From Sharp Health News, a publication of Sharp HealthCare
Whether you’re returning from a vacation or recovering from too many holiday celebrations, it can sometimes be difficult to get back to a healthy eating routine.
Try these four tips to get yourself back on track:
1. Treat yourself — and have a plan.
It’s still OK to treat yourself. But before you do, have a plan to help you resume healthy eating soon after. Decide on at least one nonnegotiable behavior related to your eating habits — such as eating at least three cups of vegetables each day, avoiding fried foods and setting boundaries around alcohol intake —and stick with it.
2. Stock up on nutritious foods.
Fill your refrigerator and cupboards with all the foods that make you feel good and prep them for the week. Cut up your fruits and vegetables, make a big pot of bean and vegetable chili, or bake a tray of chicken breasts.
3. Have an accountability partner.
Tell a loved one about your eating goals. They can help when you don’t feel like eating healthfully with a gentle reminder. Even better, ask them to join you — maintaining a healthy lifestyle together can help motivate you both to stay on track.
4. Check your attitude.
It’s OK to fall off track, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get back on track. Try to remember why you want to eat healthfully. And rather than focusing on the foods you want to avoid, think instead about the many delicious foods you want to eat and make a list of a few tasty snacks to grab when hungry, such as:
- Apple slices and 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- Baby carrots and 1/4 cup hummus
- 2 hardboiled eggs and 1/2 cup grapes
- 6 ounces low-fat Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
The VEBA Resource Center offers many Cooking & Nutrition Classes. Join us to learn how to blend the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine to optimize your overall health and wellness – all while having fun! Check out our calendar to sign up for an upcoming class.
