Let’s be honest healthy eating is hard. With endless options available on UberEats and other takeaway services, it can sometimes be just a little too easy to succumb to the quick and easy route. However, all is not lost. Healthy eating, like everything else in life, is a habit. The great thing about habits? Well, they can be made as easy as they can be broken. In today’s article, we have a look at 7 kitchen ready ways to incentivise healthier eating, so read on to find out more!

1. Have All The Necessary Tools

Having all the tools you need in your kitchen is essential if you’re trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Chances are, you’ll opt for a milkshake if you don’t have a blender that can assist in making you a fresh, healthy and nutritious smoothie instead. Blenders, Air Fryers, Grill Pans and Food Processors are all essential tools that don’t just help with weekend meal prepping but also allow you to choose healthier eating options that you can make in the comfort of your own home. You don’t even need to go all out and buy anything costly. Simple appliances for everyday use are all you need to get your health back in track! 

2. If You Don’t Buy It, You Won’t Eat It!

Surveys and studies have shown that the presence of unhealthy food in the home alone is enough to make anyone fall off the healthy eating bandwagon. Keeping your home a junk food-free zone is the best way to ensure that you chomp down on carrot sticks and Hummus instead of heading for that family-sized bag of potato chips. A great way to avoid last-minute impulse purchases at the supermarket is to always ensure that you shop on a full stomach. Research has shown that shopping on an empty stomach is the number one way to succumb to unhealthy cravings. Which in turn will sabotage your healthy eating goals. 

3. Prep Portion Controlled Snacks

Portion control is something the majority of the population struggles with. Plus most of the time, our idea of a healthy portion is skewed by restaurant-sized meals that we are so used to. Preparing portion-controlled snacks that you can quickly grab from the cupboard or fridge is a fantastic way to ensure that you are not just snacking on healthy options. But also sticking to the recommended serving sizes whenever possible! Tip: Keep single-serve portions of nuts in the pantry and stock your fridge with perfectly portioned bliss balls or chia puddings. Yum! 

4. Keep Fresh Herbs and Spices Handy

The trick to healthy eating is to ensure that all of your meals are loaded with flavour. The best way to do this is with the help of fresh herbs and exotic spices that can inject some life into any boring old meal. Studies have shown that herbs and spices make healthy food a lot more palatable and flavorful. This in turn will help you cut down on seasonings such as butter, oil and salt. 

5. Make Temptations Hard To Reach

If you live in a shared house or share your home with someone who has an immense sweet tooth, it can be hard to exercise self-control. It’s tricky to restrain yourself from grabbing a bar of chocolate when you’re stressed out. The next best option, therefore, is to keep these treats out of reach. Keep treats such as cookies in sealed jars, where they can remain out of sight and out of mind. Push that giant tub of ice cream all the way back to the freezer. Then keep sugary cereal on the highest shelf so that you’re too lazy to find a stepping stool to grab it when the midnight munchies hit! 

6. Get That H20 in You

Most of us could benefit from drinking more water. Water is an essential element of life. It helps the body wash out toxins and also can assist in regulating healthy metabolic rate. If you struggle to get your 2 litres a day, we highly recommend keeping your favourite water bottle filled and ready for you in the fridge. You could also look into getting pretty bottles and glasses that make the idea of drinking water just a little more appealing. Seeing all of your water paraphernalia when you walk into your kitchen is a great way to remind yourself to drink up! 

7. Meal-Prepping 101

Last but certainly by no means the least, meal prepping is essential if you’re looking to adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle. Ensuring that you spend one day of the week preparing and portioning out healthy meals. Hopefully these can be heated up in minutes which is the best way to avoid succumbing to unhealthy takeaway options. You could even freeze meals in advance or if you really don’t have the time. Additionally there are plenty of meal delivery services available in 2020. Many of those offer healthy, low calorie and nutrient-dense options that can be ready in under 2 minutes. 

Healthy eating isn’t the easiest skill to master. But with enough preparation, motivation and a few simple tricks, you’ll find that getting into the habit of eating nutritious, healthy and delicious meals becomes easier and easier the more you do it!