HOW TO EAT HEALTHY WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT

Let me preface this but saying that eating healthy mentioned here is not about any kind of diet. I'm not talking about cutting carbs or loading up on protein or anything like that. It is more about getting healthy nutrition into our bodies with a balanced diet of carbs, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fat, which we need to maintain a healthy body, give us energy and overall make us feel good.

I am also talking about choosing real food over the over-processed and fast foods that sometimes call out your name, which can be tempting because it's convenient and can be quite tasty!

To be honest, we've all had those days when the mere thought of munching on a carrot stick makes you want to run for the nearest chocolate bar and it's entirely normal to hit a slump now and then, even with healthy eating.

So, let's navigate through the temptation and learn how to stay on track when you don't feel like eating healthy.

Tune in to Your Emotions

Sometimes, it's not just our stomachs that are growling and telling us what to do – our emotions too can play a major role in our cravings. Stress at work, a misunderstanding with your partner, your kids, or even just a bad hair day can lead you straight to the arms of that pint of ice cream.

The first step to eating healthy even when you don't feel like it is to recognize your emotions. Take a moment to ask yourself: "Am I really hungry, or am I just looking for comfort?" If it's the latter, try finding healthier ways to cope with those feelings – like taking a walk, listening to your favorite song, or even watching a youtube video!

I always give myself a buffer of 10 minutes before I react to my so-called 'hunger'. I drink a glass of water and distract my mind by doing something other than thinking of food and it normally works. After those 10 minutes, I realise that I wasn't exactly hungry and I move on and go about my day!

Plan Ahead, Conquer Later

When you're not in the mood for eating healthy, having a game plan is your secret weapon. Follow these 2 rules and you're less likely to stray.

Meal planning

Before you go grocery shopping, create a meal plan for the week and make your grocery list based on your weekly meal plan. Make sure it not only includes your main meals but also snacks and desserts.

Think about it – if you have a fridge and pantry stocked with good healthy ingredients, you're more likely to create good, healthy meals and less likely to reach for those greasy potato chips.

Meal prep

It's always easier to order takeout when you've just come home from work and the thought of cooking a full meal might just send you off the edge. Meal prepping just takes the hassle out of cooking every single day. You just need to batch cook during the weekends and you're set for the week.

Remember that healthy meals do not by any means mean just salad or chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper! Get creative!

Healthy Swaps

You don't have to say goodbye to your favorite guilty pleasures – you just need to give them a makeover! Healthy swaps are a sneaky little trick to enjoy the flavors you crave without the guilt.

Craving something sweet? How about some dark chocolate with a sprinkle of sea salt? Or some yogurt with fruit? Want to dig into some crunchy chips? Opt for baked sweet potato fries instead or even baked salted cashews!

Get creative with your swaps, and you'll see that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or tasteless.

Embrace Your Inner Chef

For some of us, cooking can feel like a chore on a normal day, let alone when you're not in the mood for anything. But here's the thing: unleashing your inner chef can actually be therapeutic! Experiment with new recipes and ingredients to find what tickles your taste buds.

YouTube is an endless treasure trove of cooking tutorials that even a beginner can master. And hey, if you're feeling extra adventurous, invite some friends over for a fun cooking night! Cooking together is not only a blast, but it also holds you accountable for making healthier choices.

I always feel good about myself every time I get down to cooking a meal for my son and me. Knowing the exact ingredients that goes into those dishes gives me a sense of peace and satisfaction.

Keep It Colorful

Who said healthy eating has to be dull and monotonous? Take your taste buds on a vibrant adventure with a rainbow of fruits and veggies! Not only are they packed with essential nutrients, but they also brighten up your plate – and your day.

From the deep purple hues of blueberries or purple cabbage to the fiery red of bell peppers, eating healthy doesn't have to be a bland affair.

So, next time you're at the grocery store, stock up on a variety of colors and dive into a delicious spectrum of flavors!

Mindful Eating

Eating healthy is not just about what you eat, but also about how you eat.

Slow down, savor each bite, and relish the textures and flavors dancing on your tongue. Turn off the TV, put down that phone, and give your meal the attention it deserves.

Mindful eating not only helps you enjoy your food more, but it also allows your brain to register when you're full – preventing you from overindulging.

Remember, we're all human, and it's perfectly okay to have those off days. But with these simple and effective tips, you're now better equipped to conquer those cravings and maintain your healthy eating goals.

So, let's raise our glasses – filled with refreshing water, of course – to embracing the ups and downs of life and always choosing to nourish our bodies with love and care, no matter what!