Lifestyle

Healthy Eating Check…

Back in January I wrote about New Year’s resolutions and the changing of routines. So now that the month is ending, I wanted to check in. Have you stuck to your resolutions?

A common goal for many people in the New Year was to become healthier. People vowed to cut out chocolate and junk food from their diet, eat organic food and drink more water. However, by the 2nd week of January, people were off the wagon, munching on packs of yum-yums and popping in to Maccy D’s for some large fries. Woopsie Daisy.

Once off track, many people feel disheartened and give up on their goals; however, I have 5 simple steps to get you back on track and eating healthy.

1. Don’t cut out, cut down.

Saying you are going to, for example, cut out chocolate from your diet when you have been eating 5 bars every week for the past 3 years is a pretty big challenge. Start small and work towards that goal. Why not cut down to eating 2 bars every week, and when you feel accomplished in that, then try to cut 2 down to 1. You are more likely to achieve the larger goal of significantly reducing your chocolate intake if you work towards it steadily.

2. Buy wisely.

Ever noticed that you eat what is available? The crisps and popcorn stowed away in your snack drawer? You know what I’m talking about! Don’t fill up your kitchen with them. If you don’t see them, you can’t eat them. Buying wisely will make eating healthier easier!

3. Carry a water bottle with you.

Yes, yes, I know it can be heavy but it’s much better than forking out £1.50 for a drink in the canteen! Plus, you’ll be less likely to buy a sweet/fizzy drink as you already have something to quench your thirst with you! Simply having a bottle with in your bag will encourage more consumption of the delightful H20.

4. Make home cooked food more often.

As much as eating out is fun (no need to cook or clean up- yay!), you are less in control of what is being put into your dish. At home, you decide, what type of oil you use for example, the quantities of ingredients you put in, and your portion size. This control will help you monitor what you are ingesting and allow you to stay focused and on track.

5. If you sway off the path, don’t worry!

There are bound to be a few bumps in the road but this will make your eventual success even sweeter as you overcame obstacles! So forget about 3 weeks that you’ve binged on take-out and just continue with your goal of eating healthier. As Aaliyah once said, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again’.

by Halima