Making diet and lifestyle changes can be challenging, but every obstacle has a solution. Explore our tips to stay motivated and overcome common hurdles with confidence.
Jump to... Lack of time Cravings Unmotivated/Lack of energy Social gatherings Eating out
Stress/Emotional eating Get more active On a budget Getting support Setbacks Lack of sleep
Obstacle: Lack of time to prepare healthy meals.
Solutions: You could make a weekly meal and shopping plan, batch cook and freeze meals, or find quick and easy recipes to make. If you are stuck and need to go for a ready meal, check the front labels and choose options that are low in saturated fat, with no more than 500kcal per serving, and keep to the recommended serving size.
Obstacle: Craving unhealthy foods or snacks.
Solutions: Stock up on healthier alternatives like fruit, nuts, or whole-grain snacks. Allow yourself the occasional treat, but try to balance them with healthier options.
Obstacle: Feeling unmotivated or lacking energy to make changes.
Solutions: Review your diet quiz, and think about new goals to set and steps you can take. Surround yourself with supportive friends or family, or join a community to stay encouraged.
Obstacle: Social gatherings or eating out makes it hard to stick to your plan.
Solutions: Remember, one off day won’t derail your progress. Don’t be hard on yourself. It’s the overall pattern over time that matters. If you slip, simply re-focus, review your reasons for making these changes and how good you’ll feel when you succeed. Planning ahead can help too: research menus before dining out, politely decline or choose healthier options, and sip fizzy water so you feel full. Celebrate your progress, however small, and keep moving forward!
Obstacle: Stress or emotional eating.
Solutions: Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, walking, or mindfulness. Identify emotional triggers and find healthier ways to cope, like talking to a friend or going for a walk around the block.
Obstacle: Difficulty getting enough physical activity due to a busy life or health concerns.
Solutions: Start with small, manageable exercises like walking or stretching, and gradually increase the intensity. Set a consistent time each day for movement, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes.
Obstacle: Limited access to healthy food options or affordable ingredients.
Solutions: Focus on affordable, healthy staples like frozen vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Plan meals around what’s in season or on sale, and try bulk buying to save money.
Obstacle: Lack of support or feeling isolated in making lifestyle changes.
Solutions: Find a friend, family member, or online community who have the same goals. Share your progress with them and celebrate achievements together for added accountability.
Obstacle: Setbacks, such as slipping back into old eating habits.
Solutions: Don't be hard on yourself if you make a mistake. Treat each setback as a learning opportunity. Revisit your goals, adjust your plan if needed, and keep moving forward.
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