Eating a healthy diet is one of the most basic things you can do for your overall health. A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your overall mental health and well-being. But sometimes, it can be tough to make the right choices.
According to studies, the average American diet lacks fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. The essential nutrients in these foods are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your risk of chronic diseases, and providing your body with the fiber it needs to function correctly.
You could be busy building your career, a full-time mom trying to balance work and home life, or a college student with a hectic schedule. Whatever your situation may be, challenges will always make it hard to eat healthily.
Knowing how to cope with the following roadblocks can help you make healthier choices more often.
Disordered Eating
One roadblock that can make it tough to eat healthily is disordered eating. This could include things like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. These conditions make it difficult to stick to a healthy diet because you already have a negative relationship with food and your body.
You may feel you must restrict your food intake or avoid certain foods altogether to be healthy. Or maybe you resort to stress eating or binge eating to deal with anxiety or other emotions. If you have disordered eating, it’s vital to seek professional help to develop a healthier relationship with food.
Thankfully, more and more centers are popping up across the country to help people with disordered eating start life anew. These eating disorder centers provide inpatient and outpatient treatment options to help you recover from your condition and learn how to eat the healthy way. You can find a reputable facility that offers a free, confidential clinical assessment, an intensive program structured based on your unique needs, and after-hours support.
Lack of Time
Another common roadblock to eating healthy is a lack of time. With a busy schedule, finding time to cook a healthy meal or pack a nutritious lunch can be tough. Many skip breakfast altogether because they don’t have time to eat or feel like they can’t stomach anything in the morning.
Meal prep is one way to ensure you’re eating healthy despite a busy schedule. This involves cooking all your meals for the week in one day so you have them ready to go when you need them. You can even prepare your lunches and snacks ahead of time to fight the temptation to buy unhealthy food when you’re on the go.
Another suggestion is to cook in bulk and freeze individual portions. This way, you can have a healthy meal ready to heat up at a moment’s notice. Simply pull out a portion the night before and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Another way to ensure you have healthy options is to always keep quick and easy recipes on hand. That way, you can whip up a healthy meal even when you don’t have much time. And if cooking is really not your thing, there are plenty of healthy take-out and delivery options these days. You just have to know where to look.
Convenience
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s no surprise that convenience is a top priority for many people. And when it comes to food, convenience usually means unhealthy choices. From drive-thru windows to vending machines, there are temptations around every corner.
If you’re trying to eat healthily, have a game plan for when you’re feeling tempted by convenience foods. One way to do this is to always keep healthy snacks with you. If you get hungry, you can reach for a healthy option instead of succumbing to temptation.
Again, shopping in bulk and meal prep is key. This way, you can have a healthy meal ready to heat up at a moment’s notice. Simply pull out a portion the night before and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Picky Eating
If you have kids, chances are you have a picky eater. Trying to get your kids to eat their veggies can be frustrating but don’t give up. Just keep offering them, and eventually, they’ll come around. Just be patient.
One way to get your kids to eat their veggies is to make them into fun shapes. You can use a cookie cutter to cut them into different shapes or even put them in their lunch in the shape of a smiley face.
You can also try sneaking healthy foods into their favorite dishes. For example, if they love mac and cheese, add some shredded carrots or spinach to the sauce. They’ll never even know they’re eating something good for them!
Another way to get your kids to eat healthily is to involve them in cooking. Let them help you wash the veggies, cut them up, or even choose the recipe. The more involved they are, the more likely they will eat what they helped make.
Financial Restraints
Healthy food can be expensive, and many people simply can’t afford it. Many families forgo healthy eating because they can’t afford the higher prices. But there are ways to eat healthy on a budget.
You can look for sales and coupons to help you save money on the items you need. This allows you to buy healthy food items without breaking the bank. You can find coupons online or in your local grocery store circular.
Another way to eat healthy on a budget is to grow your own food. This may not be possible for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you have the space. You can grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in your backyard.
If you don’t have the space to grow your own food, you can still get fresh produce by visiting your local farmer’s market. This is a great way to get high-quality food at a lower price.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. With some planning and effort, you can make healthy eating a part of your everyday life. By staying diverse and getting creative, you can overcome any obstacle life throws and make healthier choices for yourself and your family.
