When it comes to eating healthy have you ever noticed that starting seems to be the hardest part? It can seem really daunting. But don’t let fear stop you before you get started! Remember your mindset and your reasons for wanting to change. Have plenty of yummy meals planned and or prepped so you have good food to look forward to and don’t feel deprived.

The following Dos and Don’ts will help you jump in, get started, and ensure long term success!

Do seek support from your family and friends. Let them know what you are doing and why you are doing it. Ask them for their support. This is especially helpful if you will be eliminating certain foods: for example those containing dairy, gluten, or grains. I found that when the people closest to me understood my motivation, they were eager to support me and help me succeed.

Don’t have one last binge fest the day before you change your diet. This actually will only make matters worse. Sugar and processed foods have an inflammatory effect on your body. They also create cravings for more. Binge eating on them only stresses your digestive system as it tries to release the excess toxins from your body. You might even find you have flue like symptoms for the first day or two of your new diet plan. Feeling bad may cause you to quit before you make any progress.

Do make little changes over a period of weeks. Cut back on sodas one week. Add more vegetables to your meals instead of eliminating foods. When I faced having to go on an extreme diet for to heal my body from lymphocytic colitis and candida, I actually started by adding plenty of healthy options to my diet. I shifted the focus to what I got to eat and not what I couldn’t have. When it came time to eliminate all grains and sugar it was an easier transition because I was already eating a higher quality diet and I didn’t have cravings for the foods I had to remove.

Making small changes over time makes it easier to stick with and it allows your body and your mind to adapt slowly thus increasing your likelihood of success. It’s kind of like training for a marathon. You don’t start out the first week with a 20 mile run. You build up to it over the course of several weeks. By the time you get to your 20 miler, it still may seem a little scary and daunting, but you have more confidence knowing you have already completed a 16 miler and an 18 miler!

Following these guidelines made it much easier for me to take action and to stick with it. I bet if you use them you will have success and be surprised by how quickly you feel better and you see improvements in your running!