No time, too expensive, too complicated – these are just some of the excuses given for not having a balanced diet. But how about quite simply conquering your inner couch potato? Our five solutions for a healthier diet will put an end to the typical excuses. It means that, day by day, you can eat more consciously – it’s easier than you think!

 

 

Excuse no. 1: With the stress of everyday life, I don’t have time for breakfast.

Solution: One of the most frequent obstacles to a healthy diet seems to be a lack of time. It’s either just a quick coffee for breakfast or no breakfast at all. That isn’t a problem if it just happens every now and then. But if you leave very little time for breakfast on a regular basis, maintaining a healthy diet is difficult. You will probably get hunger pangs or cravings during the day and will have less energy for a long day. The good news is that eating healthily in the morning does not need a lot of time. Quite the opposite – many delicious meals can be prepared in just a few minutes or even the night before. People have found that proats make a very handy and substantial breakfast. The porridge oats, which are soaked overnight, have an extra portion of protein and can be enhanced with fruit. Freshly mixed smoothies are even quicker – from time to time, they can make a super filling breakfast that is bursting with vitamins.

 

Excuse no. 2: Healthy food costs a lot of money!

Solution: If you want to use the cost factor as an argument against a healthier diet, take a look at the receipt for your last shopping trip. What did you actually spend on meat, frozen pizza, ice cream and the like? Hand on heart: healthy food does not necessarily need to be expensive. Opt for plenty of fruit and vegetables, either those that are in season or the frozen variety. In addition, you can add whole grain products, like bread, rice and pasta. Pulses, which include beans, lentils and peas, also contain plenty of plant-based protein. Last but not least, dairy products or their plant-based alternatives are a good option. Already you have the perfect basis for a healthier diet at home – without having to spend a fortune.

 

Excuse no. 3: I just can’t cook.

Solution: Come on! You don’t need to be a celebrity chef to eat well. Countless blogs and other social media accounts are creative proof of this. No, this excuse just won’t wash any more. The solution for a healthier diet in this case is: keep it simple! With just a few ingredients and with no previous knowledge you will come up with the most delicious ideas. By the way, our Dole blog is guaranteed to help you out here. How about a rainbow chia pudding, a tasty poké bowl or a pineapple and veggie burger?

 

Excuse no. 4: When it comes to sweet things, I weaken straight away.

Solution: First of all: craving something sweet is not a weakness and shouldn’t give you a guilty conscience. Such cravings can arise, for example, if you tend to eat a lot of simple carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes, white rice or processed food. Your blood sugar levels quickly rise and then rapidly fall. The result is that we crave something sweet again – and the cycle continues. But strong emotions, such as anger, sadness or stress, are calmed with chocolate and other sweet foods. Think about whether you even want to have sweet things in the house. Perhaps you could replace these treats with alternatives such as dried fruit, nuts or dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. In the long term, you can keep your cravings for sweet food under control by eating regular meals that contain fibre in the form of fruit, vegetables, whole grain products and pulses.

 

Excuse no. 5: I am never really thirsty.

Solution: Yes, drinking enough fluids is also part of a healthier diet. You should drink at least 1.5 litres of fluid each day. Not drinking enough over an extended period often leads to tiredness, a lack of concentration or headaches. Your digestive system, skin and joints will benefit from a good supply of fluid. You don’t need to drink huge quantities of water but a regular ‘refreshing boost’ will do you good. You can do this by drinking a glass of water each morning, eating plenty of vegetables with a high water content and choosing non-fizzy drinks. Fruit, slices of cucumber or mint can add even more variety to your glass. And unsweetened teas are a fantastic choice. Special apps or diaries can sometimes help. For some people, however, they put even more pressure on the subject of drinking and tend to be counterproductive. Give it a try – you will find your way.

 

Let’s do this!

 

Your Dole Team