New job as a health trainer ~ My thoughts and tips on healthy eating habits + keeping on track when

So I have recently got a new job as a community health trainer, I am almost fully qualified and I am enjoying it so much! I love learning all about health and well-being it must be something that hooks me because I seem to have been interested since I was about 8 I swear! I love anything to do with this so I feel like I am in my element everyday (ideal!)

On the note of healthy eating...I think it's completely fine to have a cheat day once in a while or to just have a treat in general sometimes. Life is all about balance and that's what I say to people most days as my role as a health trainer. If you never had a treat you'd really not enjoy life! Because lets be honest, food is LIFE. Having a day in the week you have something you crave is completely okay, just being food aware is the key. You had a slice of cake at lunch? Have a smaller dinner. Try to eat healthily the day after and not have a treat, you won't feel as guilty then. Changing lifestyle habits is the key to having more chance of long term sustainable weight loss and keeping it off, or to just feel better in yourself. Diets don't last forever so changing little habits in your daily life are smart and long term goals that will actually stick.

Trying to have treat free days is a good idea and then a day you do have a treat it doesn't feel so bad because you have gone 3-4 days eating healthily. Eating well doesn't need to be bland or boring. If snacking it is a weakness then make some sugar free popcorn. Got a sweet tooth? Try lower calorie options or swap for fruit.

A lot of people wonder what to eat when going out for food, it's very easy to get a lot more calories than you think you are eating, however some menus do show the calories which can be really helpful or just make you feel stressed that you want the huge chocolate cake but actually its 400 calories.. Oh. If you're having a cheat day and you exercise all week and eat well, then it's OK to have that treat. If you want to try to be as healthy as possible, just go for water as a drink or a diet drink, i'd recommend water more though as you know exactly what is in it as diet drinks aren't really much better for you than full fat with all the added sweeteners.. No calories but definitely not good for your body.

Regarding food it can be a good idea to go for things like chicken or fish (unless you're veggie or vegan of course) These meats are pretty inoffensive and give you lots of nutrients. Sometimes ordering simple is the best bet because the sauces can have lots of hidden calories too. Veggies and carbs are always good i.e potato or quinoa. There are normally low calorie options on the menu or you could just have a small breakfast and lunch and save yourself for your meal later feeling a lot less guilt if you do indulge a bit too much!!

But if you've had a long week ...and you've been really good..and you're eating out, it's fine to have a slice of cake or what you've been craving!! Life = Balance! Happy eating :)

Thanks for reading,

Natalie

x

#Lifehacks #Lifestyle #Food