Raise your hand if you want to eat healthier.

Did you do it? Chances are high that you did, and you’re not the only one. The CDC reports that 17% of Americans are on a diet at any time! That’s right, every single day millions of people are trying to get healthier by paying special attention to the food they eat.

Of course, many of these people are trying to lose weight and get healthier though drastic changes and restrictive diets. While these can work in the short term, the best way to enjoy life-long health is by developing healthy eating habits – and we have a few tips that can help you get started.

Take Your Time

There are a lot of factors that influence how quickly someone gains weight, from their genetic makeup to their food choices. However, one factor that often goes unexamined is the pace at which they eat.

Studies show that fast eaters tend to have higher BMIs than individuals who eat more slowly. This is because your body needs about 20 minutes to produce the hormones that tell your brain that you’re full; fast eaters will over-consume before their brain gets the message! Slowing down your meals can keep you from getting too stuffed.

Drink Water

Fun fact: thirst and hunger share many of the same biological symptoms. If you’re feeling irritable and weak with a rumbling tummy, you might need a snack… but you might also simply need a glass of water

Drinking water throughout the day can help you feel satiated between meals, which helps you avoid over-indulging or “cheating” on your healthy diet. And, as a bonus, you can enjoy all the health benefits that come from being well-hydrated!

Make Your Plate Colorful

Eating healthy and being healthy isn't just about how much you eat — it's also about what you put on your plate. Your body requires many vitamins and minerals to perform at its peak, and the best way to get them is through nutrient-rich foods.

How can you be sure that your plate contains all the nutrients you need? Make sure your plate has something from all the colors of the rainbow. For example, red foods like strawberries and beets can help protect your body from free radicals, while blue/purple foods like blueberries and purple cabbage have antioxidant properties that can help slow cellular aging. If your plate looks like a colorful work of art, it's safe to say your healthy eating habits are off to a good start.

healthy eating with more colors — How colorful isyour plate?

Experiment with New Recipes

Sticking to a healthy diet can be difficult for people who love flavor. After all, who wants to eat grilled chicken and steamed veggies EVERY DAY? Luckily, you don’t have to; there are TONS of healthy recipes out there you can try to mix up your meals.

Looking to cut down on your carb intake? Try some low-carb swaps like zucchini “zoodles” instead of pasta noodles. Want to the vegan diet a go? Start with a vegan version of one of your favorite comfort dishes. When you mix It up, you just might find your new favorite dish!

Keep On Trying

Finally, let’s talk about the most important thing you can do to develop healthy eating habits: KEEP TRYING. Developing habits requires consistent dedication, and healthy eating is important for a long, healthy, and happy life. Sure, you might splurge on sweets or overindulge from time to time, but if you keep trying to eat healthy, you’ll reap countless health benefits form your efforts.

Blissful Bodhi Elixir Bar

In the Bend area? Please visit our amazing Blissful Heart Campus because along with a host of holistic wellness services and a metaphysical boutique, we are also the home to the newest Blissful Bodhi Elixir Bar: Bend’s first elixir bar with warm and cozy plant based medicinal confections for the mind, body, & spirit.

We hope to see you around this spring!

5 Easy Ways to Develop Healthy Eating Habits