As many of you know, I have been on WW for an eternity. LOL. I lost my initial 105 pounds and am happy to say, I have kept most of it off. MS has caused some weight gain – the only thing I can attribute it to since I track and am stepping. I’m not beating myself up over it. It is all about healthier eating and NOT the numbers on the scale. Now if I could only remember that, all would be well. Are you focused on healthy eating or the numbers on the scale?
Here are five tips to help you adopt some new healthy habits:
1. START WITH A PLAN
Planning out your meals for the week is a great way to set you up for success. I started doing it so I didn’t have to deal with MS struggles over what to fix for dinner.
My advice – Keep it simple.
I usually plan out on Friday or Saturday knowing I will grocery shop on Sunday or Monday. Pick least busy day of the week and take a few minutes to pick out some recipes and create a grocery list. I have a meal planner I post on the fridge so I can not only plan meals but also not repeat the same ones constantly. For some, having “Meatless Mondays” or “Taco Tuesdays” can make it a lot easier! Epicure has several collections with pre-made grocery lists, swap options, perfectly balanced plate suggestions, and pro tips throughout!
2. MAKE TIME FOR COOKING
Now for the fun part—preparing those delicious recipes you picked out! Making time for cooking gives you the opportunity to try out new recipes, make good food choices, or even remake your favorite takeout dishes in a healthier way at home! YES, it’s also a great way to lower your food bill. Meal prepping looks different for everyone. For some, it may involve prepping a variety of foods in larger quantities, so you don’t have to worry about it during the week. For others, it is cooking once and using the meat in several meals during the week. Of course, you’ll need plenty of containers to store your meals and keep things fresh. Our storage solutions make it simple to portion out your ingredients and tackle hassle-free meals on the go!
3. EAT COLORFULLY
Adding color to your plate is a simple way to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients. Keep an eye out for recipes with more vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods are full of antioxidants, fiber, protein and healthy fats—key components to maintaining good health! Plant-based foods are also friendlier to our environment as they require fewer resources and greenhouse gases to produce. You’ll be reducing your carbon footprint while also benefiting from the amazing nutrition benefits these foods bring to the table. Check out some of our favorite plant-based recipes here!
4. MAKE USE OF HERBS & SPICES
Many people consume more sodium than they need. It’s easy to exceed the dietary recommendations, but the good news is salt is a largely acquired taste. So, over time you can actually sensitize your pallet to embrace lower levels of salt. Changing to sea salt or himalayan pink salt is better too. Seasoning your food with more herbs and spices is a great way to limit your sodium intake without missing out on flavor! Epicure’s hand-crafted spice blends are perfect for creating low-sodium meals while also simplifying your time in the kitchen! Many of them have NO sodium too!
5. DON’T SKIP OUT ON DESSERT!
Toss out the idea there are morally “good” and “bad” foods!
A healthy, sustainable diet won’t leave you feeling deprived and miserable. Food is meant to be enjoyed and your journey to good health should be no different. By giving yourself permission to eat “bad” foods, they lose their novelty and we’re less likely to obsess over them. Remember it’s not about restricting yourself, rather making balanced choices. Give yourself the freedom to consume the foods you love and your health journey will be a lot more enjoyable. PLUS you’ll be more likely to stick to your routine long term. Take a look at some of our favorite healthy dessert options !
The journey towards getting AND keeping healthy habits can take time so be kind to yourself. There may be challenges along the way but try to view them as opportunities to learn and grow. I am always here to bounce ideas around with you. Remember, you are NOT alone. If you’re looking for motivation, support, and dietitian-approved tips, we invite you to join our online community and #EpicLife Challenge starting on May 10th!
I was looking for a different kinds of salad dressing. Low in Weight Watcher point value and where a little went a long way. I found it in the Beet Citrus Dressing. Just 1 SP for 4 TBSP. It is more than enough to cover a BIG salad and tastes great with my kale. It is deep, earthy beets pair with sweet orange and acidic white vinegar to make a nuanced dressing that will enhance everything from salad to pizza to a marinated steak! Makes a salad for 6, six times.
Hope Wissel 