At FitStar we’re focused on making positive change – we want everyone to live the healthy and happy life they deserve. Committing to a fitness plan is only part of the process, though, and making sure your nutrition is supporting your new lifestyle is key. Could you lose weight exercising while eating nothing but cake and burgers? Probably, if you were a calorie counting wizard. But we’re not Gandolf the Great Calorie Master. We’re normal people who sometimes fall off a healthy horse and need a Real Food Reboot, right?
So, get a piece of paper. Just kidding, open up a task list on your phone and jot these healthy tips down.
#1 – Clean House
Go through your pantry, freezer, fridge (and, if alcohol is a major part of your life, cocktail/wine/beer cabinet) and really clean it up. Is the bag of Doritos giving you an evil grin? What about the chocolate bars you store in your freezer “just in case”? If you have “trigger food” in your house that causes you to spiral out of control, give it away, or physically move it so it’s no longer a taunting and tantalizing temptress. We know someone who keeps beer in their basement so it’s not cold and easy to grab right out of the fridge. That might be extreme for you – but really focus on keeping only the foods and beverages you know you’ll feel good about consuming.
#2 – Plan a Weekly Menu
So you’ve gotten rid of your old standbys – no longer can you whip up a box of mac and cheese product and call it dinner. Your next step? Grab a couple cookbooks, check out our Fuel archive, pull up some excellent cooking blogs and write down a few recipes and meal ideas that will get you through the next few days or week. Write down breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snack and sweets ideas. Don’t get too crazy – maybe plan to make a big omelette or batch of granola to eat three mornings over the course of the week. Or count on having big salads at lunch packed with healthy fats and proteins. Look up some recipes that can be made ahead like these Crockpot Turkey Meatballs that yield multiple meals.
#3 – Grocery Shop and Restock
Once you’ve made room for the good stuff, and have a menu plan for a few days or a week, go get those goodies! You’ve selected the recipes you want to make, the dishes you’re going to rely on for the next few days, so make a shopping list with those items and stick to it at the store. Oh, and these tips can help you make the most of your trip to the market.
#4 – Get On Board with Water
Water is the #1 beverage to boost your health, so plan on drinking a lot of it from now on. But water doesn’t have to be boring! Add chunks of fresh fruit and veggies to make it more flavorful and interesting. One of our favorite versions is to cut up Meyer lemons and cucumbers for a “Spa Water” feel. Your friends will think you are so healthy. And fancy. (And guess what? You are!)
#5 – Relax and Remember This is Supposed to Be Good (Fun!) For You
There’s a saying that “if you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.” We don’t know who said that, but it’s true. If implementing a healthy lifestyle becomes too stressful or you’re overwhelmed by the rules you’ve set for yourself, you won’t stick to it. Take baby steps to get to where you want to be. We are not talking about a diet that you’re going to do for 30 days, this is life-changing. So take time to investigate, learn and get familiar with what a healthy lifestyle looks like for you. We believe with a little planning and patience you can eat well in five steps or less. And enjoy it!
Have you recently (re)committed to a healthier life? What are the changes you’re making to ensure you enjoy your new lifestyle?
Make it Happen,
– Team FitStar
The post (Re)Starting to Eat Well in Five Steps appeared first on FitStar - Inspiring people to live healthier lives.