You probably already know that developing good eating habits is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet can help maintain your health by reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

But if it’s so obvious, why is developing and maintaining healthy eating habits so difficult?

The answer is consistency. 

When people think they’ve gained too much weight or want to lose a few pounds, they usually turn to dieting. However, while specific diets might benefit some people, studies show that most popular diets don’t work for the vast majority over the long term. In fact, a recent study found that as many as 95% of people on diets regain the weight they’ve lost within two years of returning to their “normal” eating habits.  

Radical changes to food intake will likely yield some early results. However, without consistency — which is hard to maintain with an extreme diet — positive changes will be short-lived. Most people’s weight (and health) will return to its initial state after they abandon their diets.  

Healthy eating isn’t about relying on quick-fix strategies. Instead, it’s about building and sustaining long-term health and longevity through better eating habits.

The Importance of Developing Healthy Eating Habits

Your eating habits have a profound impact on your long-term health. Achieving a healthy weight, receiving proper nutrition, and sustaining your overall well-being are all connected to developing healthy eating habits. Some of the benefits that come with making healthier food choices in your daily routine include the following:

• Disease prevention:A balanced diet reduces the risks of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
• Improved mental health:Nutritious foods support brain function and can contribute to better mental health.
• Increased energy levels:Your body gets the necessary fuel to remain strong and active during physical activity.
• Weight management:Eating appropriate portion sizes can help you achieve and sustain a healthy weight. 

How To Effectively Make Better Food Choices To Create Healthy Habits

You can do several things to establish healthier habits and make better food choices. Here are our top tips for how to develop and maintain healthy eating habits:

Watch Your Portion Size

Controlling your portion sizes is a crucial aspect of creating healthy eating habits. Eating large portions can sabotage your efforts to maintain your desired weight and make it difficult to sustain a consistent routine. 

One trick is to start using smaller plates and bowls. Further, make it a habit to listen to your body’s cues to avoid overeating. Practicing mindful eating by paying attention to each bite can also help you recognize when you’re full and prevent overindulgence.

Nutritious, pre-portioned meals — like those in Muscle Mac’s Mac & Cheese Cups Variety Pack — can ensure you get all the necessary nutrients in the right portion. 

Monitor What You Eat With a Food Diary

You can also use a food journal to help you keep track of your eating. 

Journaling makes it easier to identify areas for improvement. For example, if you take note of everything you eat and drink in a day, you’ll become more aware of your eating patterns. This will give you a chance to make better choices and opt for healthy snacks in the future. 

Additionally, a food diary can provide a sense of accountability and motivate you to consistently practice healthy eating habits.

Learn How To Do Basic Meal Prep

Meal prep is a big part of consistency. Planning and preparing meals ahead of time encourages healthy food choices while saving you time and money. 

When it comes to food, restaurants tend to serve larger portions and include ingredients that may not align with your health goals. Meal prep allows you to control your dishes’ ingredients and portion sizes, making it easier to avoid unhealthy foods and maintain a balanced diet. 

Regular meal prepping also lets you experiment with new recipes, including healthy choices that contain lean protein, leafy greens, and whole grains.

Have More Balanced Meals With More Vegetables and Fruits

Including more healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in your meals is an excellent way to ensure your diet consists of a variety of foods. 

Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense foods and provide essential vitamins and minerals. They also help you feel full and satisfied. On average, it’s recommended that you get three to five servings of fruits and veggies every day.

Add More Beans and Protein to Your Diet

A healthy diet isn’t complete without beans and protein. Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and nutrients, while lean proteins — such as chicken, fish, and tofu — provide amino acids that promote muscle growth and repair. Muscle Mac’s Mac & Cheese products are other healthy food choices to consider, containing 20 grams of protein per serving. 

Switch to Brown Rice Instead of White Rice

Opting for whole grains, such as brown rice, over refined grains can significantly improve your diet’s nutritional value. Brown rice contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice, promoting better digestion and overall health. A simple change like this can go a long way in helping you develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

Have Patience With Your Food Journey

Having patience is critical. Remember: Transforming your eating habits takes time and effort, and you shouldn’t expect immediate results. Also, keep in mind that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Stay persistent and be kind to yourself as you work towards establishing healthier habits.

Including Nutritious Foods Into Your Diet Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

The importance of healthy eating habits can’t be overstated, but developing them doesn’t mean giving up all of your favorite foods. Making small changes allows you to continue enjoying a wide range of tasty meals while incorporating nutritious ingredients and keeping your portions consistent. Here are a few examples of small changes you could make today: 

• Make it a habit to read nutrition labels
• Swap out regular peanut butter for a natural, low-sugar alternative
• Choose low-fat dairy products instead of full-fat options

Additionally, including meals that are designed for athletic performance — like Muscle Mac’s line of products — can help. Our meals use GMO-free pasta, contain no synthetic dyes or colors, and are packed with 20 grams of vegetarian-friendly protein to support muscle growth and recovery. 

Try Muscle Mac today if you want delicious, nutritious meals that promote healthy eating and provide a perfect balance of protein and carbs for long-lasting energy.