Revamp your plate in 2024: 3 things you can do today for a healthier tomorrow

Happy New Year! It’s that time when everyone is making their resolutions, and hoping to stick to them for the entirety of the year. Many people focus on dieting as their resolution, but we are hoping to encourage you to look into healthy eating. Most of us think these terms are synonymous, but it’s important to know the difference between healthy eating vs. dieting. Dieting is generally associated with the goal of losing weight, and involves controlling or limiting the food you consume. Whereas healthy eating is about being mindful of what we put in our bodies. Will healthy eating help to lose weight? Yes, it can. But healthy eating also helps reduce cholesterol, lowers your blood pressure, and helps prevent diabetes. And when it comes to healthy eating and mental health? You will be happy to know that the better nutrients you put into your body, the better your mood will be! So let’s look at some ways you can create a healthy eating plan for yourself this year.

Tip 1: Clean Out Your Pantry and Eliminate Unhealthy Choices

The first step towards cleaning up your food choices in 2024 is to take a closer look at what's hiding in your pantry. We often underestimate the impact that our environment can have on our eating habits. By decluttering your pantry and removing unhealthy temptations, you set the stage for success in adopting a cleaner, more nutritious food regimen. You will have less temptations hanging around, and you’ll be more likely to make better food choices. Plus, a well-organized pantry stocked with nutritious ingredients makes meal preparation far more efficient.

Let’s discuss a few steps you can follow to help with this process so it seems less daunting:

• Read labels. Taking the time to read labels on your packaged foods can be a bit time consuming, but it is essential. Look out for refined sugars, preservatives, seed oils, and refined carbohydrates. Find those snacks that are heavily processed, and ditch them. And if you’re planning on removing or limiting it: gluten. If you’re wondering why going gluten free is good for you, you should know it helps ease digestive woes, it reduces inflammation, and can even boost your energy levels.

• Mindful disposal. Donate unopened, non-perishable items to local food banks or charities to avoid unnecessary food waste.

• Restock with nutrient dense options. After the clean-out, restock your pantry with wholesome, nutrient-dense staples. Replace your snacks with healthier options such as nuts and seeds and dried fruits. If you love sweets, try having some on hand that aren’t going to send your blood sugar on a roller coaster. Try out some options that are refined sugar free, gluten free, vegan, paleo-friendly, etc. You don’t have to follow a strict diet, you can have a lot of fun with finding healthier options and alternatives. For example, you can order grain free bread online through our site for loaves that are full of fiber, protein, and check all the boxes we just mentioned (gluten free, vegan, no additives, no refined sugars, no seed oils, and more). Just add a few toppings, and you have a healthy meal within minutes. Sound easy? We make it even easier for you! You can subscribe and have our bread automatically delivered to you, so you don't even have to think about it. Plus you will receive savings when you subscribe.

Tip 2: Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals

Embarking on a journey to healthier eating becomes significantly more achievable and enjoyable when you surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar health and wellness goals. Building a supportive community around your dietary aspirations provides encouragement, motivation, and a sense of accountability. Here are some ways to foster a health-conscious community:

• Join local fitness or cooking classes. You can meet others with a shared interest in healthy living, creating a positive and motivating environment to exchange ideas, recipes, and experiences.

• Connect through social media. Utilize social media platforms to find and connect with individuals who are going through similar health challenges. Join health and wellness groups, follow inspiring accounts, and engage in discussions to stay motivated and informed. Just make sure to focus on the inspiration, and do not overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations! Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We are always here to support you on your journey, and provide you with fresh ideas for your pantry.

• Create a wellness challenge. Challenge friends, family, or colleagues to join you in a wellness challenge. This could involve trying new healthy recipes, participating in a fitness challenge, or collectively committing to making mindful food choices.

• Organize healthy potlucks or cooking nights. Plan regular gatherings where everyone brings a nutritious dish to share. This not only fosters a sense of community but also introduces you to new, healthy recipes that can become staples in your meal prep.

Tip 3: Implement Changes Gradually and Maintain Manageable Limits

It is essential to manage your expectations and keep a realistic mindset when it comes to implementing healthy eating habits. Instead of attempting radical changes overnight, focus on making gradual adjustments that are sustainable over the long term. This prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and increases the likelihood of success. Here is how we can keep things practical and achievable:

• Set realistic goals. Define realistic goals for yourself. Rather than a complete overhaul, start with attainable objectives such as increasing vegetable intake, reducing refined sugars, trying more plant-based meals, or incorporating gluten free options. You can start introducing these changes one at a time if too many simultaneous modifications sounds difficult. Allow both your body and your mind to adapt gradually.

• Listen to your body and monitor progress. Pay attention to how your body responds to food changes. Listen to hunger and fullness cues, and adjust your meal plan accordingly. And monitor your progress and celebrate small victories along the way because acknowledging your achievements reinforces positive habits.

• Incorporate enjoyable foods. Clean eating doesn't mean sacrificing taste or enjoyment. Find healthier alternatives to your favorite dishes, experiment with new recipes, and savor the process of discovering nutritious foods that you genuinely enjoy. Lots of people balk at the idea of reducing gluten, for example, because they cannot imagine losing bread, or the taste of their favorite bakes. That’s why we are here! Our various loaves, bagels, and desserts are plant-based, gluten free, and immensely nutritious. But unlike other, similar options, our products taste phenomenal, and will enhance your healthy meal.

Remember, the key is progress, not perfection. By implementing changes at a pace that suits your lifestyle, you set the foundation for a sustainable and lasting commitment to cleaner and healthier eating in 2024. And don’t forget to order gluten free bread online through our site! We would love to help contribute to your new meal plans.