Have you ever wondered what’s in a registered dietitian’s pantry or what she does when she wants to get off the diet roller coaster?
Recently I had a chance to find out! Here’s what she and I decided were five important steps in making successful nutritional changes.
How To Eat A Healthier Diet
Believe me when I say that even those of us in the health and fitness field can go on the same rollercoaster ride as anyone else when it comes to diet. But as I’ve said many times before, FIRST you must change the environment before you can change
yourself.
Trying to do this backwards by trying to make changes without addressing your environment only leads to frustration and failure.
5 Keys To A Healthier Diet
Step number one is getting rid of temptations. If you take away the high fat/high sugar snacks you’ll make room for healthier alternatives.
Step number two is being honest with yourself about what foods you enjoy. You need to enjoy what you eat. It also helps to learn to balance the foods you crave but in a quantity that fits into your eating plan.
Step number three is stocking your pantry for success. Include a variety of the foods you enjoy that will meet your nutritional needs. And not just food for your main meals. Healthy snacks are important too. If you allow yourself to get too hungry between
meals, you’ll overeat at your next meal. The type of snacks you choose can often make or break diet success.
Step number four involves dessert. For many folks, a day wouldn’t be complete without dessert. Craving something sweet after a meal is based on habit. If it’s your habit, make your dessert a healthy choice. I usually suggest berries or a small piece of
dark chocolate.
Step number five is using herbs, spices and flavorings to create interesting meals that you’ll enjoy. Here are some examples.
Flavor Boosters:
Basil
Garlic
Onions
Broth or Stock
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Chili Powder/Flakes
Ginger
Sugar Substitute (your choice)
Cinnamon
Ground Pepper
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Cumin
Lemons
Vanilla Extract
Curry
Nutmeg
Vinegar (balsamic, seasoned rice, plain white)
Learn more about eating a healthier diet here.
Final Thoughts
I hope that these five steps got you thinking about your own pantry and will help you smooth out your own diet roller coaster ride.
If you feel stuck and need additional support to adopt a new healthy habit or routine, consider working with me. We can partner up in setting goals, drawing on your skills and strengths, and implementing strategies to help you find your way to lasting healthy success.
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For over 15 years, Shelli has been a freelance writer and wellness coach on Joyinmovement. She writes about brain fitness, creating a healthy lifestyle, traveling the world, and making positive habits stick. Stop procrastinating! Take action, join her free newsletter.
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