Most have us have been there. We start a new year with lots of plans for getting healthier and fitter. Somehow, those plans don't seem to be that easy to stick to, though, and many of us end up with broken resolutions sooner than later.
This year, with a little extra forethought, you can create a healthy eating plan that you'll be able to stick with right through 2019. Here's what to do:
Choose Your Plan Carefully
First of all, take some time to decide on the healthy eating plan that's best for you. Watch documentaries, read books, and talk to your friends about what they've tried. The quickest way to fail at an eating plan is to choose one that's unrealistic for your lifestyle. Try not to choose something overly restrictive if you're not already used to avoiding certain foods.
Take your time on this step; choosing the right plan for you is critical for success. Perhaps you don't want to follow a specific plan at all: instead, you just want to focus on eating whole foods, avoiding sugar, and giving up most processed foods. This might be the best way to make a plan because it gives you a lot of freedom within a particular framework.
Of course, you should also check with your doctor when you are choosing an eating plan. He or she can recommend what's best for you based on your age, lifestyle, and any medical conditions you have.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Once you have decided on the framework you want to follow, you'll need to get down to some more specific planning. This is really a major key to successfully sticking with your eating plan. The more you can plan, the easier it will be for you to stay on track. When you haven't planned meals, gotten groceries, and completed your legwork, you are more likely to grab whatever is available.
Get an empty calendar, fill it in with meal plans, and then make weekly grocery lists for yourself. Figure out which day of the week is best for you to go shopping, and commit to doing it religiously.
Perform a Kitchen Overhaul
Before you get started, go through your kitchen and get rid of anything that's not on your new plan. Donate whatever you can and see if any of your neighbors want the rest. Don't keep it in your house because its presence will quickly derail you when you don't have something else prepared or are just having a momentary craving.
Focus on Variety
While you are planning, focus on variety. Don't restrict yourself to a degree where you will get bored and frustrated eating the same things all the time. Experiment with different fruits and vegetables, put a new meal on your plan once a week, and try different cooking methods and culinary styles. Eat some Indian food, try Mediterranean, and consider a new-to-you Thai dish. Make sure you always have something to look forward to.
Try Cooking One Day a Week
Cooking, or at least prepping, once a week after your grocery shopping can really help you stay on track. The more you can do ahead of time, the easier it will be for you to stick to your plan as things get busy for you throughout the week. Some people experiment with freezer cooking or even do once a month cooking. Try different techniques until you find what works for you and helps you stick to your plan the best.
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