It is no secret that I LOVE food. I could sit here and talk about all the restaurants I've been to, the countless meals I've enjoyed, and all the places I wish to dine in. I'm the girl who would post their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on Instagram and caption it "#sexy". While I love food so much, I also realized I couldn't eat what I wanted all the time, mainly because it was unhealthy and causing issues with my health.
When I got to college, my eating habits only got worse. 2 AM McDonald's was a thing, and, after a long night of drinking, I'd find myself sitting in a pizzeria shoving a buffalo chicken slice down my throat. Now that I have been post-grad for almost two months, I realized after looking at a photo of myself freshman year to now that I needed to change my unhealthy habits. I joined a gym and go at least 3 times a week, but you don't just lose weight by being in the gym. It all starts in the kitchen and with what you eat.
It's not easy adjusting to healthier choices. Not only do you mentally sike yourself out, but your body also experiences withdrawal from junk food. Trust me, every time I leave the gym my body taste buds are craving everything from tacos to dumplings. However, I've found a few different ways that really help to adjust to a healthier lifestyle.
Gradual Switches
Healthy eating can actually have a huge effect on your body. You can't just drop all junk food and then the next day eat 100 percent healthy. Trust me, your body will suffer. You may feel sick, faint and maybe not as productive at first. Instead of going completely cold turkey, make small changes each week. For example, to transition off sugary soda, I enjoy seltzer water. Instead of grabbing a candy bar, I eat tons of fruit! Yes, it won't be easy and maybe you'll have a day or two where you'll cave in, but it's all about training your body to crave the better option. Now that I'm two months in, my body has better cravings. It took me about a month to get back into full swing.
Beginner Switches: Whole Milk to Almond Milk or Coconut Milk, Processed White Grain Sugar to Honey, Soda to Seltzer Water.
Moderation is Key
Eating healthy doesn't mean getting rid of EVERYTHING you eat. Yes, it means picking more healthier options, but you can still have things you like in moderation. For example, I love ice cream. Instead of eating a huge bowl, I'll treat myself to one scoop instead of four. However, while you can eat in moderation, that doesn't mean eating it every day. Treat yourself over a period of time. I prefer this over a cheat day since it keeps me more motivated to eat good and not binge out once a week.
Water, Water, Water!
Believe it or not, not many people drink enough water. I suggest investing in an insulated water bottle to keep your water cold all day and making sure to have it with you all day long. This means if you're at work, carry it with you. If you're going out to meet a friend, bring it with you. If you're home and relaxing on the couch, have a glass of water close by. Sooner or later you'll realize that you're drinking more water without even having to think about it. It's a natural way to flush out our bodies and a natural beauty product. I've noticed a huge difference in my skin and the way I feel since I've been drinking more water each day.
Fresh Foods
A part of eating healthy is making sure you eat fresh. Try to avoid frozen veggies or premade frozen meals. Try your best to cook and know what exactly is going into your food. I realized that once I cooked my own lunch, I had control over how much oil I coat the pan with or how much salt and pepper I add. Your body will thank you for this.
Eat More Plant-Based
Now, I know most people think this means going Vegan, but that's not what I'm saying. By incorporating more vegetables into your diet, you will gain a lot of crucial vitamins and micronutrients your body needs. You don't necessarily always need a piece of meat with each meal. Once I started to have at least one plant-based meal a day, my body was thanking me. I had a ton of energy and felt really good. Some of my favorite plant-based meals are Spaghetti Squash, Baked Cauliflower Wings, and Rice and Veggie Stirfry. It's all about the seasoning of your plant-based meals. That's what makes it taste so good!
Which of these tips will you try to implement?
Cheers to healthy eating! XO
