Are you the person who every year swears that this is the year they are going to eat healthy and get in shape, but by February you’re back to your old habits? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most Americans give up on this resolution and just choose to come back around to it next year. Don’t let that be you this year! Reaching your health and fitness goals are possible, and you don’t have to give up all your favorite foods to do so. Life is all about balance, and your diet is no different. Here are some tips to help you stick to a healthy diet all year long.
1. Find Your Motivation. Whether it is a couple of pounds you want to lose, or just want to feel more energetic throughout the day, find what motivates you to keep you making healthy choices, even when all you want is to binge eat some fast food. A great way to keep yourself motivated is to write your goals on a whiteboard or post it and hang it up on your fridge or in your kitchen.
2. Make Small Changes. Don’t quit all “unhealthy” food cold turkey. If you completely get rid of all the foods that were once in your diet, you are more likely to give into your cravings and binge on junk food. Instead, start small by making some healthy swaps, switch your soda for water, or your morning bacon for some eggs. Try to make one new change every week and soon enough all those little changes will add up to big differences.
3. Stay Hydrated. As simple as it sounds, staying hydrated can play a huge role in clean eating and diet maintenance. The more water you drink, the less likely you are to overeat, which can be a big problem for many of us. Staying hydrated can also have additional benefits, such as clear glowing skin, increased energy level, and even better sleep! Who wouldn’t want that?
4. Mix It Up. Many people stray from their diet plans because they become bored of eating the same dull foods all the time. However, food can be both nourishing and fun! Enjoy eating pizza? Try making homemade pizza with a cauliflower based crust and loading it with tons of different veggies. Variety can be key to sticking to a diet, so don’t be afraid to always try new recipes to keep it interesting.
5. Treat Yourself. Now the advice we’ve all been waiting for: eat that piece of cake. It’s not just okay, but actually recommended that you treat yourself every now and then, as long as it is in moderation. Whether it is cutting a smaller slice of cake, or using a smaller bowl for ice cream, killing your sweet tooth with a small treat helps avoid the risk of over indulging later on.
Now that you have these helpful tips, you will be sure to kill all your New Year’s Resolutions to transform your lifestyle and diet to a healthy and more fulfilling one.
