If you're serious about taking charge of your diet, then there are some tricks you can use to grow accustomed to eating healthy as you strive to improve your health.

1.) Reroute Your Grocery Run

You might not realize it, but the areas of the grocery store you frequent can have a significant impact on what you put in the cart. Many people who are trying to eat healthy struggle to get groceries because they feel so tempted by things they shouldn't have. The solution? Avoid them!

Groceries stores are all set up basically the same, with aisles of packaged foods in the middle and specialty departments around the outside. To keep yourself from temptation, stick to the outskirts of your store. Focus on the produce and meat departments, maybe dipping your toe into the dairy area, and then leave. Don't wander into the aisles or bakery where you'll be tempted by sugary treats.

2.) Be Curious About Food

So many people will try to follow a specific diet and get bogged down in what they can and can't have. However, a better way to start eating clean is to have an open mind instead. Try to find the vegetables and fruits you like the most by trying anything that looks good to you. You might be surprised by what you find!

Additionally, be curious about what health benefits your food has. Research your favorite foods to see if they have vitamin, nutrient or even glutamine benefits. You might start to notice that your body is craving things with similar nutrients it needs to function optimally.

3.) Know When You're Hungry

This seems like a no-brainer, right? Most people think they know when they're hungry, but in truth, we all look to outside forces to tell us when to eat. We look at the clock to decide when its lunchtime, we refuse a snack because we just had a meal or we go to a party and eat what's offered. 

Worse, emotional triggers are a huge cause of overeating. It's tempting to eat when you feel sad, stressed or angry because of the dopamine the food releases in your brain, particularly sugary or carb-dense foods. 

When you want to eat, take a moment to do a self-assessment. Are you really hungry? Or are you just tired, stressed, etc.?

4.) Choose Whole Grains

Grains get a bad rap these days, but in truth, they're not the worst thing in the world. It all depends on the quality of grains you're eating and if your body tolerates them. If you find you can eat grains without any stomach upset or reaction, then that's great! Eat away, but choose the right ones.

When it comes to grains, many options on the shelf are highly processed or refined. You want to choose only whole grains for your pantry. Yes, they take a little longer to cook, but they're also denser and packed with much more nutrients than processed and refined options. This means whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta, brown rice and more.

Eating healthy can feel overwhelming, but once you've made it a habit it'll come naturally. Use these tips to get started and build your healthy habits. You'll be amazed how much better you feel after just a few weeks!

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