Nearly 50 million Americans go on a diet each year. The “my diet starts on Monday” mindset has become rampant in today’s modern society. It’s no surprise that the top New Year’s resolutions include weight loss, healthy eating, and exercise. Unfortunately, despite the best intentions for adding in long-term healthy habits, roughly 66% of Americans are overweight or obese.

Ask almost anyone and they will agree that diets don’t work. Motivation often fades after the initial victories decline, or when life gets stressful. Plus, as a body loses weight, its metabolism slows down. This may lead to feelings of failure, and the return of old habits.

Now that is not at all to say that dietary changes are not of paramount importance when it comes to creating a state of health and well-being. Food is the most powerful medicine available. Adopting a whole, unprocessed food eating style is the key to sustaining the wellness of the human body, as well as creating a more sustainable food system.

For those looking to improve their health, here are a few simple ideas. Choose protein-rich foods over desert-style breakfast options in the morning. Reach for real food snacks of nuts, fruits, or vegetables in lieu of packaged snack foods. Consider using anti-inflammatory oils like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil in place of inflammatory omega-6 rich oils such as soybean, canola, and corn oil.

A change of eating style is only as beneficial as its longevity. Luckily, the world of nutritional psychology has much advice to offer when it comes to making healthy dietary habits truly sustainable. Of key importance is the establishment of the reason behind a health goal or dietary change. If a person chooses to try a new diet for weight loss because they don’t like their body, the success rate will be lower than if they were to come from a place of self-love and compassion. A journey focused on nourishing and loving oneself will result in habits that feel good beyond the short term.

Another important foundational component of life-long wellness habits is the establishment of a support system. The power of community and connection cannot be underestimated in regard to adopting new behaviors. Making changes with others is more successful than going it alone. Friends, family members, online communities, and other groups create a space for support, accountability, and camaraderie.

Stepping away from a high-stress approach to health that comes with unrealistic expectations is an additional piece of the puzzle. The physiological state of stress that has become the norm does not allow the body to properly digest and utilize even the best foods. Relax and aim to let go of perfectionism. When it comes to the physical act of eating, it is critical to destress and slow down. Eating too quickly, or in a distracted state, can have a negative effect on digestion. Focus on the task of eating while finding gratitude for the nourishment that food provides.

Lastly, one can set themselves up for success by preparing their environment and routine. Create a kitchen that is primarily full of whole foods by curating a grocery list that doesn’t include processed items. Leave trigger food out and aim to have ample alternatives at the ready. Schedule other healthy habits, such as relaxation and exercise, into the daily calendar. This helps make healthy choices an easy priority.

A final note for anyone who has tried it all, or is feeling overwhelmed by their health, or unsure of which changes to make, look no further than the holistic nutrition experts at MetroEast Natural Healing Center. We specialize in helping individuals answer questions about food sensitivities, immune challenges, toxicity, and missing nutrients.