12 tips to eat healthy and make living easier
It’s a common refrain: “I want to eat healthy, but I’m always so busy, tired, or simply not in the mood.” Let’s be honest, we’ve all echoed these sentiments at some point. We strive to simplify healthy living for ourselves, and we encourage you to do the same.
Below, we’ve compiled 12 tips to streamline your journey to be able to eat healthy and have a better life.
(Oh, and by the way, a healthy lifestyle encompasses far more than what’s depicted in the included images. Just a friendly reminder.)
01. Make mealtime easier by freezing extra portions for those days when cooking feels burdensome
Instead of resorting to takeout or microwave meals as a daily routine, plan ahead by cooking additional servings when you’re feeling somewhat inclined. Stock your freezer with a variety of homemade meals so you can easily choose a nutritious option when cooking isn’t on the agenda, but you do want to eat healthy.
Many people often cook extra for dinner to ensure leftovers for the following day. This way, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time, keeping both you and your body satisfied.
02. Optimize your mornings by preparing breakfasts the night before
Consider options like overnight oats, chia pudding, or prepping cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit. Preparing your breakfast ingredients in advance not only saves time but also encourages you to enjoy the nutritious breakfast you’ve prepared. Remember, proper preparation sets the stage for success!
03. Maintain a stash of nutritious snacks at home to combat cravings
When hunger strikes, having wholesome options readily available prevents reaching for less nourishing choices. To be able to eat healthy, aim for snacks that provide a balanced combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized longer.
Nutrient-rich options like nuts, fruits, raw vegetables, or a protein-rich salad can help sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Here’s a tasty suggestion: try sliced apple paired with peanut butter sprinkled with a touch of sea salt for a delightful snack!
04. Declutter your refrigerator
Ensure clear visibility of nutritious items by arranging them prominently. Group together foods that complement each other, providing added motivation to indulge in healthy snacks or meals, especially during uninspired moments. And just a quick disclaimer: no, our fridge doesn’t look like that. Hopefully, yours doesn’t either, haha.
05. Incorporate vegetables into meals beyond dinner
Boost your fiber and vitamin intake to keep your body happy. Meeting the recommended 250 grams of vegetables at dinner can be challenging. Instead of struggling with this task every evening, make it easier by integrating vegetables into other meals.
To eat healty, whether it’s via a snack, part of your lunch, or even incorporated into breakfast, spreading them throughout the day ensures you meet your vegetable quota without overwhelming any single meal.
06. Tune into how your body responds to different foods
Discover which foods energize and uplift you. While a sandwich may be satisfying for some, it might not suit others. Pay attention to how long certain foods keep you full, whether they provide an energy boost or a slump, and if they truly satisfy your taste buds.
Eat healthy foods that genuinely fulfill your cravings rather than settling for poor substitutes, which may lead to overeating without addressing satiety. By gaining insight into how different foods affect you, you’ll be better equipped to make choices that leave you feeling your best!
07. Indulge in treats to avoid feelings of deprivation
Strict rules and restrictions often trigger cravings for forbidden foods, occupying your thoughts and potentially leading to overindulgence or binge-eating beyond satisfaction. This undue focus on less nutritious options strips away the joy of enjoying these treats, leaving behind a sense of guilt rather than satisfaction.
Sometimes, it’s better to satisfy that craving for chocolate and move on with your day. Additionally, when extreme hunger tempts you to indulge in less nutritious options, remind yourself to prioritize to eat healthy via a balanced, nourishing meal or snack first.
In many instances, such cravings stem from normal hunger and dissipate after consuming a satisfying meal or snack. Challenge beliefs like “I shouldn’t…” to cultivate a healthier relationship with food.
08. Eat healthy by prioritizing adequate protein and fat intake in your meals and snacks
Including sufficient protein and healthy fats in your diet promotes prolonged satiety, preventing energy crashes shortly after eating. Protein sources such as dairy, meat, legumes, tofu, eggs, and nuts are excellent choices, with nuts also providing beneficial unsaturated fatty acids.
Eat healthy by incorporating fats from sources like avocado, oil, seeds, and nuts helps sustain fullness. A protein-rich breakfast, like protein waffles or cottage cheese with baked apple, can stave off mid-morning energy dips and cravings, keeping you satisfied for several hours.
09. Prepare a post-exercise snack or meal in advance
Whether you experience post-exercise hunger or not, having a nutritious snack or meal ready after your workout is essential. Some individuals mistakenly believe they must ‘earn’ food through exercise, potentially leading to overeating.
Listen to your body’s hunger cues and nourish it. Eat healthy by eating a balanced snack containing carbohydrates and protein to support recovery, regardless of whether you feel hungry immediately after exercise or not.
10. Prioritize quality sleep for optimal well-being
Inadequate sleep disrupts eating patterns by elevating the hunger hormone ghrelin, prompting cravings for quick carbohydrates to boost energy levels. Additionally, reduced sleep often leads to decreased physical activity as the body conserves energy.
Insufficient rest can trigger unhealthy eating behaviors that compromise overall health. Therefore, ensuring adequate and restorative sleep is paramount for maintaining optimal health.
11. Foster community through cooking
For those who find cooking tedious, consider joining forces with others to make meal preparation more enjoyable. Collaborating on nutritious meal ideas and sharing recipes can transform cooking into a social and rewarding experience.
Cooking together not only eases the burden but also fosters camaraderie. If cooking with a friend, prepare double batches to share and enjoy when you eat healthy leftovers together.
12. Focus on long-term well-being
Visualize how you want to feel in the future and strive to maintain that sense of well-being. Remind yourself of the pleasure of relaxation, nourishing meals, and regular exercise. Recognize that prioritizing your health is an act of self-respect, something you deserve regardless of external expectations.
To eat healthy and making good lifestyle choices are gifts you give yourself, contributing to your overall well-being and vitality.
