How to eat healthy, consistently!

The secret to being healthy, and in great shape is NOT to go on a diet but to eat nutrient-dense, healthy foods consistently over a long period of time. However, this is something everyone struggles with.

Here are 5 strategies that work well for me.

1. Don’t go down the center aisles.
When I go to the grocery store, I only walk around the “outer perimeter” of the store. I don’t walk down the aisles. The outer perimeter is where the healthy food are kept. Fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, yogurts, and nuts.
The aisles are where all of the boxed and processed stuff is displayed. Don’t go down those aisles and you won’t buy those foods. Don’t buy those foods and they won’t be around for you to eat. Of course, there will be the occasional time that you’ll need to go down an aisle to pick up spices or grab a bottle of olive oil, but don’t get distracted by the fancy packaging and false claims of ‘HEALTHY OPTIONS’.

2. It’s very hard to eat healthy if you’re not cooking 90% of your meals at home.
Once you’ve got your groceries it’s important to use them. Avoid food deliveries from your local restaurants. Also, taking a packed lunch goes a long way to prevent you from eating out. Making large batches of Bolognese or Stews is a great way to always have food to pop in a thermos and take with you.

3. Never have two bad meals in a row.
I enjoy pizza and a beer as much as the next person, but I also know that I feel like crap if I eat it too often.
To prevent me from binging, I have a simple rule that I follow: Whenever I eat an unhealthy meal, I follow it with a healthy one.

4. Put healthy foods in a prominent place.
Keep a bowl of fruits or nuts on the kitchen table or counter. Keep yogurts, and berries on the center shelf of the fridge. When you’re hungry and in a rush, you are more likely to grab the first thing you see.

5. Change your language.
Research shows that a change in language leads to a change in mindset. Saying “I can’t have ice cream” creates a feedback loop that is a reminder of your limitations. It indicates that you’re forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do.
However, “I don’t eat ice cream”, creates a feedback loop that reminds you of your control and power over the situation. It helps you break your bad habits and follow your good ones.

Remember: Regardless of how bad your diet is, you’re only one meal away from turning it all around.