So, I’ve finally decided to get serious about eating healthier. This decision comes after months, maybe even years of a continuous cycle of starting/stopping healthy dieting. I have learned tons of new things since I began this recent journey to a healthier lifestyle. The most important thing to keep in mind is that eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard, it is really all about what approach you take towards it. The right approach, and a bit of self-discipline can take you a long way when it comes to changing your eating habits.
There are two important things to remember when considering changing your eating habits. First and foremost, remember to transition into eating healthy at your own pace. I failed miserably in the past trying to eat healthier, simply because I tried to rush the entire process. I tried to ditch my poor eating habits over night, instead of gradually weeding certain foods out my diet in exchange for healthier alternatives. I have learned to be patient and pace myself when it comes to changing my diet. For instance, instead of having a sweet tea with my meal (which I love dearly), I’ll opt for water instead. Or substituting white rice, for brown rice. Now, I know that sounds super basic, but taking baby steps and being consistent can seriously make all the difference.
Secondly, choose food options and diets that work best for YOU. I can’t tell you how easy it is to fall into the notion that you have to become a vegetarian or vegan or whatever in order to feel like you’re being healthy “the right way”. That idea is far from the truth! Everyone has different goals and end results in mind when it comes to changing their diet and eating habits. For me, I started to feel super convicted eating certain foods, simply because I was fully aware of the consequences eating these toxic foods had on my body. “When you know better, you do better”, and being aware was the driving force that encouraged me to change my diet.
I’m in the early phase of my journey to healthy eating, so my eating habits are far from perfect! Seriously, I have way more “cheat days” that I’d like to admit, but I’m taking baby steps in the right direction. Ditching fast food, and how much I eat out are the first major changes I have made. I have been cooking a lot of meals at home, instead of eating out so much. Not only have I started feeling less guilty about what I’m eating, I’m also saving some coins! I am looking forward to sharing these yummy healthy recipes with you all. Remember, this whole “healthy eating” thing doesn’t have to be hard, and you can still eat amazing dishes without compromising your health.
xo, Taylor.
Photo credit: John Hopkins Medicine
Amen to picking a personalized diet!
It’s taken time, but I’ve finally accepted there are some foods I just don’t like–and there are others that don’t fit my natural grazing habits.
For example, I can’t eat celery as a snack. I’ve tried, it doesn’t work. But a handful of almonds is great for tiding me over between meals.
Great post. Looking forward to reading more.