Tip #34: Ease yourself into it

When my husband and I first got married, he was not really a "whole wheat" kind of guy.  He was more of a fried food, ice cream, and little debbie snacks kind of guy.  He still likes those things, but has a much healthier and balanced diet, and now genuinely enjoys healthy food.  That didn't happen overnight.  Does the fact that we've been married 8 1/2 years tell you anything?  :)  Not ready to go all out with the healthy eating?  No worries.  Ease yourself into some healthy eating habits.

Not ready for all whole wheat?

-Make pancakes, muffins, bread, etc. with 1/2 white flour and 1/2 whole wheat flour.

-Use 1/2 white spaghetti noodles and 1/2 whole wheat.

-Eventually increase the whole wheat ratio as you get used to it.

Not ready for skim milk?

Depending on what you are drinking now and what you are ready for, try drinking 2%, then 1%, and then try easing yourself into skim.  Skim milk has just as much calcium as whole milk!  (Young children need the fat found in whole and 2% milk).

Haven't been able to give up soft drinks?

-Limit yourself to one a day.  Once you get used to that, keep soft drinks to a treat you have 2 times a week or less.

-When you get a fountain drink, only fill it up once.

-Don't keep soft drinks in your home; instead just drink them at restaurants.

-Please do not give young children soft drinks.  They'll be completely content without them, and don't need the extra sugar, high fructose syrup, etc.

-I've mentioned this at least twice in this blog already, but drink equal amounts of water.

Sucker for Starbucks?

-Ask the server to use skim milk in your drink

-Skip the whip

-Consider ordering a Cafe' Americano or brewed coffee instead of a Cafe' Mocha or Caramel Macchiato, and save yourself up to 245 calories!!!  I'll tell ya what, a Cafe' Americano with a shot of Hazelnut and a little skim milk is delicious, and much easier on the budget too!

So here is a starting point for you.  It's kind of fun eating healthier...especially when you become consistent and start reaping the benefits!