Tips to Keep You Motivated to Eat Healthy

Ok, so you’ve decided to take the plunge and start eating healthy. However, the process hasn’t been easy; right? That’s because life gets in the way!

Yes, anytime you decide to rid yourself of a bad habit and start a new one, it seems that the universe will put as many obstacles in your path, as possible. It’s as if you’re being challenged in your conviction and determination. But, don’t get discouraged and give up. At this point, you will need to really focus on all of the benefits that come with eating healthy: lower risk of chronic diseases such as: high-blood pressure and diabetes; improved immune system to help fight some cancers and viruses.

Living a life of healthy eating takes true determination and willpower; this isn’t a life habit for wimps. There’s much in our society to keep us from staying committed to a healthy eating lifestyle. We’re bombarded with advertisements of fast foods, which seem to be the answer to our hectic lives. Heck, who wants to spend a lot of time preparing a meal, after working all day, when it’s just as easy to grab a BigMac or a KFC bucket. However, those ads don’t reveal the real truth of the potential health problems that may come along with a daily dose of fast foods.

Remember, as the saying goes: ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.’ So, put one foot in front of the other and continue your journey to a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips to help keep you motivated and stay on track:

• Don’t give up! Stay focused on your goal and the health benefits of eating healthy.
• Reward yourself – Eating healthy one day is an accomplishment. If you’ve managed to eat healthy a whole week, why not reward yourself with another scoop of ice cream or 1 extra cookie. Moderation is key to healthy eating, and the race is won by those who are persistent and consistent.
• Challenge yourself – Make a plan to complete 30 days of healthy eating. Once you’ve met the goal, try for 60 days, then 90. You’ll be surprised!
• Get a coach – Recruit a friend, loved one, or co-worker to help you in your quest to eat healthy.
• Learn to say no – Don’t be afraid to decline foods that are overly sweet and loaded with calories. Remind yourself that everything that tastes good to you isn’t necessarily good for you.
• Eat small – even when you’re tempted to eat foods that you shouldn’t, try to train yourself to eat those foods in smaller portions.