Making the change

   Changing a diet can be difficult for some, easy for others. For us, we found that there weren't really a lot of changes we needed to make, so that made the process of turning to a Flexitarian diet, not too difficult. Hallelujah ;)

   But for some, it might be a battle. You might love sweets too much, feel like you "have" to eat meat every meal, or you might be a picky eater. 

   So these are some of tips we would give you if you are wanting/needing to change your diet, for whatever reason. Whether it be for your physical, mental, or emotional well-being.

1. Make it a family affair: Try to get everyone involved. Not only will it benefit them, but it will definitely help YOU keep on track. If you wanted to stop drinking, you wouldn't hang out in a bar. Same with food! It's not going to help if you're surrounding yourself with all the food you're trying to avoid.

2. Be excited about this CHANGE: Don't look at it as some dreadful experience. Why do you think it's going to be horrible to choose a healthier lifestyle? You know you'll be healthier and happier, so be happy that you're making the step! Be excited about the changes you will see and feel. 

3. Keep trying and fight that mental battle: Remember it can take time to like a new foods, for children and adults. I believe studies say it might take 15-20 times?.? Still looking for that research. But you have to decide that you want to like the food, and then keep trying it. Your palate can change! You just need to get over that decision you made to not like fish, or those vegetables look gross. Looks aren't everything :)

If you WANT to like it, chances are you WILL like it; just keep trying! Train that palate. Because it really is fun to love food!!

4. You have to WANT this: You need to decide that NOW IS THE TIME. Maybe you want more energy, or you want to lose weight, or you feel on edge all the time. Whatever the reason may be, you need to decide that you deserve to be all around happy and healthy, and that all that junk is not worth it! You can't do it just for someone else; though that can be a good drive. You do need to want it for yourself.

6. Don't be paranoid: By no means should you be freaking out about every little thing you are putting into your mouth. Everything in MODERATION. It's okay if you've decided to treat yourself to a dessert, enjoy that BBQ your neighbor invited you to, maybe you have been craving some chocolate chip cookies and yes, milk goes oh so perfectly with that:) And don't think you're going to kill yourself because you are cooking with butter/oil/salt at times. 

Maybe you have these things each meal. Then cut it down to twice a day, then once a day, then a few times a week, and then just once a week! A couple times a week is good moderation.

And remember, there are wonderful substitutions out there! But sometimes they just don't cut it, and that is okay.

Now go out and get healthy!!