Eating Healthy is Hard

Yea, it's true. If it weren't, we'd all be doing it.

To go from eating junk food since you were a child, to consuming too much alcohol, skipping meals, not drinking water etc. to suddenly changing your diet to healthier choices is hard. Change is hard. Period. No one wants to do it, but we know it needs to be done.

I never tell my clients to "eat healthier" because what does that mean to them? A million thoughts are already going through their head and its overwhelming.

You have to start off simple, so easy that you can start with a small change and take it day by day, with each small step contributing to your overall success.


Here are 10 tips to eating healthier:

      1. Add veggies and protein to what you already eat.

Do you have a big plate of pasta and tomato sauce for dinner that you love to enjoy? You don't have to part with it just yet. Add your favourite vegetables (e.g tomatoes, bell peppers) to it and some protein (e.g beans, meat). You'll find that the dish will actually taste BETTER with all those different flavours added into the mix. Plus you'll feel fuller longer and feel accomplished that you were able to increase your nutrition without doing much at all.


      2. Choose better options at fast food places

To tell yourself you're going to stop eating out when you eat out often is unrealistic. Start with making better choices first. For instance, if you always order a beef burger, get a chicken one instead and drink water instead of pop.


      3. Focus on one change at a time

The more things you try to change at once the less likely you will change at all. For instance, this week focus on adding veggies to your main meals only. Once you are consistent with it for a week or more, move onto something else you'd like to change. Try to choose the one with the biggest impact.


      4. Easily find healthier recipes

I think this one is simple. There are so many healthy recipes out there and with the internet and our phones, it's that much easier. Here are some websites:

•  http://realhealthyrecipes.com/ 
• www.cookinglight.com
• http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/category/healthy

You'll find that the unhealthy recipes you usually enjoy can be made into healthy recipes that are equally just as tasty!

      5. Go grocery shopping and fill your cart with quality whole foods

It starts with what you have in your kitchen. If it's filled with junk, you're going to eat junk. You're environment shapes you. Go to the store with a list so you have a plan you don't deviate from. Start in the produce section first (the outer perimeter) before you move onto getting anything else.


      6. Stay consistent

None of it matters if you are not able to stay consistent with what you're doing. Consistency is key. However, if you have a bad day, don't be discouraged and give up because every day is a chance to start over.


      7. Influence others and surround yourself with positive people

This one may be more challenging and it's not something you have to do right away but it makes a difference. When others see you eating healthy and putting in an effort, it's almost contagious. When you start getting results, you'll start influencing others around you even more. Make sure you're surrounded by people who support you and are positive. Distance yourself from negativity as much as you can.

      8. Don't make food the enemy

You can still eat what you want, you have control over what you still like and dislike. Don't force yourself to do something you don't want to because you'll be less likely to commit to it (e.g crash diets).

       9. This is now a lifestyle change

The more you realize that the better. This is not a quick fad or something you'll do to lose weight before a big event. This is something you need to now implement into your lifestyle so you have long term results. But don't worry, this is going to be a challenging but rewarding process!


      10. Enjoy the journey

This is not going to happen over night. You are going to make mistakes and you're going to do things you "shouldn't", but you are also going to make positive changes, you're going to feel better, look better and perform better. Most importantly, you're going to learn.



For more tips and how you can start eating healthy right away, come to my Nutrition Workshop at Orangetheory Fitness on 35 Resolution Road, Brampton Sunday january 15 at 1:30pm-2:30pm for only $10 to drop in.

I hope this helped, please leave me a comment below and have a happy and healthy day! :)