It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which eating plan is optimal for you amidst a landscape of keto/plant based/macros/paleo/low fat/high fat/etc. A great place to start of course is your doctor, especially if you are dealing with health conditions or food allergies/intolerances. It can be really helpful, to at least initially, to follow a structured program.
Shifting your eating habits can be a challenge. You’ll need to buy different types of food; plan when and where you’ll be able to get healthy meals & snacks; and probably change how you deal with stress, boredom, and emotions in general.
Here are 5 ways for you to get started on your new eating plan:
- You might find it helpful to define what you value most: your health or the pleasure of eating junk. Your desire to be healthy must be much stronger than the desire for the enjoyment of foods that ultimately do not serve your health. Keep your reasons front and center in your mind, particularly during the times you are most vulnerable to cravings/unhealthy eating behaviors.
- At least initially, try to keep your mind away from food and eating unless it is a set meal time, meal prep, or meal planning. There is so much beauty in this world, so many interesting things to turn your attention to that are totally divorced from food and eating. This is why having an eating plan can be helpful; trust that you don’t need to “think” so much, and can trust following the dietary program.
- At least initially, do not buy foods you tend to overeat or “binge” on. Consider them Red Light Foods. Saying No once at the grocery store is easier than saying No each time you walk into the kitchen.
- If other people in your home or office enjoy your Red Light Foods, consider asking them to keep them out of sight, at least until you have some momentum with your healthy eating habits. Out of sight, out of mind is the principle here.
- Plan ahead and keep your meals simple. This is especially true if you eat out in restaurants. There is sugar in pretty much everything. If in doubt, ask. If you are avoiding gluten, dairy, grains, vegetable oils…ask what is in your food.
What are some of your tips?