I know a lot of people want to be healthier, but often it is finding the motivation to start that is the problem.
Also, I think a lot of people think it is going to be very expensive. If you choose to eat 100% organic etc, I agree it can be expensive, but just to make a few sensible changes, it doesn't have to break the bank. Especially with supermarkets such as Aldi doing such good deals on fruit and vegetables.
Here are my top five tips for starting to eat healthier without a whole lot of effort:
1. Avoid the word diet
What I am talking about here isn't a diet, it is a lifestyle change. I believe the word diet has negative connotations. It conjures up images of weighing food, restricting everything and feeling hungry all the time. For me, healthy eating should be about feeling better not worse. Also, a diet has an end time. Healthy eating as a lifestyle choice doesn't. Being healthier is the goal, not losing a couple of pounds.
2. Eat smaller portions
A good way to be healthier is to not over eat. Most people eat portions that are too big without even realising it. And how often do you keep eating once you feel full just because there is still food on your plate? A good way to combat this is to use a smaller plate. A large plate with a small portion on can look like you aren't getting much, whereas a smaller plate that is full visually looks the same, but you won't feel stuffed after your meal.
This will also help reduce costs as you aren't using as much food.
3. 50/25/25 method
If the thought of weighing and measuring food fills you with dread (it does me, I couldn't think of a better way to put me off eating healthily than if I have to weigh every meal!), try the 50/25/25 method.It doesn't have to be exact, but basically, your plate should contain 50% vegetables or salad, 25% lean protein such as chicken or fish and 25% complex carbs such as brown rice or sweet potatoes.
4. Learn to tweak your favourites
For example, if you love pizza, instead of buying one, make your own healthy version. So you could use a wholemeal base, plenty of tomato and a little bit of low fat cheese, then some vegetables as a topping.
5. Have a treat now and again
Firstly, I would say if you are using a reward system to motivate yourself, you shouldn't be using food as a reward, as this builds the wrong relationship with food. Food is fuel for your body, nothing more and using it as a reward makes it something more than that. Try to think of none food related treats - a day at the spa, a bubble bath, a new lipstick, whatever you fancy that's not food.Having said that, there is nothing wrong with having the odd treat. For example, if you are going to a party or a special restaurant, have whatever you want as long as it isn't too often!
After a few weeks of eating better, you will find yourself automatically making the healthy choice, as healthy eating becomes a habit in the same way that eating junk food became a habit.
Good luck!
Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments :)
