Ever woke one morning, looked into the mirror, and made a promise to lose 20 pounds in one week? So, you go online to search for quick ways to lose weight and see gimmicks like “lose 20 pounds in 5 days with lemon water and maple syrup”!
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But hey, no judgment. We know it’s quite natural to want to achieve your goals in the fastest ways possible. But these seemingly quick ways are almost never effective and come with dire risks. So, the best approach to healthier living is taking small, meaningful steps. Here are 11 easy hacks to building a healthy diet you can sustain.
Set Achievable Milestones
Wanting to lose 20 pounds is a broad goal. To achieve this, you must set small, measurable milestones. For example, you may aim to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, add leafy greens to 3 meals, and drink at least 68 ounces of water.
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These smaller steps will make your main goal feel less overwhelming and achievable. You’ll be more consistent and reach your goals faster when you do this.
Document Your Journey
Keeping details about your progress will help you track results and keep you motivated. So, no matter what your goals are, document the actionable steps you take every day to achieve them.
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You may use a handwritten journal or digital notes or take pictures and videos. Doing this helps you stay accountable and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
Choose Whole Foods Over Processed
Overprocessed foods are usually the go-tos because they are faster and more convenient. However, for a healthier diet, you must prioritize nutritious, whole foods.
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Make fresh meal choices like fruits, vegetables, non-fat Greek yogurt, boiled eggs, etc. Swapping whole foods over processed foods certainly boosts your overall health and gives your body the essential nutrients it needs.
Switch Up Your Diet
Tired of the same meals? You can avoid meal monotony by exploring new recipes and cuisines. If you run out of ideas, follow food bloggers on social media and explore cookbooks for healthy options. There are so many choices!
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By diversifying your diet, you’ll create enjoyable meals that will help you stick to a healthy diet. So explore new, healthy recipes if you ever get bored.
Find Accountability Partners
It’s easy to slip back into old habits when no one is watching. So, it’s best to have a partner that holds you accountable on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
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Share your goals with family and friends. Informing someone else about your plans will keep you on your toes. Even better, you can even pair up with a buddy and do the same things together!
Snack Regularly
Though it may sound counterproductive, consuming something every 2-3 hours keeps your metabolism active and prevents extreme hunger.
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This way, you can avoid starving yourself for a long time only to consume too much afterward. So, ensure regular, healthy snacking to maintain your energy levels and appetite. Fruits and nuts are great options.
Make Nutritious Food Handy
If nutritious meals are not readily available, you may resort to overprocessed foods. So, always have whole meals ready to grab. Prepare them regularly and keep them in the fridge or other suitable storage options.
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Having nutritious meals at your fingertips allows you to stick to a healthy diet. As a result, you’ll stay on track with your diet goals.
Eliminate Temptations
It’s difficult to stay consistent with a nutritious meal if your trigger foods are within reach. So, keep them away or avoid buying them altogether. When you do this, you’ll prevent yourself from indulging in unhealthy foods and maintain a desired diet.
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Remember, out of sight is out of mind. So, keep those temptations out of your way and stay on track!
Make Your Meals Convenient to Carry
Want to avoid overprocessed meals and unhealthy snacks? Carry healthy foods if you’ll be out for a long period. Get a compact lunch box and stuff in berries, bananas, and other healthy options.
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This simple habit ensures that you don’t have to buy unhealthy snacks if you get hungry while you are at work, visiting friends, etc.
Plan Dining Out
If you want to eat out, research in advance. Check restaurant menus and ensure they have options that align with your health goals. This reduces the chance of impulsively choosing a less nutritious meal due to a lack of options.
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Planning ahead allows you to maintain a healthy diet even when dining out. Now, you can enjoy a meal outside your house without compromising your diet goals!
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
We know you probably can’t wait to get in shape and fit into your favorite outfits. While the prospect of achieving your goals can be thrilling, it’s important to take them one step at a time and patiently wait for results.
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Don’t be too hard on yourself. Indulge yourself occasionally so you don’t feel deprived and binge on food unhealthily. If you crave something, enjoy it in moderation and occasionally, too. Essentially, stay consistent and patient on your journey!
