10 Easy Eating Habits for a Healthier You

Do you ever feel that eating healthy is just too hard or confusing? You’re not alone. They’ve seen so many rules and so much shilling of “superfoods” that it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. 

But eating healthy doesn’t have to be overly complicated and expensive. Really, it’s about making those little, easy decisions that you’re going to be able to continue to do. Despite what so many people think about dieting or cutting whatever they love out of their diet, try small habits that you can incorporate into your life with very little hassle. 

So here are 10 easy eating habits that anyone can adapt so they can feel more comfortable, have more energy and even like what they see for the calendar.

1. Add More Fruit and Veg Without Overthinking It

You don’t need to try to eat a huge salad every day if you don’t enjoy it. Just attempt to sneak in the fruits and veggies where you can.

Just sandwich some spinach in there. Chop a banana and add it to your cereal. Roast whatever veg is in the fridge with a little bit of oil and salt. Even frozen peas count. The object is simply to get more colour on your plate, nothing fancy. This is a whole lot easier than calculating calories or fretting about diets all the time.

Plenty of research, including from the Australian Dietary Guidelines, says eating more fruit and veg lowers your risk of heart disease and helps maintain a healthy weight.

2. Keep a Water Bottle Handy

This habit is very easy, but highly forgettable. Many of us have headaches or are tired simply because we are not hydrating ourselves enough.

Set your bottle wherever you are and refill it frequently. If plain water is too boring, drop in some lemon slices or fresh mint. Avoid sugar-laden sodas or energy drinks if you can — they’re packed with sugar you don’t need. Your body will appreciate that you kept it simple and hydrated.

3. Don’t Skip Brekkie

Breakfast is the meal that prepares you for the day. It doesn’t have to be big or complicated.

As basic as toast and avocado, some fruit, a small tub of yoghurt and muesli. Miss that and you’re sure to be ravenous by midmorning, reaching for junk in response. A rushed mouthful of something is better than nothing when you are dashing out the door.

Research suggests people who eat breakfast regularly tend to have better nutrient intake and a healthier weight.

4. Watch How Much You’re Eating

Sometimes, what you eat isn’t the issue — you’re just eating too much of it. It is so easy to overeat without even realising. Use smaller plates or bowls. Take your time eating and give your body the chance to signal when you are full. 

You can always leave food behind if you are no longer hungry. It’s weird at first to learn to stop eating when you are full, but it saves you from feeling stuffed and drowsy.

5. Swap to Wholegrain Where You Can

White bread and white rice are all right occasionally, but wholegrain alternatives are better for you.

They’re chock-full of fibre, which helps to keep you full as well as your gut happy. Opt for wholegrain bread, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. Even tiny swaps add up over time. Your taste buds generally adjust to it quickly, and you won’t really miss the difference.

6. Cook a Bit More at Home

Takeaway and ready meals may be tasty, but they’re often stacked with salt, sugar or bad fats.

It is easy to cook at home and you can learn it quickly. A quick stir-fry, pasta with veg, or baked chicken and salad can be just as fast and usually healthier. And you know exactly what’s in it. And it can even save you a little bit of money, which is always a plus. Studies link frequent home cooking with better diet quality and lower calorie intake.

7. Pick Leaner Proteins

Protein’s a thing, but also some of it’s fatter than others. Include lean meats with the skin removed, skinless chicken, fish, eggs or vegetarian sources of protein such as beans and lentils. 

Beans, legumes, and lentils are nourishing, good for you, filling and inexpensive. And if you are cooking meat, then grill it or bake it or steam it— not fry. It’s an easy way to cut a few calories from your meals without sacrificing flavour.

8. Have Better Snacks Ready

We all get snacky, so make it easier to choose something halfway decent.

Have fruit, nuts, yoghurt or chopped veggies prepared. If you have chips or bickies there, you’re way more likely to snack on them when you’re hungry. Planning ahead makes better choices more likely. A little prep and you won’t find yourself staring into your pantry at 3 pm without a plan.

9. Pay Attention When You Eat

Chomping in front of the telly or while scrolling on your phone is so pervasive, but you frequently don’t register what or how much you’re eating.

Even if it’s just you, eat at the table. Be mindful of the taste, go slowly and stop when you’re satisfied. It makes meals tastier and helps you eat just enough. It’s one tiny habit that can make mealtime feel as though it’s something more than just refilling the tank.

10. Don’t Stress About Being Perfect

Healthy eating is not an all-or-nothing proposition. It’s fine to have fish and chips on a Friday, or have cake at somebody’s birthday.

If you mostly eat well, that’s what matters. Don’t scold yourself about treats — it’s just life. It’s about moderation, not being hard on or depriving yourself. I mean, after all, food’s supposed to be pleasurable, not something to be in a constant state of anxiety about 24/7.

Final Thoughts

We shouldn’t have to treat healthy eating like a chore or punishment. It really is just about making the right little decisions every day that add up in a big way for the long term.

You don’t have to change everything at once. Even just one or two of these habits can have an impact. Whatever works best for you and your family.

Food is meant to be enjoyed. Cook the stuff you like, share food with people you like, and don’t fret too much about it. Eating healthily is for everyone, and it really can be simple.