By Nutrition Blogger Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

“I will start my diet on Monday.”

Have you been putting off a diet overhaul for too long?

Healthy eating takes planning and must be a priority if you want to improve your health in 2019. Begin by evaluating your activities, and cut back on wasted time on social media, or in front of screens.

Set aside time each week for grocery shopping and preparing healthy foods for you and your family. When you take the time to plan, you are less likely to pick up fast food from a drive-thru, or stop for a pizza after work.

Every evening, make yourself a healthy lunch to take to work the next day. Put healthy eating and regular exercise as top priorities this year!

Save on Healthy Foods

Healthy eating does not have to be expensive. Shopping at grocery stores such as Aldi can save you significant money on fruit, meats, low-fat dairy products, nuts, beans, and whole grains.

Shop for generic items at grocery stores for cost savings. Cost-compare and learn the best places to stretch your food budget.

Make a goal to eat out less, which will save you significant money. Eating out should be a special occasion rather than a daily habit. Eating at home more will save you money, and can improve your health.

Write it Down

Food journaling can help you have accountability.

A simple notebook and pen can do the trick. Write down everything you eat and drink for a week, and then make goals to improve your diet.

Free smart phone apps like MyFitnessPal and SparkPeople teach you how many calories are in common foods and beverages that you consume.

Also, write down your motivation and post the paper where you need the reminder the most: at work, on the refrigerator, or near your bed.

Recruit Support

Let your family and close friends know that you are trying to eat healthier and exercise.

Be honest with people who have a tendency to bring unhealthy foods into the home or workplace.

You may find that others around you are also working to eat healthier! You can be a good influence on those around you by sharing your goals for the New Year.

Make Your House Your Haven

Make your house a haven for healthy eating. Do not buy foods that will tempt you!

Stock your refrigerator with easy-to-grab-and-eat fruits and vegetables.

Place a fruit bowl on the counter to encourage you and your family to eat more fruit. Get rid of any candy dishes or cookie jars.

Do not be tempted by sales on junk foods!

Have will power for one hour in the grocery store so you don’t have to have willpower every day in your pantry!

Finally, focus on the positive changes that can result by changing your diet: increased energy, lowered cholesterol, or weight loss. You can do it!

We all have unique reasons we want to live a healthy lifestyle.

Take some time to evaluate your motivation, and focus on healthy change in the New Year!

Meet Jeni Tackett, Let’s Move Quad Cities Nutrition Blogger. Jeni is a registered and licensed dietitian for Rock Valley Health. Jeni counsels her clients on weight loss and nutrition. You can read Jeni’s bio and other blog posts by clicking here.