I’m a firm believer in living a balanced lifestyle and eating with intention and purpose, but doing so free from rigidity and restriction. What does that mean?

Well, if I want to have a slice of pizza and enjoy a class of wine for the sake of enjoyment and satisfying my senses, then I’m going to allow myself to do so! Why? Because I know eating whole and fresh is at the core of my nutrition, so I don’t allow myself to feel guilty when I stray.

I’ve learned to stay flexible but it took me years to find this balanced eating style that consisted mostly of whole, fresh foods.

So today, I’d like to offer five tips for adding healthy, whole foods into your diet that you can start to incorporate now and feel good about it.

I mentioned above but let me say it again, the changes in your diet should not feel restrictive, overwhelming, or hard to live with. And if they do, you can almost certainly guarantee they will not become healthy habits and part of your desired healthy(ier) eating routine.

Healthy(ier) doesn’t have to be hard or daunting - but as a seasoned health coach, I do encourage you to take it one step at a time and focus on eating more whole foods and less things that come in a package or from a drive-thru.

Pick one or two changes to make now, and once those are in place, pick one or two more. This is the best way to make it part of a lifestyle change and something you can totally live with.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you make the transition into a healthier eating routine. Note, you can download the simple version of this guide below and I recommend printing and placing where it’s visible a.k.a on your fridge! There’s power in tangible reminders.

1. Eat vegetables at most meals.

Think salads, side dishes, soups, or even adding veggies to your sandwich or wrap. A juice or smoothie is a fantastic choice but double check there are actually greens and veggies within the mix, most smoothies are predominately fruit based and contain added sweeteners i.e. honey, agave nectar, etc. which totally negates the nutritional value. Try to aim for 2 to 1 veggie to fruit if you’re going the juice or smoothie route. One of my favorite veggie dishes also happens to be a holiday favorite, roasted vegetables with herbs. Give it a go!

2. When you are having a craving for something sweet, opt for a serving of fruit or nut trail mix.

Check the package to ensure no added sweeteners and let yourself enjoy the natural sweetness from the fruit and the energy boost from the nuts. If you are allergic to nuts, opt for a banana - also, filling and packed with nutrients.

3. Fill your fridge and your pantry with healthy food choices that are ready to eat and go.

Remove temptations and make it easy on yourself which may mean you have to “trick” yourself. That’s ok, let’s be honest - if the package of cookies or chips is in the pantry, chances are that you’re gonna eat it - so know thyself! Checkout this post on how to cleanup your pantry and avoid sabotage in the kitchen.

Snacks like nuts, seeds, Lara Bars or other bars (without added sugar) or fruit are good for ‘grab and go’ and typically within the same aisle in the grocery store. I want to emphasis the “whole” piece again because the pantry holds packaged items but make it whole, one ingredient packages - rice, beans, nuts (cashews, pistachios, almonds), dried fruits, etc.

4. Never leave the house without food if you’ll be gone for more than 2 hours. I repeat, plan ahead and keep healthy snacks in the car!

I learned this the hard way when I switched into teaching full-time and started driving 2-3 hours per day. Eating healthy foods on a regular basis will help you avoid unhealthy choices and save you $$. Make up some of your own trail mix or granola (avoid ready made trail mix as most of them have hydrogenated oils and other undesirable, processed ingredients) or bring a small cooler to keep in the car with healthy options like apples and peanut butter, slices of avocado, etc… five minutes of thought and preparation go a long way.

5. Most importantly, don’t be too rigid or hard on yourself.

Making small changes over time will make a huge difference and it makes the changes easier to stick to when you don’t feel restricted.

Download & print your guide here

Be realistic about the habit changes you can make given your lifestyle and schedule and find what works for you — it’s a process and you will undoubtedly have to try, stumble, and try again but trust in yourself and your ability to know what’s healthy and nourishing for your body.

And if you’d like additional one-to-one support, checkout my 1-on-1 holistic performance coaching program and see if it’s a good fit.

Eating Healthy and Whole

1. Eat vegetables at most meals.

2. When you are having a craving for something sweet, opt for a serving of fruit or nut trail mix.

3. Fill your fridge and your pantry with healthy food choices that are ready to eat and go.

4. Never leave the house without food if you’ll be gone for more than 2 hours. I repeat, plan ahead and keep healthy snacks in the car!

5. Most importantly, don’t be too rigid or hard on yourself.

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Eating Healthy and Whole

1. Eat vegetables at most meals.

2. When you are having a craving for something sweet, opt for a serving of fruit or nut trail mix.

3. Fill your fridge and your pantry with healthy food choices that are ready to eat and go.

4. Never leave the house without food if you’ll be gone for more than 2 hours. I repeat, plan ahead and keep healthy snacks in the car!

5. Most importantly, don’t be too rigid or hard on yourself.

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Freebies

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