Adjusting To Healthy Eating Takes Time
Adjusting to healthy eating takes time. Our bodies will “speak to us” to let us know how it’s adjusting to our improved changes. This can look like weight loss, improved skin, better digestion, and higher energy levels.
Patience is key as our body needs time to physically adjust to the changes in our diet as well as maintain this new healthy habit. Remember the long-term goal is to make healthy eating a conscious choice, every single day, for prolonged health and well-being.
Having a food journal is a great tool to have as this can provide a sense of accountability and encouragement, allowing us not only to track short-term goals and achievements, but also to note how certain foods make us feel over time. Listening to our body’s signals is key as they are important for achieving whole-person health. Making diet changes can have an impact on our mood and performance and having a food journal is a helpful way to track those changes.
Real change happens when you form new habits in a gradual, healthy way. This could mean having a grocery list and meal plan for each week. Meal prepping can help prevent those instances when you’re super hungry and don’t have the patience to cook. It also ensures you have healthy food on hand to sustain your healthy eating goals.
Enforcing a strict mind-set around food may have the opposite effect than you intend, such as making you feel as if healthy eating is something you “have to do” instead of “want to do.” Allowing yourself to indulge in foods you consider a “treat” can be really rewarding if you have the right mind-set.
Healthy eating is a long-term lifestyle practice.
Treating yourself occasionally is a great way to ensure both long-term growth and a happy, healthy body. Bring a positive and curious approach to using a food diary, as you don’t want to take food tracking overboard.
Find healthier alternatives for some of your usual snacks/cravings. The long-term goal is to satisfy your sweet (or salty) tooth while helping you stay on track to sustain your healthy habits.
Plain Coconut or Almond yogurt with your favorite fruits as a swap for a scoop of ice cream
Thin slices of sweet potato baked in coconut oil and a sprinkle of sea salt to satisfy your potato chip cravings
By holding yourself accountable, listening to your body, and consulting with nutrition and health experts, you can set these new habits and transform your body to look and feel your best.
The possibilities are truly endless.