You Are What You Eat
Statements like “I’m gonna stop eating out starting from tomorrow” have the right intention but oftentimes lead to stress and disappointment. It’s important to be kind to yourself and understand that changing your diet is a long term process. I want your changes to last a lifetime. Instead of a 180, change one step at a time and understand the variables. Maybe you are someone who needs to eat out during the workday because of your busy schedule. Try this exercise:
On your phone or on a piece of paper, write down all the potential places you could eat out near where you work
Look at each of their menus and find the food items you think you would like. Don’t just find the healthiest food because, at the end of the day, you will only keep long term food habits if you enjoy eating the food.
Choose a few items per restaurant that are relatively healthier. If a restaurant seems to have no healthy options, cross them off of your list. Quick metrics you could check: low amounts of saturated fat, zero added sugars, high protein, high fiber, and least processed. The closer the food looks to its natural form the better it probably is.
When you are in a hurry during your workday, refer to your list. Make that the habit. Your diet will change without making a sacrifice on taste if you follow this method.