Baked goods are some of my favorite things. Buttermilk doughnuts, cinnamon scones, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter brownies — I’ll take one of each, thank you very much.
But, when I turned the calendar this month, I knew I needed to clean up my eating. Frequent headaches, teen levels of acne, and sugar-induced mood swings made it apparent that I needed to increase my fruits and veggies, and decrease the carb fest I’ve been indulging in during the holiday season.
Right about this time, I was invited to a clean eating challenge. I was intrigued. I needed to eat clean! I needed accountability! Perhaps a good fit? Then I realized I would be drinking shakes, sipping tea, and eating just chicken and veggies for dinner. FOR A MONTH. As great as that sounds (NOT!), I did want to outline some realistic health goals to help get my eating on track.
If you’re a mama like me, here’s a few healthy eating tips we can actually stick with.
Stop nibbling my toddler’s snacks
Because, hello, I don’t need more crackers in my diet.
Fast after dinner
The nighttime munchies are calories I just don’t need.
Modify my coffee order
No more mochas. Fancied-up americanos (flavor of choice with some cream) still taste lovely.
Believe that food equals fuel
My days are full. I need energy. When I choose quality food, I can parent better. Food is fuel, and I need to make every bite count!
Pause baking
All those treats I listed above. Yeah, I obviously have a major sweet tooth. When I bake a dozen cookies, I eat a dozen cookies … minus four, because I generously share one with each of my children. But still, no one needs eight cookies in a day. So, I’m pausing my baking for a bit.
Skip the food journal
I’ve heard that writing down everything you eat will help keep things in check, but truly, I don’t have the time or patience for that. Instead, I’ve started texting a photo of each meal I plate up to my bestie. Easy accountability at its finest!
Swap dinner plates for salad plates
When I sit down to eat, my hungry eyes want a full plate of food. My tummy doesn’t need a brimming dinner plate, though. To get the “full” visual, I’m going to fill a salad plate when I serve myself. Easy-breezy portion control.
Plan cheats
I’m not trying to live the rest of my life without a cookie. I know myself too well. Instead, each month, I’ll decide the days I want to cheat. Maybe a birthday party, date night, or monthly cookie bake with my kids.
Grocery shop carefully
If my favorite cereal is in my pantry, I will eat it. If there are white chocolate Reese’s Pieces, consider them gone. If those particular items are absent, I’ll probably reach for salted almonds or hummus when I need a snack. I need to remember not to buy what I shouldn’t eat.
Aim for progress, not perfection
I’m not dieting to deprive or punish myself. I’m changing eating habits to be healthier, to have more energy, and most of all, to set a good example for my kids of what food balance looks like. More — and better — choices is my goal.
