ESPEating healthier often begins with a long list of things we think we’re supposed to give up. No more sweets. No more chips. No more fast food. No wonder changing our eating habits can feel like punishment. Instead, try turning the idea around:
What nutritious food could you add to what you already eat? Do you grab a quick bowl of cereal in the morning? Add some berries or a banana to breakfast. Planning your dinner? Add another vegetable on your dinner plate. Looking for an afternoon boost? Grab an apple for your afternoon snack. Here are some other suggestions:
• Swap one highly processed snack a day for fruit, nuts, yogurt, vegetables with hummus or another whole-food option.
• Put something colorful on your plate. Don’t worry about completely rebuilding the meal. Add tomatoes to your sandwich, berries to breakfast, spinach to your eggs or another vegetable to dinner.
• Make water your first choice once a day. Pick one time when you normally reach for soda, sweet tea or another sugary drink and choose water instead.
• Give breakfast a protein boost. Eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts or nut butter can make a familiar breakfast more satisfying without requiring a whole new routine.
The key to success is to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Wash fruit when you bring it home, keep nuts where you can see them, cut up vegetables ahead of time or keep a few easy healthy foods ready to grab.
