The Problem With Eating Healthy

Posted on May 22, 2007 and filed under Nutrition

Everyone knows eating healthy is not as easy as you would like. However, it certainly has its benefits if you make it a priority. Every one of us has excuses and “reasons” that prevent us from eating a healthy diet…however, the good news is that every excuse has a solution! In this article, I’m going to remove some of the rationalizations you’ve been using as a crutch to avoid eating healthy.

Excuse #1: “There are too many tempting foods no matter where I go”

Solution: This is the most common excuse I hear. Planning is the only way to overcome this problem. Simple willpower alone will not save you. Think about where you’re going and what healthy foods will be available when you get there. Try to mentally rehearse making “healthier” choices in the most tempting situations.

Excuse #2: “I don’t have the time”

We are a “fast food” generation.In an attempt to keep up with our demanding schedules, we try to fit in meals based on convenience instead of health. Between work, soccer practice, ballet class and sleep, extra time is rare. This lack of time leads many people to rely on unhealthy versions of take out: fast food and easy-to-fix processed foods.

Solution: The truth is that it’s not easy to eat healthy when you are busy and on the go. Especially if it’s
not a top priority. Even if you have no time to buy healthy food and cook it at home, you still have options. You can make convenience and fast food work for you. Plan ahead by “batch” cooking. In other words, pick one day out of the week to prepare an entire weeks’ worth of healthy meals.

Excuse #3: “Healthy food costs too much”

It may seem cheaper and simpler to eat unhealthy foods and, unfortunately, in some cases it is. However according to the UDSA Economic Research Service analysis, more than half of the 69 forms of fruit and 85 forms of vegetables included in the analysis were estimated to cost 25 cents less per serving. Eighty six percent of all vegetables and 78 percent of all fruit cost less than 50 cents per serving. However, “convenience” is expensive.

Solution: Plan your meals and shopping lists in advance. Search out coupons and specials on supermarket websites. Bring your lunch to work or school.

Excuse #4: “I don’t have the motivation”

Healthy foods can seem boring or bland. It may also seem overwhelming to change your habits. The reality is that it does take more work and planning to eat healthy.

Solution: Take a few minutes to write down all the reasons you want to eat healthier. Make sure these reasons are meaningful to you. Then, any time you doubt or need motivation, refer to your list. Make eating healthy more exciting by learning delicious recipes and finding tasty, healthy restaurants.

Excuse #5: “I eat out all the time”

Up to 50 percent of our food budget is spent eating out, and foods purchased outside the home are typicallyhigher in calories and saturated fat and lower in fiber and nutrients compared to home-prepared foods.

Solution: There are a lot of ways to eat out, have a good time “stuffing your face” and still eat healthy! Start by picking places that offer healthy choices.

Excuse #6: “My family is unsupportive”

This can be a difficult obstacle and put a damper on your diet and influence your behavior.

Solution: Set boundaries for yourself when dining out or eating at home. Also, make sure you keep track of your “difficult” family eating situations and think in advance about how you are going to overcome them. Give yourself permission to eat different foods form the ones they’re eating and remain on track. The bottom line is that planning is the key to healthy eating. Whether it’s planning meals for the week, writing down the reasons for eating healthy or finding restaurants that offer health-conscious menus. YHT