A Healthy Eating Journey

Healthy eating has been one of my goals for this year, and I’ve done well (by my definition) with it up until recently when I PCS’d. I’ve fallen back into my old tendencies of grabbing food to-go quite often, because I make the excuse that it is easier or that I don’t have time. In reality, it turns into a money pit, and I’m always left wondering how in the world I spent so much money on food.

So, I’ve made it my goal to get back on track with my healthy eating starting this week, which is why I am writing this post to help keep myself accountable but also share how I get back on track with eating better after I’ve slacked off for a period of time. I also know that eating healthy looks different for everyone, because how I choose to eat is a personal choice and could vastly contrast with other people’s views on healthy eating and lifestyle. This is why I am using the term “healthy eating.”

Here are three things that helped me get started:

1. Plan for it.

In order for me to restart healthy eating, I carve out 30 minutes to an hour on the weekend to write out a meal plan. I plan out breakfast and dinner for two weeks at a time. That way, when I go shopping, I know what I will need in advance instead of buying food on an empty stomach… Because let’s face it,  that never goes well.  For me, planning this far in advance also saves time and money, because I don’t have to figure out “on the spot” what I’m eating. As a result, I’m not able to make the excuse “Well, I don’t know what’s for dinner, so I’ll just grab something to go.”

2. Keep it fresh.

I also make eating healthy fun by trying out new recipes. I’ve found that if I stick to the same old salads or meals weekly, I get bored and slip back into my old unhealthy habits. I use Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration and set a goal of cooking and trying two new recipes weekly. If I am wanting to eat out, I search for fun, healthy places where I know I can find something I will enjoy treating myself to.

3. All about balance.

Also, I remember to give myself slack. Healthy eating for me is not about eating perfect meals all the time. I’ve learned that if I deprive myself of something that I’m craving, I tend to overindulge on, say, ice cream (my favorite dessert). I no longer let myself dwell on those thoughts of “I didn’t eat perfectly today” or “Why did I eat that it has so many calories?” etc. I have changed my mindset. Instead of those thoughts, I now say “Tomorrow is a new day” and “It’s all right to eat food that I enjoy instead of focusing on perfect eating.” I simply acknowledge those previous negative thoughts and let them pass, because I know that healthy living/eating is a lifelong journey that is constantly evolving. 

So, here’s to starting over with my healthy eating journey: Continuing to learn, grow, and give myself grace along the way. Let us know about your healthy eating habits in the comments below!