Ready to commit to eating better? Include these tips in your plan.
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions each year includes committing to eating healthier. If this resolution is on your upcoming to-do list, don’t wait until January 1st to figure out how you’re going to make it happen.
One of the best ways to be successful when it comes to eating healthier, losing weight or adopting any healthy lifestyle habit is to make a plan. Many people start the New Year off with good intentions, but without a plan, enthusiasm quickly wanes and you may find yourself without the tools to stick with your resolution.
“The key to a healthy eating plan is getting well rounded, nutrient-filled, portion controlled meals and snacks. Remember that fad diets, lose weight quick schemes or any meal plans that completely eliminate entire food groups are usually not healthy or possible to maintain. Focus on getting more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and legumes, and on limiting the intake of highly processed, high sugar, and high-fat foods.”
-Desiree D. Lafleur, RD, LDN, Nutritional and Diabetic Education
Take some time now to think about what you’ll need to do to eat healthier, not only on January 1st but long after that date has come and gone. Here are a few tips that can help:
- Plan and write. Plan your meals in advance and make a shopping list of what you need before you head to the store. Sticking to a list helps you avoid impulsive purchases and better ensures you have what you need to make healthy meals.
- Eat mindfully. Slow down and pay attention to what you eat so you can enjoy each bite and recognize when you are full. This not only enhances your experience with food but can help with weight loss, too.
- Keep a food journal. Journaling helps keep you accountable and makes you more aware of what you eat throughout the day. Be honest as you write things down. Make a note of how you’re feeling or what you’re doing when you start to go off track.
- Don’t skip snacks. Snacks can fit into a healthy eating plan and may keep you from overeating at meals. Just don’t confuse snacks with treats. Opt for wholesome snacks that support your daily nutrition goals and can help keep you satiated like a small handful of nuts and fruit, an ounce of cheese and raw vegetables or natural peanut butter on a rice cake.
- Avoid restrictive diets. It’s easier to stick with an eating plan that makes no foods or food groups off limits. Portion control is key when it comes to healthy eating over the long term.
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Date Last Reviewed: October 9, 2019
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Nora Minno, RD, CDN
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