Wondering how to stay committed to a healthy diet long-term? Try these 5 tips to help you stick to your wellness goals and make sustainable healthy eating a way of life.
1. Embrace Variety
One of the most common reasons for burnout is monotony. Eating the same meals day in and day out can quickly lead to boredom and disinterest. To keep things fresh and exciting, embrace variety in your diet.
Experiment with different cuisines, explore new recipes and incorporate a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins into your meals. Not only does this spice things up, but it ensures you get a wide variety of nutrients.
Tip: Don’t forget to include foods in your healthy eating plan that you enjoy regularly and will make you feel satisfied! Think: dips, herbs, sauces, crunch factor, etc.
2. Plan and Prep
Planning your meals ahead of time can help you stay on track and avoid impulsive food choices. Set aside some time each week to plan your meals, create a shopping list, and do some batch cooking or meal prep. Having healthy options available makes it easier to have something you can grab quickly, even on the busiest days.
Tip: Check out our library of recipes to give you ideas for breakfast, lunch/dinner, and snacks!
3. Practice Moderation, Not Deprivation
Healthy eating is not about deprivation or extreme restriction. It’s about nourishing your body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods while still enjoying treats.
Adopting an all-or-nothing mentality can set you up for failure and increase the likelihood of burnout or boredom. Instead, allow yourself to indulge in your favorite foods in moderation, guilt-free. Remember, it’s what you do consistently over time that matters most.
Tip: When you indulge in treats, this doesn’t have to throw your entire week/day off. Enjoy it and move on!
4. Manage Your Stress
Stress can throw off your hunger and fullness cues, making it more difficult to listen to your body and stay consistent with healthy eating. You might also find yourself mindlessly eating to deal with stress, which makes consistency even more difficult.
Tip: Incorporate stress management into your daily wellness routine. Explore tools like meditation, therapy, and journaling.
5. Cultivate a Positive Relationship with Food
Instead of viewing food as the enemy or attaching morality to eating choices, approach it with kindness, respect, and gratitude. Food is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated, not feared or demonized. Practice mindful eating, savoring each bite and appreciating the nourishment it provides. By fostering a healthy mindset around food, you can reduce stress and anxiety related to eating, making it easier to maintain healthy habits in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Consistency with healthy eating isn’t about perfection 100% of the time. We’re working on building a lifestyle, not a quick fix, which is why our daily decisions can add up and eventually turn into habits and a sustainable lifestyle you love.
If you want to stay on track with your wellness goals, join our 6-week Glow Up For Summer Challenge with workouts, mindfulness, and nutrition to help you feel confident in your skin and bring your A game this summer. You’ll also get a glow guide and new recipes by a certified nutritionist.
