Healthy Eating: Starting A Plan For Change

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Introduction

If you have decided to start a healthy eating plan, congratulations! Making that decision is an important step in becoming a healthier person.

Keep these key points in mind:

• When you're trying to develop new habits—whether it's healthy eating, getting more exercise, or quitting smoking—you have a better chance of success if you make a plan ahead of time.
• Knowing whyyou want to eat healthier can help you make changes in your eating habits. And writing down your reasons will be a good reminder later on if you get discouraged.
• A plan for forming new habits includes long-term and short-term goals as well as ideas for getting past barriers—things that might get in the way of your success.
• Start with small, short-term goals that you can reach pretty easily. It's easier to stick to something new when you have early, frequent successes.
• Support from family and friends can go a long way toward helping you find success in eating healthier. Don't be afraid to let them know what you're trying to do—and ask for their help.

 What is involved in starting a healthy eating plan?

 Why do you want to start eating healthier?

 How do you start a healthy eating plan?

 Where to go from here

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Last updated:	May 14, 2008
Author:	Cynthia Tank
Reviewed By:	Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition, Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator
Editors:	Katy E. Magee, MA, Michele Cronen