10 Easy Ways to Eat Better

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Try to develop healthier eating habits? These 10 easy ways to eat better will help you get back on track!

I don't know about you, but my healthy habits tend to fall by the wayside over summer and during the holidays.

This summer was so busy, plus I moved, which certainly didn't help ... I definitely relied a little too much on convenience foods and unhealthy snacks.

Now that fall is here, I'm trying to get back on track and focus on easy ways to eat better.

I find it easiest to make small steps when improving habits, and I thought it would be fun to share some of the ways to eat healthy that work for me, so you can try them, too.

10 Easy Ways to Eat Better

Making small changes can have a big impact overall.

So try one of these healthy eating tips at a time. Once you master that healthy habit, start working on another.

Pretty soon, you'll be amazing at all the progress you've made!

1. Create a Weekly Meal Plan

One of the best ways to eat better is to set aside time each week to create a meal plan. It makes grocery shopping sooo much easier, and you won't find yourself wondering what to make at dinner time.

You can create a meal plan on paper or online. I'll often create a list on my phone so I can pull it out wherever I am. Looking for mealtime inspiration? I've got tons of yummy recipes for you to try!

Once you have a plan, create a grocery list and hit the store to stock up.

Looking for a printable meal planner? Download my Free Printable Food and Fitness Tracker to get started!

2. Eat Mostly Whole Foods

Sometimes I feel like I need a science degree to interpret food labels ... what the heck is some of that stuff?

One of the simplest ways to eat better is by eating whole foods.

Whole foods are unprocessed foods, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. If your diet is mostly filled with these foods, you're probably eating pretty well. And the best part is that you know exactly what is in them!

Eating whole foods requires preparation, but it doesn't necessarily mean more time spent in the kitchen. Try quick methods of cooking, such as roasting vegetables, pastas or bowls made with fresh veggies, simple Instant Pot recipes, or slower, hands-off methods, like slow cooker meals.

3. Stock Up on the Right Kind of Snacks

Are you a snacker?

Then you need to plan ahead for your next snack attack! Rather than reaching for a bag of chips, set yourself up for success by stocking up on better for you snacks and drinks.

I like snacking on simple, tasty things like hummus and veggies, nuts, and dried fruit. When it comes to beverages, I try to drink as much water as possible. Sometimes that gets boring though, so I'll reach for a diet soda, sparkling water, or unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea (Honest Tea is my fave).

Having these convenient, healthy snacks on hand means I'm more likely reach for something that's better for me when hunger strikes.

4. Avoid Buying Highly Processed Treats

I don't know about you, but I'm very (very) easily tempted! So when I have cakes, candy, chips, and other processed treats in my pantry, I'm going to eat them. And I'll keep eating until they're gone.

For me, one of the easiest ways to eat healthy is to simply avoid buying those items all together. Out of sight equals out of mind, and you can't eat what you don't buy.

That's not to say you can't enjoy the occasional treat, but you can avoid eating these foods regularly by keeping them out of your house.

5. Add More Fruits and Veggies to Your Diet

My summer was packed with travel and a big move. I could never quite keep up, so I relied on frozen meals a little too often!

Now that fall is here, I'm back to eating all my fave veggies and fruits as much as possible. I love fresh produce because you can eat a lot without consuming a ton of calories.

Not a vegetable fan or dealing with a picky eater? Try as many different fruits and veggies as you can to find your favorites. You can also sneak veggies into meals that your whole family already loves, like lasagna, soups and chili, pasta, casseroles, and more.

6. Make Eating Better an Event

Do you watch dinner in front of the TV? I'm definitely guilty!

Turn off the TV, set the table, and gather the family. Suddenly, dinner is an event.

You'll focus on what you're eating (rather than mindlessly gulping it down), and you'll be able to connect with your family, too.

7. Watch Portion Size

Curried Veggie, Chickpea, and Quinoa Stir Fry

One of the easiest ways to get off track is by ignoring portion sizes.

Always read labels to learn what a correct portion size is. Otherwise, you might end up eating double (or even triple) the calories that you think you are.

Pay attention to serving sizes when eating at home (and at restaurants, too), so you can avoid overindulging. One good trick is to serve smaller portions on smaller plates ... you'll trick yourself into thinking you're eating more!

8. Enjoy Healthy Fats

It's been drilled into our heads that fat is bad for us.

Healthy fats make meals taste better and feel more satisfying though. Plus, nonfat foods tend to have additives and extra sugar to make them taste better.

Try incorporating healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts and nut butters, avocados, and olives into your meals and snacks (in moderation). You'll leave the table feeling more satisfied and won't be hungry again an hour later.

9. Involve Your Family and Friends

Dinner is often a social activity, so make eating better more exciting by involving your family and friends.

Get everyone on board by trying new restaurants, cooking meals together, and trying new-to-you fruits and veggies. You'll be able to support each other in creating better habits, and you'll have tons of fun while doing so!

10. Choose Organic When Possible

Quick Tofu Tacos with Crunchy Veggie Slaw

I try choose organic foods whenever possible.

Organic foods used to be expensive, but prices have dropped as production has gone up. I've even found lower prices on some organic foods when they're on sale.

If you can't afford to buy all organic, learn about which foods to buy organic and which conventionally grown produce is fine to eat.

More Ways to Develop Healthy Habits

Now that you've started eating better, here are some other ways to develop healthy habits:

• How to Ease Back into Working Out
• Free Printable Food and Exercise Journal
• At Home Workout Essentials

What are your favorite easy ways to eat better? I'd love to hear them!