29 Jul 5 Common Healthy Eating Hindrances and the Best Way to Get Around Them
Healthy eating is something we all endeavour to do, unfortunately there are more than a few hurdles that can get in the way. Our motto here at Trim N Healthy is not to fret if you fall off the wagon, simply jump back on the wagon tomorrow without trying to overcompensate for yesterday’s moments of weakness.
This positive mindset can help you get a long well with your healthy eating mission but knowing the main hinderances that people face and the best ways to get around them can really help!
1. I’m just too busy
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be time consuming, so regardless of your full schedule there are definitely ways around this obstacle. For time poor individuals, there are some fabulously simple ways to priorities your health without spending too much time doing so.
- MEAL PLANS – How much time is wasted wondering what you will have for lunch / dinner? Instead of wasting your precious minutes in the day thinking about food, make a plan. Some people have a 3 day meal plan, a week, some even do a two week plan so they know exactly what they’re getting from the grocery store. Definitely helps to avoid temptations also.
- KEEP IT SIMPLE – Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complex. There is no need to pull out the mortar and pestle every time you make a meal. If you’re time is sparce, plan simple meals.
- LEFTOVERS – One of the biggest traps for busy people is lunch on the run! When you’re cooking dinner meals, double the amount so you can freeze half or refrigerate and take your leftovers for lunch. If anything, this will actually save you time in the day.
2. It’s more expensive
People often think that healthy food is more expensive than the processed convenient food options. Check out our 5 Ways To Eat Healthy On A Tight Budget article for some hot. Together with your awesome meal plan (which will make sure you don’t buy things you don’t need), consider the types of produce you’re buying, go to alternative grocery stores, opt for cheaper proteins a couple of types a week, and buy canned and frozen veggies!
3. I eat out a lot
This is a big one for a lot of people. We love living social, no doubt. Here are some suggestions to maintain healthy habits even if you do eat out a lot.
- EAT BEFORE – Have a healthy snack before you go out to prevent over-ordering at the restaurant. Check out our article An Entrée Level Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off for more info on this.
- TWO ENTREES – If you’re a big fan of a two course meal, why not order a second entrée in place of your main to ensure the portion sizes are smaller and you’re not over ordering.
- VEGGIE LOAD – Add vegetables on the side, or swap out your chips / mash for greens. Vegetables fill you up and provide more of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.
- BE LEAN – When ordering your protein, aim for grilled, steamed, pan-fried, poached or roasted meat, chicken or fish. Coated, deep-fried, and crumbed can taste nice but aren’t the healthiest options on the menu.
- SLOWLY SLOWLY – Did you know it takes your brain up to 20 minutes to register that your stomach is full? If you slow down your eating you will likely eat less. Try setting your timer, putting cutlery down between mouthfuls, and sip your water between bites. Some people like to focus on how the food looks, tastes, smells and feels to help slow down the process and really enjoy the meal.
We wrote Eating Out on a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) to help Trimmers eating out on the detox program. A lot of the same principles can be applied generally.
4. I eat when I’m bored
Some people find healthy eating so easy, but for others everything comes undone when they’re bored! Whether it’s a slow day at work or procrastinating the start of any task, so many things can trigger boredom. While boredom is a part of life the main mindset adjustment is to make sure you’re not using food to cope with the monotony.
- EXERCISE – Imagine if you decided to do a bunch of star jumps instead of reaching for your kids 100’s & 1000’s Tiny Teddies! Exercise is a great way to cope with any stressors you’re dealing with or emotional upsets. It’s actually ridiculous how many studies have concluded the positive impact that regular exercise can have on your mood.
- PLAN YOUR MEALS – Like we said before, having your meals planned makes it so much easier to stick to.
- PANTRY SPRING CLEAN – Remove the junk. Get rid of it from your house…. And your office…. And your handbag! If you don’t have the rubbish nearby, you’re far lass likely to reach for it.
5. The influencers are everywhere
And don’t you just know it! Those persistent family members or besties who constantly encourage you to aim for the sweet treat over the fruit. Who you spend time with and where you spend it can heavily influence your eating choices.
- CHOOSE A HEALTHIER RESTAURANT – With only good food on the menu, it will be hard to be influenced into making unhealthy choices.
- KNOW WHAT YOU’RE EATING – Look at the menu before you go out and know what you’re going to order. When you hesitate, that is a straight up invitation for someone else to suggest what you should try.
- TELL THEM WHAT’S GOING ON – Sometimes, all your people need is to hear that you’re working on your health. Often simply telling them that you’re truly committed to your goal but need their support will help them to understand your choices.
- YOUR PLACE – Invite them to yours! Your house, your rules. This means you can control the menu. Another great alternative for socialising is going for a walk to catch up, instead of a café or pub.
Making the conscious choice to eat more healthily can require a mindset readjustment. Hopefully, these hot tips have helped with your plan.
If you think you need a little extra support realigning your relationship with food, check out our 26-day detox programs. They are the perfect kick start to your healthy eating journey.