In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like a daunting task. There’s so much convenience of pre-packaged snacks, drive-thrus to the comfort of lounging on the couch, making healthy choices at home isn’t always straightforward. So here are some practical strategies to make the healthy choice the easy choices in your home.
The first step to making healthy choices is to surround yourself with healthy and healthier options. Stock your kitchen with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, yogurt, and cut-up veggies at eye level in your fridge and pantry, making them easy to grab when hunger strikes. Replace cookies and chips with healthier alternatives like air-popped popcorn or whole grain crackers. If you are wanting the unhealthier options, keep it at bay where you can have it but not have it on a regular bases.. like until the whole bag of chips is gone, for example.
Taking time to prepare meals in advance can save you from reaching for unhealthy options when you’re in a rush. Spend a couple of hours each week chopping veggies, cooking grains, and preparing proteins. Store them in easy-to-access containers so you can quickly assemble a nutritious meal. Pre-packaged salads, overnight oats, and smoothie packs are great grab-and-go options that make eating healthy much easier.
Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day to stay hydrated as well. If plain water feels boring, try infusing it with fruits like lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist. Herbal teas and sparkling water are also great options to keep your hydration levels up. If you are hungry.. eat.. please don’t starve your body because the old rule of ‘if you are hungry, drink water’. If you are actually hungry.. please eat.
Quality sleep is crucial for overall health. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet is the common advice. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes relaxing activities like reading or taking a warm bath helps. I have really worked on this in the past 6 months and it’s been fantastic (some days better than others though because that’s sometimes how it goes). Limit screen time before bed and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
Mindful eating involves paying attention to what and how you eat. Slow down and savor your meals, focusing on the flavors, textures, and aromas. Avoid eating in front of the TV, while driving, or while multitasking, as this can lead to overeating. By being present during meals, you can better recognize your body’s hunger and fullness cues, helping you make healthier choices.
Healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour. Experiment with new recipes that incorporate nutritious ingredients. There are countless resources online with delicious, healthy recipes for every meal. Finding dishes you enjoy makes it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Another one of the best ways to ensure you stay committed to your fitness goals is by reserving classes in advance. Unlike drop-in gyms where there’s no commitment, reserving a class helps you stick to your plan. When you have a set schedule, it’s easier to make exercise a priority. Plus, the accountability of knowing you have a spot reserved can motivate you to show up even on days when you might feel less inclined to work out.
Making the healthy choice the easy choice at home is all about setting yourself up for success and small changes can lead to big results. Start with one or two tips and gradually incorporate more as you get comfortable. With these strategies, you can make healthy living a lot less of an uphill battle.. and it can be an enjoyable part of your everyday life.
-Christina
The Transformation Station 