How to consistently eat heathy foods

A popular dietician has outlined her five health lessons, after saying she has eaten healthy foods for a decade.

Brisbane woman Leanne Ward said when she was younger she used to consistently start and re-start her health journey trying to be perfect, the Daily Mail reported.

But then when she reached her early 20s, Leanne said she realised that real health was about doing things long-term rather than for four or eight weeks.

'There are five things I learnt along my journey that have allowed me to consistently eat healthily,' Leanne posted on Instagram.

Here are Leanne's five tips.

1. Healthy doesn't have to be bland or boring. 'You don't have to feel unsatisfied by the healthy options,' she said. 'Make healthier versions of your favourite takeaways.'

2. You're not eating enough vegetables. While we all know we are supposed to get five fruits and vegetables each day, in reality, many of us eat far less. 

3. You need to plan to be successful. It's hard to make a healthy choice when no options are available, so plan ahead with your nutrition.

4. Consistency is king. If you overeat at a meal, don't turn it into a while day, weekend, entire week or month. Enjoying your pizza and glass of wine without feeling guilty is key to a truly healthy relationship with food.

5. You don't need to 'healthify' everything you eat. 'Eat the Ben & Jerry's, the Domino's pizza or the almond croissant, it's not inflammatory in small amounts,' she said.

The website said Leanne says your main meal should contain a high fibre carbohydrate, a lean protein, a healthy fat, three or more colourful vegetables and a small treat to finish. 

Rather than extreme dieting, Leanne believes eating a balanced diet will result in long-term, sustainable fat loss and a healthy body. 

Read the full report here.