Are you making New Year resolutions for healthier living?
It’s natural to think about everything you want to change. Diet and weight loss are typically on top of the list. But when it comes to eating habits, making changes requires a thoughtful approach. After all, some practices are good, and some are not so healthy.
It’s never too late to make improvements.
Reflect on the trigger that
may cause unhealthy eating.
Uncovering good and bad eating habits takes time. First, keep a food diary and list the food and beverages you eat, how you feel, and where you eat the food.
Then highlight eating habits you’d like to change. For example, maybe your portions are too large, or you eat when you aren’t hungry.
Next, create a list of “food cues” that might trigger unwanted eating. Common triggers might be sitting in the office breakroom where snacks are easy to grab or being too hungry when you arrive home at night before dinner.
Trade unhealthy habits for new ones.
Suppose you eat too quickly or too much in front of the TV. Make a goal to measure portions ahead of the meal and eat away from the TV. Minimizing distractions while eating is essential to feel satisfied with smaller portions.
Another essential strategy this New Year that may help you eat healthier meals is meal planning. Meal planning helps to ensure you’re eating a variety of healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables.
FOR EXAMPLE:
01
No time for breakfast? Make a few jars of these Avocado Banana Overnight Oats for an easy-to-grab breakfast all week.
02
Skip the vending machine for your mid-day snack and bring a portion of guacamole and chips to work
03
For dinner, shop ahead for this easy Avocado Citrus Salmon dinner with a tossed green salad so it’s ready to prepare once you arrive home.
Avocados are healthy.
One-third of a medium avocado (50 grams) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Support new healthy habits by planning for setbacks.
Sometimes it takes a while before changes become part of your daily routine. You will hit roadblocks. Greet each day this New Year as a new chance to make better choices. Remind yourself why you want to be healthier and plan to avoid setbacks. Think of healthy ways to eat when traveling or dining out, like looking at the restaurant menu ahead of time and packing healthy snacks while on the road. And when times get tough, try enlisting a friend for help.
For more delicious meal ideas and creative plans for healthier eating in the New Year, check out more recipes here.
