We all start with the very best intentions. Shopping cart loaded with kale, healthy eating cookbooks freshly piled up in the kitchen, and a promise that this will be the time where we eat clean and stay eating clean. But between cravings, social events, a lack of planning and busy schedules, old habits creep back up at speed.
The good news is that making healthy behaviours stick is very doable with a few smart tweaks. Let’s get your new healthy plan off to a great start with these seven simple ways to build habits that actually last:
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Set Your Kitchen Up For Success
A healthy lifestyle starts with a healthy space. Moving on processed snacks and unhealthy foods, and investing in high quality equipment like the best non toxic cookware, can make a big difference. When your kitchen is stocked with beautiful fresh ingredients and safe, high-quality tools, healthy cooking will feel easier and more inviting.
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Keep It Simpler Than Simple
Healthy eating does not have to mean expensive, complicated recipes. Sticking to simple, flavourful, quick recipes, like this coconut chickpea dhal, makes eating clean manageable and much less overwhelming day to day.
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Snack Smarter
Unhealthy snacking can lead to weight gain, sugar crashes, and other health issues. However, healthy snacking can help keep your energy levels and blood sugar levels steady. Having a range of healthy snacks like chopped veggies, homemade hummus, yogurt and fruit etc means you’re so much less likely to grab the chips or chocolate when the hunger pangs hit.
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Become A Meal Prep Expert
Getting used to meal prepping is such a great habit if you want to stick to clean eating. Making a big batch of healthy soup that you can portion out and freeze will have you set for a nutritious, comforting supper in a cinch on evenings you’re short on time.
Getting lean proteins and healthy sauces premade can help you box up yummy work lunches that keep your diet and bank balance looking healthier. It takes some getting used to, but meal prepping is a fantastic long-term habit that helps you eat clean in a more affordable and convenient way.
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Create Some ‘Old Faithfuls’
Having meals you know you can rely on to be quick, delicious and healthy is so important when you’re struggling to stick to your new habits. Maybe it’s a yummy peanut butter and banana smoothie, or a one pot sticky sweet and sour stir fry that the whole family loves – whatever your go-to’s are, having a mental menu of options keeps you from falling into the takeout trap.
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Hydrate Like You’re A Raisin Who Wants To Be A Grape
Hydration is the key to healthy eating because it staves off hunger, helping you to avoid making bad hasty eating choices. It also helps to keep your whole system working well, supporting mental and physical performance, preventing nasty lows that could encourage emotional eating. Guzzle that water down!
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Celebrate The Journey
Healthy eating habits can take a long time to become, well, habits. It is so important you remain kind to yourself and celebrate those small wins. Even if you completely fall off the wagon one day, the next day is a chance to start fresh.
This is a journey, and every single act of healthy consumption is a step closer to a healthier, happier you.
Simple routines, self kindness and a few tweaks here and there can lead you to making and keeping healthy eating habits, to the benefit of your body, your mind and the health of your family too!
