9 Ways To Crowd Out Unhealthy Eating Habits
If you’re stuck in a cycle of eating processed food that leaves you feeling bloated, exhausted, and just generally unwell, it can be hard to break.
Even when we know how much our favorite treats and snacks can disrupt our health, giving them up altogether feels like an impossible ask. So instead of going cold turkey, I recommend “crowding out” your unhealthy habits with healthier ones.
The more good, nutritious, mood-boosting practices you add into your daily life, the less time and energy you’ll have for those unhealthy vices. So here are 9 ways you can start to crowd out your unhealthy eating habits by introducing some healthier ones:
#1 Drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day.
Hydration is incredibly important for feeling great- sometimes fatigue or brain fog can be solved with a good drink of water. And when we feel energized and clear, we can make healthier choices.
#2 Eat leafy greens at each meal.
For example, add spinach to your morning eggs or commit to serving yourself a salad with your lunch and dinner—and eat the salad first.
#3 Make one of your snacks healthy.
Try fruit with nuts, a hard-boiled egg, or veggies with hummus.
#4 Commit to 1-2 new vegetable side dish recipes to try a week.
Mark Bittman has good ones, and you can always check out Source + Sprout’s Pinterest for ideas.
#5 Build your plate to be half vegetables.
Vegetables are powerhouses of nutrition- most of us don’t realize the sheer volume of vegetables we need to eat each day! Filling up half your plate not only crowds out other stuff that might not be as nutrient-dense, but it helps you get those veggies in to help you feel your best!
#6 Make homemade fries.
Use both sweet potatoes or regular potatoes with olive oil and lots of salt. Here’s a hint: the key is in the salt!
#7 Add in high fiber foods when you can.
Fiber is a big part of your overall health. Find little ways to add chia seeds, raspberries, cruciferous veggies, and some whole grains to your diet.
#8 Add in digestive bitters or bitter foods.
Arugula, artichoke, broccoli rabe, brussels sprouts, endive, and kale are great for helping with digestion.
#9 Sip on bone broth.
This nutrition-packed liquid is a game-changer. Drink it like a warm cup of coffee, or use it in place of water in recipes to reap all the benefits.
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As you begin to crowd out the processed foods in your diet, remember that the goal of this method is to make the transition as seamless as possible. So experiment with other simple switches you can make to reach your health and wellness goals.
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.sourceandsproutnutrition.com/disclaimer