Even if you have the best intentions, eating healthy poses challenges for the best of us. Hectic schedules, stress, and temptations lurking everywhere make it easier to grab what’s handy – and that usually doesn’t include healthier fare, like veggies. It should come as no surprise that the CDC says only 1 in 10 Americans eat enough fruits and veggies. We just make excuses and grab whatever’s quick and convenient.
But what if I told you healthy eating doesn’t have to feel like a chore? By identifying what usually sabotages us, we can hack our brains and behaviors. Armed with the right mindset and strategies, we can dodge the obstacles that drag our good intentions off track.
Let’s look at the top ten reasons healthy eating is hard, plus simple tips to conquer each one. So, you can form healthy habits that stick, without all the angst. Get ready to drop the guilt, stress less about food decisions, and nourish your body with the delicious, energizing meals it truly craves!
Problem #1: Time Constraints
When every minute feels packed, it’s so easy to grab whatever convenient snacks are available or resort to takeout when you’re hangry. Before you know it, those less nutritious choices add up and you feel frustrated that you’ve gotten off track from your health goals.
The constant juggle of trying to plan for healthy meals but then having your schedule throw curveballs at you is legit exhausting! We’ve all faced that battle of good intentions versus the reality of our on-the-go lifestyles.
Solution:
- Prep your meals for the week ahead of time. It’ll save time and make planning meals effortless.
- Keep pre-portioned healthy snacks on hand – nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and veggies with a healthy dip, like hummus.
- Use a slow cooker to prepare meals in a hands-off way.
- Order groceries online and have them delivered to your door. You’ll make fewer impulse purchases this way too.
- Cook in batches and use leftovers. Casseroles, soups, and stews are healthy and delicious, and you can eat them for days.
Problem #2: Confusing Nutrition Information
The constant information overload is enough to make anyone feel lost when it comes to figuring out healthy eating habits. All those aggressive claims on what to avoid or what superfood to eat can lead to decision fatigue, right? It’s just too much pressure trying to perfectly optimize every bite we eat.
No diet or food philosophy works for everyone. We have unique bodies, backgrounds, taste preferences and lifestyles. What fuels my best friend’s runs might be different than what gives you lasting energy at work. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach that applies to all people.
Solution:
Find a sensible way of eating that feels sustainable for YOU long-term. Not just following short-term fads that might deliver quick results but don’t help build balanced habits. It’s about tuning out the static of trendy diets and learning how different foods make YOUR body feel energized and satisfied.
Problem #3: Healthy Food is Expensive
It’s frustrating when more nutritious options like fresh produce are pricier than convenient processed foods. With finances already tight for many families, the added cost of natural foods can stir up real worries about affordability. The extra expense would make anyone second guess whether they can realistically commit to healthy changes.
Solution:
Eating healthy doesn’t have to strain your wallet or cause stress. Instead of costly packaged foods that are often unhealthy, stick to affordable basics like eggs, beans, oats, vegetables, and fruit. Though simple, these ingredients pack a nutritional punch. And by making tasty dishes from scratch, you get way more bang for your buck. So, skip the pricey convenience stuff, roll up your sleeves, and take charge of your health. A little time in the kitchen lets you eat well without overspending.
It also helps to keep an open mind about which nutrition powerhouses best fit your budget. Sometimes frozen or canned produce can be cheaper but just as nutritious. Buying in bulk and prepping some basics in advance saves you time and money on busy weeks. Have fun experimenting!
Problem #4: Limited Culinary Skills
Cooking just isn’t everyone’s thing. When you lack those kitchen skills, it’s so easy to end up in a dinner rut filled with boring, bland meals. And joyless eating makes healthy living feel like a chore.
But anyone can make simple meals at home and avoid the calorie intense dishes and portion sizes they serve in restaurants.
Solution:
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or take a bevy of cooking classes to whip up tasty, wholesome food. It’s about having a few easy, go-to recipes under your belt. Sure, skills take practice but start with dishes that use simple techniques and affordable ingredients. Build up your kitchen confidence with each dish you prepare.
Get inspired by visiting recipe websites or scouring Pinterest boards for quick and healthy recipes. You can absolutely recreate nourishing versions of those at home without fancy equipment or years of training. It’s all about trusting your taste buds, getting creative with herbs and spices, and not being afraid to experiment.
Problem #5: Emotional Eating
Emotional eating can get in the way of maintaining a nourishing diet that helps you feel your best. It’s easy to turn to comfort food when your mind isn’t in a good place. Those good vibes are often fleeting once the last bite is gone. And beating ourselves up for caving to cravings only adds more stress to the situation! It becomes an exhausting cycle.
Solution:
We all have those moments when we’re feeling down or antsy. Instead of mindlessly reaching for snacks, try small acts of self-care to lift your spirits. Go for a relaxing walk, phone a friend for a chat, meditate, or simply take deep breaths. See what little things give your mood a boost or help you chill out.
It also helps to check in on the emotions driving those snack cravings. Ask yourself – am I hungry or is something else making me want to munch? Getting to the root of things makes it easier to healthfully address what’s going on. With emotional awareness and simple feel-good rituals, you can curb the urge to numb stress by noshing.
Problem #6: Unrealistic Expectations
You want to see major improvements as fast as possible when trying to improve your eating habits. But extreme expectations can easily backfire, leaving us disappointed when the scale doesn’t budge overnight, or our energy doesn’t skyrocket after a week of salads.
The temptation is real to try a super strict diet that promises drastic physical changes quickly. But those rapid results are often unsustainable or even unhealthy over the long run. And constantly striving for physical perfection only fuels frustration when normal fluctuations or plateaus happen.
Solution:
The key is setting realistic goals that align with your lifestyle, not an unattainable ideal. Make small, gradual shifts that help you feel healthier and more energized while still enjoying the foods you love. Quick fixes that cut out entire food groups or require superhuman willpower are bound to fail. This is about the long game!
Expect occasional backslides, off days, and curveballs. That’s all part of the process! Stay focused on building sustainable habits over the months and years, not rapid results this month. Progress might feel slow at times, but every little positive choice adds up to improved well-being.
Conclusion
Now you have no excuses for not eating healthily. Give these tips a try!
References:
- “What is healthy eating? A qualitative exploration.” 17 May. 2019, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/what-is-healthy-eating-a-qualitative-exploration/FA9E123D24D14365C16EB618B0077A8A.
- “Bit by bit, Americans are eating healthier – Harvard Health.” 01 Dec. 2019, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/bit-by-bit-americans-are-eating-healthier.
- “Only one in 10 Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables, CDC study ….” 17 Nov. 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/17/just-12-of-americans-eat-enough-fruit-and-vegetables-cdc-study-finds.
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