We’re almost a week into the New Year and diet/cleanse ads are probably going crazy for your attention. A popular resolution is to lose weight and that’s ok, but trying to do so by dieting or cleansing is not the way to go. Cleanses only slow the metabolism down…AKA not helpful! So instead of restricting yourself, try adding some little changes here and there that will eventually lead to some bigger ones. The diet culture doesn’t care about our health…something to remember. So instead of cutting out a huge food group or participating in a 3 day juice cleanse let’s take these small steps that will then lead to healthier habits~

Get some breakfast in, even it’s just an apple or banana with peanut butter try to get your digestive system going. This won’t make you want to eat the whole world once lunch comes around and it gives your body some fiber and energy to start with.
Bring your lunch to work/school. If you’re one to eat out then this is a game changer for you. Not only are you saving money, but you’re avoiding added salt, sugar, and much more from your daily take-out. Even just a pb&j with some popcorn and carrots/hummus just to start! Meal prep takes time, but there are simple foods to prep that will help you out. Check out my blog on How to Meal Prep for some tips https://www.relishingnutrition.com/blog/82ygssspka26cldgy7rfztefjek9mh
Swap out your sodas for kombucha or hot tea. Kombucha is a great alternative to sodas because of it’s bubbly carbonation and fun flavors. Hot tea is great for a little caffeine boost during that afternoon slump. To make your hot tea even more fun add some steamed milk and cinnamon for a little tea latte!
Add one veggie to at least two meals a day. Smoothie for breakfast? Throw some spinach in there. Pasta for dinner? Sauté some zucchini and toss it in your sauce. These little changes provide so many nutrients for us and will help keep us satisfied.
Do you usually snack on chips or what not? Try adding in a crunchy apple, grapes, or even popcorn! Popcorn is a great crunchy snack that gives us fiber! (be sure to get the kind made with just oil and salt or even homemake your own)
If you’re needing something sweet try only eating half of that cookie and see how you feel 5 minutes later-you may be satisfied with just that half. Trying to cut down on sugary cookies completely? There are so many awesome healthier cookie recipes out there! Check out a couple under my Recipes tab or on Pinterest. Dark chocolate is also a great sweeter dessert alternative. Fun fact: dark chocolate provides us with antioxidants and helps boost our mood!
Make a grocery store list. This will help you stick with what you actually need when shopping instead of buying random assortments of food. Decide on 2-3 recipes you want to make for the week and shop accordingly~this way you’ll have ingredients to make a few wholesome meals! Check out my blog posts on grocery items I find essential https://www.relishingnutrition.com/blog/cjm4dl26s5sajged98hzkns2snhc62
https://www.relishingnutrition.com/blog/py2hg9rp9klcylfccwf65wtg9lk5z9

These are just a few small changes you can be starting out with. Remember this is not restricting calories, but adding in more nutritious foods to our diet and truly listening to our bodies! Are you full? Are you hungry? You need some chocolate? The more you restrict the more you will end up binge eating. Listen to what your body needs and get those dang greens in! Happy New Year!! Here’s to you~

Grain free turkey taco with avocado and veggies

Ground chicken with roasted and sauteed veggies + avocado

NEW YEAR, NO DIETS!