I used to think healthy eating was for two kinds of people: kale-loving fitness fanatics who crave healthy foods and anyone who managed to escape the gravitational pull of donuts in the break room. I was neither. But then, something happened. One day, as I bit into yet another soggy drive-thru burger, I had an epiphany: this was not doing me any favors. My body deserved better than a steady diet of salt, grease, and regret. I didn’t just want to eat healthy—I wanted to want to eat healthy.
And guess what? It worked. Now, I look forward to roasted veggies and fresh fruit like they’re gourmet treats. How did I get there? It wasn’t magic. It was about rewiring my brain and habits—essentially teaching myself to crave healthy foods. Let me walk you through how I made it happen. (Spoiler alert: it’s easier and more fun than you might think!)
Why Do So Many of Us Struggle to Eat Healthy?
Before I tell you how I changed, let’s get real about the problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than 14% of Americans eat enough fruit, and less than 9% manage to squeeze in enough vegetables. I used to be in that majority, telling myself I’d eat better tomorrow… or next week… or maybe never.
The thing is, our brains are wired to love what’s familiar and easy. Chips, cookies, and frozen pizzas are convenient, calorie-dense, and packed with just the right balance of fat, sugar, and salt to make us crave them (food producers know this fact!). But here’s the good news: that same wiring can be redirected to crave healthy foods. It just takes some practice.
Changing the Way You Think About Food
1. Remember Your Purpose
First, I had to remind myself why I wanted to change. This wasn’t about fitting into a smaller pair of jeans—it was about energy, confidence, and not needing an afternoon nap just to get through the day. When you focus on the big-picture benefits of eating well (better health, fewer doctor visits, more vibrant living), it’s easier to say no to the bag of chips and yes to the bowl of berries.
2. Plan Ahead for Success
One of my favorite mental tricks is to ask myself, “Will future me thank me for this choice?” When the answer is “no,” I rethink my decision. Swapping out a handful of pretzels for baby carrots is easier when I consider how much better I’ll feel an hour later.
3. Learn What You’re Eating
Knowledge is power, right? I started reading about nutrition and learning how different foods affect my energy, skin, and even my mood. Suddenly, that leafy salad looked a lot more appealing when I realized it could make me feel more focused and productive than a carb-heavy sandwich.
4. Make Healthy Habits Easy
Instead of telling myself I couldn’t have my morning coffee treat, I simply paired it with something healthier. A handful of almonds or a banana was less jarring than going cold turkey on my habits. Over time, I stopped missing the sugary pastries altogether.
5. Reward Yourself Differently
Here’s a confession: I used to treat myself with food when I was stressed or celebrating. Now, I reward myself with other things—a long walk, a new book, or even a relaxing bubble bath. Breaking the connection between emotions and food was a game-changer.
6. Build a Healthy Community
Eating well became a lot easier when I surrounded myself with like-minded friends. We swapped recipes, shared restaurant tips, and encouraged each other. Who knew broccoli could become a social event?
Change the Way You Eat To Crave Healthy Foods
1. Embrace Healthy Fats
Here’s a revolutionary idea: fat isn’t the enemy on keto/low-carb diets! Drizzling olive oil on roasted veggies or adding avocado to my salad made healthy meals feel indulgent. Foods like nuts, seeds, and salmon not only taste great but also keep me fuller longer.
2. Shop Smart
Healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank. I started hunting for bargains at farmer’s markets, buying seasonal produce, and exploring the bulk bins for affordable food. Growing a small herb garden was another budget-friendly hack that made my meals more flavorful.
3. Make It Beautiful
One night, I decided to set the table with my “fancy” dishes, light a candle, and make my meal an experience. That simple act made my plate of chicken and veggies feel like a gourmet feast. Presentation matters more than we realize!
4. Try New Things
When kale got boring (which it inevitably does), I branched out. I explored new greens like arugula and mustard greens. I signed up for a cooking class where I learned to whip up Thai peanut stir-fry and Moroccan lentil soup. Variety kept things exciting.
5. Bring Snacks Everywhere
Vending machines used to be my nemesis. Now, I keep yogurt cups, fruit, and mixed nuts in my bag. It’s amazing how quickly my taste buds adjusted to these healthier options. Now, I find processed snacks less satisfying.
6. Make Healthy Choices Convenient
I realized my cravings often came down to convenience. So, I prepped fruit salads and veggie sticks on Sundays, ensuring I always had quick, healthy snacks on hand. Pro tip: almond flour pizza crusts topped with veggies make a delicious, effortless dinner.
Why This Works
Our brains are incredibly adaptable. Just like we can learn to love new music or pick up a new hobby, we can train ourselves to crave healthy foods. The trick is to start small, stay consistent, and be kind to yourself along the way. Willpower is helpful, but the real magic happens when you replace old habits with ones that feel just as rewarding.
These days, I look forward to roasted brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon. (No, really!) It’s not that I never enjoy a slice of cake or a greasy slice of pizza—it’s that those foods no longer hold the power they once did. They’re treats, not staples. And that’s a big difference.
Final Thoughts
If I could teach myself to crave healthy foods, trust me, anyone can. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Start by making one small change, like swapping out a sugary snack for something fresher. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. And remember: the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Healthy eating isn’t a punishment. It’s a way to show yourself love and respect, one delicious bite at a time. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself getting excited about beets too. Remember, YOU GOT THIS!
