A nutritionist’s guide for making healthy changes & sticking with it

Jun 28, 2021

It’s no secret, the food you eat has a direct and powerful impact on your gut health, your energy levels, your sleep, your hormones, and the list goes on! Making healthier choices and including more whole foods (foods closes to their natural state) is going to have a positive effect.  However, even with good intensions, […]

It’s no secret, the food you eat has a direct and powerful impact on your gut health, your energy levels, your sleep, your hormones, and the list goes on! Making healthier choices and including more whole foods (foods closes to their natural state) is going to have a positive effect.  However, even with good intensions, taking on a new way of eating can be daunting.

Hopefully with these six tips, adopting a healthier way of eating will be an easy, enjoyable and long-lasting experience.

1. Stock your kitchen with healthy foods

Sounds simple, right? Because it is. By stocking your kitchen with healthy foods, you’re giving yourself the best chance to make good choices. Fill your fridge and pantry with plenty of foods you enjoy so it’s on hand for when hunger strikes. Opt for fresh, whole foods and less processed/packaged foods.

2. Take it slow

Taking on too much at once will leave you feeling overwhelmed and unhappy. Focus on one or two changes at a time. Master them. Make them a part of your life and feel proud of your progress. Then, make another change. This is more sustainable, and this is how you achieve life-long changes. Perhaps you pick one meal a week to try a new recipe. Or prep your breakfasts for several days in advance.

3. Enjoy healthy, whole food versions of your favourite foods

There is a healthy whole food version of almost every meal you can think of. Removing the junk from your diet doesn’t mean you have to go without. Healthy foods can be just as delicious. Try your hand making it yourself at home, or search for a healthy café or restaurant in your area. Life is far too short to feel deprived or restricted. Focus on making educated decisions and finding healthier alternatives that you enjoy equally, if not more! Warning: along the way you are bound to make a meal that can only be described as an epic fail. This is totally ok and all part of the journey. We learn best from the mistakes we make.

4. Crowd in with the good stuff

The more whole foods you crowd your diet with, the less room there is for junk on your plate and in your stomach. Rather than focussing on the foods you are no longer eating; concentrate on all of the beautiful foods you can enjoy.

5. Let go of perfectionism

When making changes to your diet and lifestyle, it’s important to go about it with a positive mindset. No one gets it right all of the time. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you can take the pressure off yourself. Aim to make better decisions more often, and don’t be so hard on yourself. 

6. Seek professional advice

When making changes to your diet, it’s always a good idea to have a health practitioner supporting you. Seek the advice of a qualified Nutritionist or Naturopath. This is especially important if you have particular health conditions, are on medications or purely want to ensure you go about it in a safe and effective way. 

 

WhatsApp Image 2021 06 21 at 8.55.38 PM

By Erin Bosanquet, Holistic Nutritionist

Other articles you may like …

What the Bloat? Demystifying Bloating and How to Fix It For Good

What the Bloat? Demystifying Bloating and How to Fix It For Good

We've all been there! You munch on something delicious and the next thing you know you feel like you've swallowed a football. Ugh! Now you need to undo the jeans button. And when this happens around friends and colleagues, the embarrassment can be anxiety provoking....

Treat Yourself to a Refreshing Fizzy!