Health begins with healthy eating habits. We see evidence of that in the aisles of the grocery stores, the posters in the doctor’s office, and even commercials on TV. Yet, despite these campaigns, why is it so hard to figure out how to stick to healthy eating?
It’s easy to exceed one’s intake of the recommended amount of calories from fats, sugars, refined grains, salts, and saturated fat. At the same time, we don’t consume enough dairy, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (although dairy and grains may be inflammatory to some people, so those might not be best for them).
Most of the time, when we try a new diet, exercise routine, or try to live a healthier life, we don’t think differently. All we try to do is make a radical change in our habits, and this isn’t healthy, nor does work all that well.
If we want to change our eating habits permanently, we first need to address the ways we think about food and healthy eating.
Starting with Your Mindset
Many people who struggle to eat healthily have a fixed mindset, meaning they tend to assume that nothing will ever really change, even before they start. They make excuses for why things are the way they are, like linking health issues to bad genetics (which is only 5% of the population in most cases). Many will choose to remain unhealthy simply because it’s easier and less risky than trying to make changes.
To make significant changes, it’s important to approach healthy eating with a growth mindset. You can make small changes to develop a healthy mindset about eating.
- Eat More Regularly
Don’t let your body get to a point where you are ravenous and eat anything (and everything) in sight. Carry healthy snacks like fruit, homemade trail mix, or wholegrain crackers with you to help resist temptation.
- Make a Cheat Date
Healthy eating doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself for the rest of your life. Choose a day of the week when you will allow yourself to have a favorite meal. It will make you want to eat healthier the rest of the week.
- Avoid Dieting
Don’t worry about losing the pounds right away. You are eating healthy to improve your lifestyle habits. It takes small changes, such as switching from white rice to brown rice, choosing a baked potato over French fries, or swapping whole wheat bread (or more veggies) for white.
[RECIPE] KIMCHI BURGERS
Serves: 6
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning (salt-free)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup kimchi
- Gluten-free burger buns
- Burger condiments (lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.)
Directions:
- Mix ground beef, egg, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a large mixing bowl. Form into patties.
- Place a large skillet onto a medium flame. Add coconut oil.
- Once the oil melts, add burger patties. Cook for about 5 minutes per side. The center should no longer be red.
- Add the burgers to the buns. Top with kimchi and the condiments of your choice.
To Your Health,
Patti
