4 tips to build healthier eating habits

1 - Keep up the (healthy) at-home cooking

More people have been cooking at home over the last few years. The more meals you can cook at home can help you work more nutrient-dense foods into your day. This means using a range of colorful fruits and vegetables, foods that contain healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and fish, high fiber whole grains and beans, and lean protein sources – including plant-based proteins – in your cooking. Even though many of us experience cooking fatigue, experimenting in the kitchen with fresh ingredients and new recipes can make healthy eating delicious and fun. Making trendy pancake cereal and too many comfort foods, on the other hand, is something we can leave behind.

2 - Enjoy healthy takeout

Rather than using ordering in as an excuse to over-indulge, choose meals that fit closely with your usual healthy pattern. Take your time to select items that include plenty of vegetables and lean protein. For example – a healthy stir-fry or a protein-topped tossed salad, for example. Some restaurants will have nutrition information posted, too, which can help you make better choices. If you decide to order extra items so that you’ll have enough food for the next day, set tomorrow’s portion aside right away so you’re not tempted to overeat.

3 - Connect with like-minded Individuals

When it comes to making diet and weight loss changes, a supportive community can make all the difference. Find people who share your desire to adopt a healthier lifestyle or lose weight and connect with them. Sharing your favorite healthy recipes, talking through challenges, keeping each other accountable, and cooking together. Even remotely – can help with meaningful lifestyle changes.

4 - Preparation is key

While working from home, it’s easy to mindlessly snack and eat unhealthy options because they are readily accessible. It’s just as easy to grab a healthy snack if you are prepared and have items ready and visible. Keep cut carrots and celery in your fridge along with some hummus , and you have a satisfying snack. A bowl of fresh fruit on the counter can encourage healthy snacking, too! You can slice apples and dip them in nut butter. You can also toss a banana into a quick and healthy protein shake.

Additionally, meal planning may be time-consuming upfront, but it makes it much more likely you will stick to a healthy eating plan throughout the week. But a well-stocked refrigerator, freezer and pantry can help. You can pre-prepare healthy grains like brown rice or quinoa, have veggies at the ready in your fridge or freezer. For protein, you can turn to quick-cooking chicken breasts and fish, opt for canned tuna, salmon or beans in the pantry or pull some shrimp or veggie burgers from the freezer. Voila, now you are can prepare healthy bowls, salads, and stir-fries all week.

The last few years has been challenging on so many levels. Don’t beat yourself up if you gained weight or didn’t exercise as much as you’d like. Likewise, if you fall off your healthy eating plan for a bit, dust yourself off and get back on. Fueling your body with the right nutrients and engaging in regular physical activity are healthy habits you can maintain. Motivate yourself with the knowledge that it’s one of the very best things you can do for yourself!