Dear Life Section,

I want to start eating healthy meals, but I do not know where to start or how to do it within my budget. Do you have any suggestions?

Sincerely,

Beginning Health Guru

Dear Beginning Health Guru,

It can be hard to change eating habits, but being aware of your diet and making slow and steady changes is the way to go.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three rules to follow: reflect, replace and reinforce.

Reflect on your own habits and find what might not be working for you. Eating out is a big culprit, especially when you are on campus for long periods of time or go out with friends. Try to start avoiding sugary drinks like soda or those at Starbucks.

If it seems hard to do this, simply cut down on the amount you consume or the frequency you consume it.

Deep-fried foods and foods high in carbs such as bread are also ones to watch out for and avoid. Replace the unhealthy foods with something else.

Instead of drinking soda, replace it with juice, water or sparkling water. Avoiding sugary drinks at Starbucks does not mean avoiding Starbucks altogether. Choose a smaller drink or a coffee that does not contain as many sugars. 

Reinforce your healthy eating habits. This may be easier said than done, especially because food can provide a certain comfort and stability in our lives. Eating healthy can help mental as well as physical health, according to Sutter Health.

When you are putting healthy nutrients in your body, signs of anxiety and depression can minimize. You may find yourself more alert and less fatigued. Overall, as hard as it may be, changing eating habits does more good than harm, according to Sutter Health.

One concern is that eating healthy can be more expensive. That is correct in the sense that buying fresh food and healthier options is more expensive. However, if you limit your spending on drinks when you go out to dinner or start buying smaller portions of drinks or unhealthy foods, it should even out.

There are also many healthy food options that are inexpensive and last a long time. Eggs; canned meats; canned or frozen fruits; and vegetables and brown rice are all healthy options that last for a while and are not too expensive.

Do not be discouraged if it takes longer than expected to change the way you eat. Habits can be hard to break and hard to form. Remind yourself of the physical and mental benefits and continue trying to make small but steady changes to your diet.

Sincerely,

The Life Section