When you first transition to healthier eating habits, it might seem like strange territory. There is so much information and which can make it difficult to even know where to start. It can seem like a lot of work at first and perhaps when you consider that, it makes going back to what you are used to seem so much easier. While I don’t believe that healthy eating is boring, bland, or unsatisfying at all, it might take you some time for you to figure out what you like and don’t like. It certainly took me time to fine tune things. So, the question is, how do you make the process of stepping outside your comfort zone more enjoyable until you get to the point that it becomes part of who you are? Here are 5 tips!

1️⃣ Try something new. Whether it’s a new recipe, a new food, or a new ingredient, think outside the box and break from your typical choices. The experience of trying something new and the anticipation make the process more like a fun game, which is sure to get you excited about eating healthier options.

2️⃣ Make it flavorful. Typically we think of healthy food as boring and tasteless, but there are all kinds of ways to make it just as much of a culinary experience as the more decadent options. Add fresh herbs and spices, or a few of your favorite seasoning blends to different things than you normally think of. Some of my favorites are Cavender’s Greek (on meat, veggies, and even eggs), Flavor God buttery cinnamon roll (on oats, sweet omelets, or a recipe I have coming soon!), Gourmet Garden Italian herb paste or fresh cilantro (in salads), True Lemon or Lime packets (love these on salads and to kick up store bought salsa) and McCormick Spice (Grill Mates line) roasted garlic and herb (on eggs and meat), and nutritional yeast (in sauces and on veggies).

3️⃣ Make healthier versions of your favorite foods. If you love things like pancakes, waffles, muffins, burritos, and cheesecake, I have good news! There are tons of healthy versions or even swaps of these things which use lower calorie and/or higher protein alternatives like powdered peanut butter, Greek yogurt cream cheese, oat flour, etc. For healthier versions of things, check out Dashing Dish recipes and the recipes on my blog.

4️⃣ Don’t give up your favorites! The beauty about taking a flexible approach to living a healthy lifestyle is that you can build your favorite foods into your daily plan. By now most people have heard of #IIFYM or the 80/20 principle. These are two different ways of practicing the same concept. Both allow you to incorporate your favorites foods (or even less healthy indulgences!) in such a way that it actually serves to keep you on track over the long haul. For myself personally, I rarely go a day without dessert, but I do make sure that it fits into my overall nutritional goals by choosing something that satisfies my sweet tooth and is also healthier than a traditional dessert. I love microwave protein mug cakes, protein ice cream like Eat Enlightened or Halo Top, or even making my protein shakes into a smoothie bowls. These foods aren’t “perfect” or “clean,” but if having them keeps me from having a bag of chocolate, then I’m still on track! Follow @lorifitlife and @vanessa_simfit for more ideas; these ladies also eat dessert daily!

5️⃣ #LikeHowYouEat! This one will take a little bit of investigation, but it will go a long way. For instance, some people like eating smaller, more frequent meals. Others enjoy volume eating. Once you know how you prefer to eat, you can plan accordingly. Eating healthy does not mean small portions! You can have high-volume food without high volume calories. You can also eat smaller, snack-like meals more frequently if that suits your preference. Either way, you can accommodate your preferences and still stay with your total calorie and macronutrient goals!

Need more help? Feel free to comment, email me, or get more info about all my coaching options here!

| Kaci

Reader Questions:
1/ What’s your best healthy eating tip?
2/ Are any of these helpful for you?