Eating healthy is the key to living a healthier life and kick-starting a weight loss routine, but even though most people know this, they still make poor food choices. Why? Well, it’s mostly due to convenience and pure laziness.
The truth is that eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little preparation and planning you can make better food choices, which will result in a much healthier diet. This plays a role in weight loss and energy levels. Follow the tips below if you are serious about making a change and committed to eating healthier, regardless of how busy you are.
Pay attention to your snack purchases.
“Focus on your snack purchases. It is much easier to say no to an unhealthy snack while shopping than while you are hungry, stressed, and working. This method also helps avoid “I better eat this unhealthy thing before it goes bad.” — Matthew Kolb of All High Schools
Stay away from fast food.
“Avoid fast food as much as possible. While it is quick and convenient, it’s also the worst food you can put into your body. The amount of additives and preservatives is so high and unhealthy. Compare the calories in a fast food meal against a home cooked meal and you will be shocked.” — Jim Epton of Dom Huga Ltd
Use the MyFitnessPal app.
“Use an app like MyFitnessPal to track all of your calories and macros throughout the day. This is the best way to help you keep track of what you are putting in your body and to prevent over eating. It’s a free app and syncs with a lot of other programs.” – Robert Cox, Founder & CEO of Sundog Structures
Smaller more frequent meals.
“Try to eat smaller meals more frequently. This is good for two main reasons. First, it keeps you energized throughout the entire day and second, you avoid feeling sluggish or tired after a huge meal. Packing small convenient meals also allow you to eat on the go and when in a rush.” — Andrew Tran, Founder of Therapy
Stay hydrated.
“Drink tons of water and have legit protein bars available when you need a boost. Make sure the bars are not stuffed with tons of sugar or artificial sweeteners that will counter the good in them. Unfortunately many of the protein bars on the market are not good for you, so read the label.” — Ben Walker, Founder of Transcription Outsourcing, LLC
Create a long-term plan.
“Planning and preparing ahead makes things easier, such as creating a 2-4 week meal plan, then cooking all the meals in 1-2 days. You can also have smoothies, and ensure you schedule lunch meetings at restaurants that provide healthy options like salads or fish. Protein and snack bars are great, too.“ — Sean Christman, Founder of Slamdot
Avoid simple carbs.
“Avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates during the day. If you eat too much, you’ll get that tired groggy feeling within an hour or so and you’ll need to fight to stay at the same level of productivity. Take the time to plan out some meals and snacks to avoid eating something you’ll regret.” — Joseph W. Belluck of Belluck & Fox, LLP
Meal prep.
“Meal prep. I’m sure this is what most would say but it really does pay off. Having that meal ready to go during the week when it matters is something that you won’t regret. Only takes a couple hours total for the week.” — Marc Webb, Founder of Real PDL Help
Stay away from processed foods.
“Avoid processed foods as much as possible. That means no fast food and no vending machine snacks. Instead of getting a bag of candy, have a handful of nuts or trail mix. You don’t have to just eat boring salads, but you need to make an effort to cut out junk and processed food.” — Tom Munroe, CEO of RugStudio
Get your meals planned in advance.
“You have to meal prep if you are serious. As an entrepreneur time is scarce and things constantly come up. If you attempt to eat healthy without your meals planned and cooked in advance it becomes very difficult. The only way to ensure you eat healthy daily is to prep everything in advance.” — Christopher Dziak, CEO of Pure Nootropics
Stick to your plan.
“Develop a plan and stick to it. Most unhealthy habits are a result of varying from a plan. Sticking to specific schedules, finding alternative healthy eating options while travelling, etc. require some planning and practice.” — Shawn Schulze of HomeArea.com
Make time.
“Always make time to take time. Have breakfast, don’t spend the first 5 hours of your day living off coffee. Schedule lunch and take it. Remove yourself from the computer get a change of scenery. Be mindful of where you are eating and what, plan ahead.” — Shawn Freeman, Founder and CEO of TWT Group
Remove sugar.
“Cut sugar. Something as simple as reducing sugar or removing it entirely from your diet can make such a huge impact. Instead of reaching for a candy car, grab an apple. It’s just as convenient, but the lack of sugar is going to result in noticeable weight loss over time.” — Ari Evans of AAA Handbags
