop Healthy Eating Habits.” active. The Active Network, Inc.. Web. 6 Dec 2013. <http://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/6-ways-to-develop-healthy-eating-habits>.

Forness, Kelly. “10 tips on how to develop healthy eating habits.” Calorie Secrets. N.p., 18 Jul 2012. Web. 6 Dec 2013. <http://www.caloriesecrets.net/10-tips-on-how-to-develop-healthy-eating-habits/>.

Image Courtesy:

Fruit & Vegetable Box” by Ali Karimian, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Re-sized from original

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janavi

Writer, yoga instructor, beauty and fitness expert, Janavi handles different roles in her daily life. After working as a reporter for Times of India for 1 year Janavi is now a freelance writer for many fashion and fitness blogs and writes about yoga, beauty, lifestyle, fitness, nutrition and more. She is also a consultant for various fitness centers in India.