There are major stumbling blocks on the road to healthy eating. Understanding these stumbling blocks is crucial because each of us is unique and faces different challenges based on our experiences and personalities. For instance, if you have a packed schedule, you might find it easier to rely on fast food or takeout rather than cook your meals from scratch. Other people get tricked by misleading marketing and believe that they are eating healthy just because the package is labelled “low fat” or “organic”. Cost is also a major factor because fast food and other highly processed foods are much cheaper than fresh, whole foods like fruits and vegetables. When you get home after a long day, it’s easier to reach for a packet of chips, cookies or other comfort foods rather than whip up a healthy snack. Reorganizing your home can go a long way in helping you change your eating habits so that you are able to switch to a healthy diet.
5 Organizing Tips to Help you Eat Healthy
While organizing tips can help you lose weight, it can take time for you to adjust to new eating habits. If you want faster results, you can check out protein shakes or powders as well as meal replacements as they are convenient, low in calories, and ensure that you get the nutrition you need. There are plenty of options in the market today, but not all are equally effective. Compare the top protein shakes, powders, and meal replacement options that have been vetted by independent experts. This will let you check the pros and cons of each product and help you choose one that also suits your dietary choices, as some are milk-based while others are vegan. If you are new to protein shakes and meal replacements, reorganize your food storage so that they are in a convenient location, and you will be more likely to reach for them. Here are a few other ways to organize your house for healthy eating success:
1. Make Junk Food Difficult to Access
It’s tougher to resist temptation when it’s at your fingertips! The again, if you try to get rid of all your favorite snacks at one go, it may become the “forbidden fruit” that you crave. To strike a healthy balance, store your junk food in opaque containers so that they are out of sight and not on display to continuously tempt you. If possible, store them on high shelves so that it is difficult for you to access which will reduce how often you consume them.
2. Keep Healthy Snacks at Eye Level
You are more likely to eat fruits and other healthy snacks if they are easy to access. Keep fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy snacks readily available. Studies show that whole foods that are high in protein and fiber, such as nuts or yogurt with fruit, will keep you feeling satisfied for longer. In addition to organizing your pantry so that healthy foods are at eye level, you should follow the same organization rule with your fridge.
3. Use Clear Containers
Using clear containers is a simple yet effective way to promote healthy eating. Transparent storage containers make it easy for you to see what’s inside and makes them more visually appealing, which makes it easier for you to switch to fruit or a veggie plate as your go-to snack. It also reduces the chances of forgetting about healthy options tucked away in drawers or opaque containers. You can slice your fruit the night before so that you don’t feel like you’re “too rushed to eat healthy” – a common “out” that we use to grab a breakfast bagel.
4. Pre-portion your Snacks with Compartment-Style Boxes
Pre-portioning snacks is a simple yet effective way to promote healthy eating and prevent overeating. By dividing snacks into individual servings, you can control portion sizes and make nutritious choices more convenient. A bento box with different compartments is a great organizing tool for your snacks. You can also use glass snack cups, silicone pouches or mini mason jars for foods like trail mix or nuts. Use airtight containers for sliced fruit and veggies to keep them fresh so that you can enjoy your healthy snack.
5. De-Clutter your House
A cluttered and messy home often causes stress and anxiety. Several studies show a link between stress and emotional eating. This is why many of us turn to food when we feel stressed to help us calm down and relax. However, this leads to unhealthy eating habits where your dietary intake is based more on your emotional state rather than your hunger. Cleaning your home and keeping it tidy will allow you to relax and de-stress at home, which reduces emotional eating and similar issues.