Can you make eating healthy fun?

The idea of “eating healthy” doesn’t exactly give most people warm fuzzies. Yeah, it’s what’s best for us, but it’s not always what sounds good. And I don’t blame anyone — “eating healthy” has gotten a bad rap. I certainly don’t care for spinach brownies or “bread” made from egg whites. And no, that protein bar does not taste exactly like a Reese’s cup.

So, what do you do? Here are some of my best tips:

Try the “fakeout”: Instead of ordering takeout or dining out, try recreating your favorite dishes at home. The internet is full of Chinese takeout and Chick-fil-A copycat recipes! And recreating these dishes at home doesn’t have to mean making the low-carb, sugar-free version. Generally, anything homemade is going to be healthier than the restaurant version — sugar and all.

Crowd out the other stuff: Instead of trying to completely replace all your “unhealthy” meals, start by enhancing them with more nutrient-dense options to crowd out the less healthy choices. For example, you don’t need to give up your pasta, but could you serve yourself half a cup less and add some chicken on the side instead? I guarantee you’d feel even more satisfied that way.

Make smart swaps: I’m not talking about replacing a slice of cake on your birthday with a piece of fruit — that won’t satisfy anyone! But can you improve in other areas without much effort? Absolutely! There are plenty of healthier alternatives out there that actually taste good. For example, switching from Kraft Mac and Cheese to Goodles, which has slightly more protein and fewer preservatives, can make a big difference. How about Boulder Canyon Potato Chips, which taste even better than Lay’s but are made with avocado oil instead? You can still be healthy and feel good eating these foods. You don’t have to start eating like a caveman to see results.

Always make room for fun: One reason people dread eating healthy is because they assume it means cutting out all their “favorite” foods. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The dose makes the poison. Eat what you need, and add what you want. A day without dessert soun

ds miserable to me. But you can still be healthy and lose fat while enjoying dessert. No, you’re not going to eat 500 calories worth of ice cream — but you can enjoy 150 calories, savor it fully, and leave the table actually feeling good this time.

Don’t force it: You may have created stories and rules in your head about what eating healthy means. Who said you have to eat Brussels sprouts? Or always order a salad? Or make zucchini lasagna? No one! Find the healthy foods you actually enjoy eating and stick to those (but it never hurts to try branching out). I’m sure there are at least some whole foods you like. Who doesn’t like fruit? Or a grass-fed steak? Dark chocolate? Crunchy baby carrots? Do healthy eating your way.