10 Healthy Eating Habits to Adopt

As we know, a habit can be either good or bad and can certainly become a way of life. It is up to us to choose whether or not we want healthy eating habits incorporated to our daily lives.

When we view healthy eating habits as a choice and not something that has been forced upon us, we have the power to incorporate those healthy eating habits into the next year. With power and freedom to choose, healthy eating habits can simply be our everyday eating habits and not something we will ever have to think about again.

1. Add something new to your diet

Sometimes we think that dieting is all about taking something out of your diet. However, if you try to add something new to your diet every day, you will not feel as though you are missing anything. Try a new fruit or vegetable that you have never tried before.

2. Eat a good breakfast 

Partaking in a good breakfast high in fiber and incorporating whole grains will keep you full and fit for the entire day. If you are concerned about cholesterol, an egg white frittata can fill the bill.

3. Snack yourself to healthy

Often times, we look to decrease our intake of calories and forget that the point of staying healthy is not to starve ourselves but to nourish ourselves. Snacking in-between meals (healthy snacking of course) is the way to keep your metabolism up and running.

4. Increase your fluid Intake

For some women, water does not go down very well. Try different variations of liquid beverages until you find the one that is right for you. Sometimes simply adding fruits such as orange, lemon, or lime to your water will give you the added flavor you desire. Even green tea with honey added to it can make the difference. 

5. Mix it up a little bit 

If you get bored with salad, feel free to be creative. Creating a different salad for every day of the week is easy when you mix it up a little bit. Adding things like hard-boiled eggs, broiled chicken, garbanzo beans and anything else you can think of can give the standard salad a pick-me-up. Cranberries and oranges are wonderful additions to a tossed salad.

6. Watch the clock

Be aware of time management when it comes to healthy eating habits. Once you have finished dinner, have whatever snack or cup of tea that you desire shortly thereafter. It’s even ok to have hot cocoa once in a while, but be sure not to have anything at all too close to bedtime.

7. A little preparation goes a long way 

By preparing a few simple items on a Sunday afternoon, you can make your healthy eating habits a breeze. An egg white vegetable quiche can be sliced into smaller portions and eaten for breakfast on the go during the week. Broiling a chicken breast and adding tomato, lettuce, and fat-free mayo can be lunch two to three times per week. This will help you resist the urge to buy something “quick” on the run. It is healthy and you prepared it. You save time, money, and eat healthy all at the same time.

8. Do not deprive yourself 

Everyone craves a treat once in a while so do not deprive yourself. Just be picky about what you choose. Denying yourself will only make you eat the whole pie instead of just a piece. Dark chocolate is a healthy treat that offers mood boosters and important vitamins and minerals. It does not hurt that it tastes great too.

9. Incorporate exercise into your healthy eating habits

While exercise is not a healthy eating habit, one without the other just will not work. Exercise does not have to be something you dive into at full speed. Starting off slowly, perhaps power walking with a friend, is all the momentum you will need to get and keep this healthy habit in place.

10. Grab a partner

Sometimes when we set off to do something alone, we find it hard to keep motivated. Incorporating a healthy eating habit partner into your plan will allow you to have someone you have to be accountable to as well.

By incorporating these 10 healthy eating habits into your daily routine, you will see how fast these habits become second nature.