Guest Author - Katherine Tsoukalas Huether
Healthy eating resolutions are common. Most of us feel as if we need to clean up our diets. Perhaps we shouldn't have eaten those french fries with both lunch and dinner. Maybe we haven't been eating enough fruits and vegetables. The truth is, being absolutely perfect with our diets can be hard.
But, let's face it. It can be a challenge, yet it is so important. Healthy eating is something that we all need to do in order for our bodies to run smoothly. Popular wisdom amongst bodybuilders is that when looking to reform your body and get in shape, results are seen through a combination of 80% diet, 10% training, and 10% genetics.
That's astounding because it is the exact opposite of what we expect. This tells us that a healthy diet is absolutely essential not just for athletes and those looking to drop some extra pounds but also to keep our bodies in top condition. After all, food is our fuel because the nutrients within it mean the difference between optimal health and sickness.
Release Your Expectations
No one is perfect. It is nearly impossible and definitely unsustainable to follow a healthy diet 100% of the time. We will eat a piece of cake or pie now and again. I am betting that you'll indulge in French fries and pizza, too. Note that there are also ways to make these treats healthier.
Instead, don't try to be perfect. We not shoot to eat healthfully 80% of the time? That means for every four meals you eat, you can treat yourself (in a controlled way) on your fifth meal. For example, you can have some fries or a small piece of pie with your meal if you want.
Set Winnable Goals
It is a good idea to set goals for yourself. What is it that you want to accomplish with your healthy eating resolutions? Goals such as losing weight, fitting in a bikini, or simply improving your health are all worthy.
Those are some examples. The point is that this needs to be a goal that you want badly enough to accomplish. Can you envision yourself once you achieve it? Close your eyes and picture what it will feel like to accomplish it.
Create a Plan
Setting Goals is only the first step. The next is to have a plan. How will you achieve it? Take the time to come up with a strategy and it will increase your success.
You will also want to find a way to keep track of your progress. So, as part of your plan, you should map it out. A common way is to keep a food journal where you log what you ate, the time you ate it, and how you felt while you were eating.
If you want to follow healthy eating resolutions it helps to set goals and create an action plan. In addition to that, it is also a good strategy to stop trying to be perfect. You will still reach your goals by eating healthfully 80-90% of the time.
