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
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.
