Welcome to a new calendar year! How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits is a wonderful approach to improving your overall health. As well as experience increased energy on a daily basis.
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One reason people fear a diet change is the feeling of being hungry; 10 Ways to Curb Hunger Pains Naturally will help you transition from the typical American diet to purposeful eating.
New beginnings are a wonderful time to start choosing healthy eating habits. It can be a new week, new month, new year, whatever works for you. Just getting over an illness can motivate a change in diet and lifestyle.
First we’ll look at the importance of healthy eating habits. Following closely behind the importance of eating habits is developing a healthy relationship with food. Both are critical for motivation and a positive attitude to develop healthy eating habits.
The Importance of Healthy Eating Habits
One way we can control our health is by what we feed our bodies. Healthy eating habits help us in many ways. Six specific benefits of practicing healthy eating habits are as follows:
- Weight management
- Gives us more sustainable energy
- Keep unhealthy cravings away
- Improves are brain function and brain health
- Reduces the risk of disease and cancer
- Gives us a positive perspective towards food and eating
“A new survey revealed that 60% of Americans want to feel healthier and 51% want to lose weight by exercising and changing their diets, including trying to eat more plant-based.”
Read More: Survey: 50% Of Americans Want to Lose Weight and Feel Healthier | https://thebeet.com/survey-half-of-americans-want-to-feel-healthier-and-lose-weight-in-2021/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
People have developed a desire to keep a healthy weight and eat well to begin feeling healthier. The hardest part is where to begin with making those healthy eating habits.
Healthy Relationship with Food
It does seem strange to use the word relationship with food. We NEED food every day for our bodies to survive and healthy food for our bodies to thrive. How we view and think about food is vitally important. Our relationship with food guides our everyday choices.
Food is Fuel. Food feeds our cells that ultimately determine our health. Our bodies need healthy fuel to fight disease and sustain energy for our busy life.
Vegetables are Beautiful. We can train our minds and bodies to see the beauty in vegetables. The colors, flavors and textures are all something our body naturally craves. Unnatural cravings such as sugar, salt and caffeine taint our view of healthful food.
Flexibility with Food. Our favorite health foods might not be available year round. Try new flavors and textures. Giving yourself permission to try new foods or even eat vegetables that may not be your first preference which allows for more flexibility in your diet.
Healthy Balance. Yikes! What is considered balanced eating to one person is another’s person excuse. A healthy balance with our eating allows for us to eat for function AND pleasure. Typically, if you aim to consume 80% nutrient dense food and 20% less semi-nutritious food you will be able to maintain good health. (If you have food intolerances or inflammation triggers, avoid those 100% of the time.)
It’s always good to keep in mind that we are all made differently. My body may love raw spinach in my smoothie and yours prefer lightly steamed spinach. Even if we all ate the same foods every single day, we would not look and feel the same.
Once you learn how to develop healthy eating habits you can continue on your journey to better health.
How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits
It’s simple yet complicated. Humans are often referred to as “creatures of habit”. We can chose habits that damage our body or habits that build up our body.
The goal for this article is to encourage action with developing healthy lifestyle choices, specifically with our food choices. Each eating habit is attainable and practical for multi stages of life.
As with most healthy lifestyle changes, it’s easier done with accountability and support. If possible seek out an accountability partner to make eating habit changes together. Encourage family members and friends to jump on board with you.
Let’s jump in with practical habits to get you on a fantastic health journey. Improving your health is worth being mindful of your eating habits.
7 Practical Tips for Developing Healthy Eating Habits
- Food Goes on a Plate. It’s much easier to get a visual on our food choices and quantities by eating meals off of a plate. When a plate is not convenient, try using 8 oz, Wide Mouth Half-Pint Glass Mason Jars. Glass jars allow you to see your food and aid in eating the right portion size. Another alternative for eating away from home is LunchBots Container – Divided Stainless Steel Food Container – Eco-Friendly.
- Skip Multi Tasking While Eating. Taking a few minutes to eat and enjoy your meal is helpful in many ways. You register exactly what you ate and how much you ate. Your brain needs to focus on one thing when it comes to eating. The results are better digestion and less likely to overeat.
- Eat Slowly. When we begin eating, our body releases a hormone that signals when we’re hungry and when we’re full. By eating slower you can give your body time to realize your appetite has been satiated.
- Plan and Prepare Meals. Planning allows for eating with a purpose. You can make sure you get the necessary protein, vitamins and minerals in your diet by preparing your own meals.
- Stock your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Set yourself up for success by purchasing whole food and creating your meals at home. Experiment with different types of meat and vegetable combinations. Whole food can be fun and very satiating.
- Practice mindful eating. Paying attention to what you consume is a beneficial habit. While you eat slowly, you can appreciate all the nutrients you are providing your body.
- Appreciate the beauty in the food before you. Look at all the colors and flavors of fresh food. Stop and appreciate the work that went into growing it or raising it.
Healthy Eating Habits Reading List
Read more about how and why to practice mindful eating. Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food
Interested in growing your own food? How to Grow Your Own Food: An Illustrated Beginner’s Guide to Container Gardening
Begin cooking with whole foods: The Whole Foods Cookbook: 120 Delicious and Healthy Plant-Centered Recipes
Quit Craving Sugar: Sugar Brain Fix: The 28-Day Plan to Quit Craving the Foods That Are Shrinking Your Brain and Expanding Your Waistline
Start Today!
Now that you know how to develop healthy eating habits, your body will appreciate the nourishment and additional benefits.
Begin today with planning what you’d like to eat this week. When you buy vegetables, take in their beautiful colors and nutritional value. One area I can struggle with is eating slowly! Next time you sit down to eat, commit to eating slowly and being mindful of the food you are consuming.
You’re off to a wonderful beginning of developing lifelong healthy eating habits! For more health challenges, check out the 21 Week Ultimate Health Challenge!
Pursing Better Health Together,