If you’re getting bored with healthy eating and finding it difficult to stay on track, the first thing you should ask yourself is, “iI what I’m doing considered a diet, or is it more like a lifestyle change that is amendable?”
About Diets
The #1 thing “diets” have in common is their unusually quick life spans. This is because the majority of “dieters” associate diets with hunger, deprivation, and yes – boredom. In fact, on average, two out of every five people on a diet fall off within the first week, and only one in five remain strong after the first month.
But before we dive into the nitty-gritty and talk about ways to stay on track, let’s first debunk the diet mentality. The overwhelming reason so many people struggle to stay on track with their plan or regain lost weight is because what they are doing isn’t sustainable. Instead of unsustainable dieting, you should focus on healthy lifestyle changes that offer flexibility and moderation.
Bored with Healthy Eating? Here Are Some Ways to Spruce Things Up
Lifestyle changes that incorporate healthy long-term habits include variety. Try these tips to spruce things up a notch.
You Don’t Have to Eliminate Foods
Does your “diet” eliminate certain elements like carbohydrates, sugars, and alcohol? It’s probably not sustainable, and it might even drive you crazy after a while. Remember, it’s totally possible to build healthier habits while keeping your favorite foods around in moderation.
Aim for Variety in Each Food Group
Whether it’s lean proteins, fruits, or veggies, explore your options. Maybe you rarely eat seafood such as scallops, or you’ve never tasted dragon fruit or rhubarb. Diversify and expand your food groups so you always have new ingredients to cook with!
Try a New Way to Exercise
Nutrition is important, but so is exercise. Are you bored of going on half-hour walks in the evenings or hitting the same weights at the gym? Exercise in a new environment, try a group fitness class or pick up a new fitness-related hobby that keeps things fresh and interesting.
Experiment with Herbs and Spices
Even plain chicken breasts can be diversified into many different dishes! Try herbs and seasonings from all different cuisines to give your regular dishes a new taste. You can also try different marinades and dressings to switch-up flavor profiles.
Use New Cooking Methods
Do you always resort to your oven or skillet? Take things up a notch. Invest in a grill, air fryer, Instant pot, Crockpot, pressure cooker, or rotisserie oven. New gadgets can be fun to use and they offer new tastes!
Network and Find Support
More than half of U.S. adults are actively trying to lose weight, so why not buddy up? Join a neighborhood fitness camp, cooking class, or local support group. Meet others who are on the same journey, make some new friends, and discover additional ways to keep things fresh.
Make it a Lifestyle, Not a Diet
Remember, the majority of diets fail. Too many dieters are focused on quick, easy results built from all-or-nothing habits that can’t be sustained over time. Instead, learn to develop healthy, long-term lifestyle changes that suit your personality and the life you lead.
