Some people think eating a healthy diet means completely swearing off unhealthy foods, such as sugars and fats. That’s why so many feel unmotivated to start a healthy diet.
Let’s face it — it’s hard to imagine life without your favorite foods, right? It’s also why many fail their diets since they cannot resist the temptation of one slice of their favorite chocolate cake, and that turns into two slices, and two turns into three, and… well you, get the point. But such a “diet” isn’t sustainable.
Healthy eating isn’t not eating unhealthy food for the rest of your life; it’s about keeping sugars and fats to a minimum. And that’s why creating a healthy diet plan is essential so that you will be able to moderate what you eat and ensure you get all the nutrients to stay healthy.
But how do you even start going about creating a healthy diet plan?
Assess your goals
Why do you want to eat healthy? What are you trying to achieve?
Some people might want to lose weight. Others want to avoid getting sick — or perhaps they’re already sick and need to get their health back on track. It doesn’t have to be a profound answer. If you’re just curious about trying a healthy diet, that’s totally fine.
Ask yourself:
- What are my goals?
- What are my expectations?
- What are my nutritional needs?
- How many times a day do I prefer eating?
- How much time can I devote to food preparation?
- How much exercise can I reasonably do?
- When and how often will I reward myself?
If you need to count calories, then you should eat foods that’ll keep your insulin levels in check throughout the day. Such foods include lean meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, and fruit.
Know the essentials
Before you can start creating a healthy diet plan, you need to know what foods actually should be going into that diet plan. Here are the essential foods that you should include:
On the other hand, avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, saturated fats, trans fats, and highly processed foods. It’s not bad to have them every now and then as long as you minimize your intake.
Find foods that fit
Once you know your goals and what foods to include in your diet, find foods that will fit into your lifestyle. Include foods you’ll actually eat because you’re less likely to stick to any diet plan with foods you don’t enjoy. But it’s also important to put some effort into trying out new foods so you can find the best nutritional options to your daily menu.
List the foods and ingredients that you love the most. Once your diet begins, try adding a couple new fruits, vegetables, or grain selections to your list every week.
Research recipes
You know the foods and ingredients you want. Now it’s time to stock up on recipes.
Pay close attention to the preparation instructions. How you cook your food has a huge effect on the macronutrient content. You’ll need a large recipe selection in case you get bored and need to switch up your diet a bit. A little variety is always a good idea.
With enough research, you may be able to tailor your recipe collection to fit our preferences. If it is possible to add your own little flair, then don’t be afraid to try it out!
Set an eating schedule
Our bodies go through cycles each day that affect our ability to metabolize. If you want to make sure your stomach processes meals properly, figuring out when to eat is important.
The most sustainable eating schedule would be to space your meals and snacks roughly three hours apart. That way, you won’t get too hungry and run for unhealthy options to fill your belly. It is also important to keep these reminders in mind:
- Eat a substantial dinner to avoid late night snacking.
- Consume a high protein breakfast within an hour of waking up.
- Stick to your scheduled meal plan.
Having diabetes and other glucose conditions can impact your eating habits. If you have such a condition, consult your doctor to help build a diet plan that will maintain proper sugar levels.
Track your progress
Once your diet plan is in motion, keep track of your meal plan by using a food diary. It helps you revisit eating habits and analyze the effectiveness of your diet plan. It doesn’t have to be perfect — make adjustments as needed and don’t be afraid to change things up.
The best diet is the one that works for you
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t stick to the plan exactly as outlined. It’s perfectly fine to make variations according to what your lifestyle and needs demand. It takes time to plan and stick to a healthy diet. Just do your best to incorporate healthy choices into your day — and don’t forget to treat yourself every now and then!
Achieving meaningful and long lasting health requires a thoughtful eating plan. It might get a bit tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable solution to get all the nutrients you need, Organic Greens 365 is your best bet!