How to transition from unhealthy eating to healthy eating

Healthy eating is difficult. The amount of information online does not make it easier either, and it can intimidate those wishing to begin a path of healthier eating habits and deter even the most determined. Compiled here are some basic tips for incorporating healthy eating when there is no place to start.
First, stop drinking sugar filled drinks. Instead, opt for water, unsweetened coffee or tea. On average, one 12 oz. can of soda contains 33 grams of sugar. The average for most fruit juices is 23 grams of sugar. Yes, this is a mere ten-gram difference; however, it is an easy way to consume extra calories while causing a spike in blood sugar. Water is the best choice of beverage when beginning healthier eating habits. However, coffee and teas are fine as long as there is no added sugar. Sorry, but it’s time to say goodbye to Starbucks Caramel Macchiatos with extra caramel.
Adding healthy options into an unhealthy diet is another great way to begin the change. Do so by incorporating some veggies with dinner, and fruit with breakfast. Do this for one meal once or twice a week and increase the amount as it becomes more comfortable. Smoothies are another great way to add a couple servings of fruit, and supplement it with plant or whey protein to make it a complete meal.
Furthermore, cutting back the number of days spent eating out is an easy way to get healthy eating on track. Use the reverse pattern for adding fruits and vegetables as a model for cutting back. Cut eating out five times a week to four, then to three and so on. If cooking is a pain, consider investing in a crockpot. Meals can be prepared beforehand and placed in the freezer for use later in the week. Make sure to pull out the frozen meal the day before to defrost before cooking it in the crockpot.
When you decide to cook the meal, put it in the crockpot, set to low and forget about it. Dinner will be ready on time and with minimal effort.
Finally, it is time to tackle portion sizes. There are several visual aids available that show how portion sizes look for each food group. For example, three ounces of protein is roughly the size of a palm. A portion of pasta, fruit and vegetables is the size of a fist. Servings of sugar, butter and oil are the size of a thumb tip. Visuals such as these are an easy way to remember what portion sizes look like.
Healthy eating can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not used to it. However, use these simple tricks to begin eating healthy and prevent feeling overwhelmed. In the realm of health and fitness, it’s best to start with small, manageable goals.