Let’s face it—cleaning up your diet can feel overwhelming. Between fad diets, food delivery temptations, and cravings for junk food, it’s easy to feel stuck. I’ve been there too. When I first started trying to eat healthier, I was confused by all the conflicting advice out there. But over time, I realized it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are some tips (and hard truths) I wish someone had shared with me when I first started my journey.

1. Skip the Fad Diets

Keto, vegan, carnivore—every diet claims to be the best, and it’s easy to get sucked into the noise. But here’s the truth: all these diets have their supporters and their critics. For someone trying to beat sugar addictions or simply eat healthier, this can feel like navigating a minefield.

Instead of overanalyzing which “diet” to follow, focus on a simple principle: eat whole foods. Think meat, fruits, vegetables, starches, and dairy. No, it’s not perfect, but it’s a massive step up from eating junk food every day.

When I say “whole foods,” I mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Skip the highly processed options whenever you can. Instead of worrying about carbs, fats, or proteins, just aim to eat real food—things your great-grandparents would recognize as food. Keep it simple, and don’t stress about the labels.

2. Tackle Food Delivery Temptations

Food delivery apps like DoorDash make it way too easy to derail your healthy eating goals. The temptation is real—I know because I’ve been there. After a long day, it’s hard to resist the convenience of tapping a few buttons and having a burger and fries show up at your door.

Here’s what helped me: I installed a software blocker. I personally recommend Freedom, which lets you block apps and websites during specific times. I used it to block DoorDash and similar platforms during meal prep hours. At first, it felt extreme, but it made me realize how often I was ordering out just because it was convenient—not because I actually wanted or needed the food.

If food delivery is a big obstacle for you, give this a shot. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference.

3. Don’t Go Cold Turkey

If you’re like me, trying to eliminate junk food overnight can feel impossible. And honestly, it’s not the best approach for most people. Here’s why: when you try to change everything all at once, it’s overwhelming. You’re more likely to burn out and fall back into old habits.

Instead, take a step-by-step approach. Start with just one meal.

For example:

• Swap out cereal for eggs at breakfast.
• Once that becomes a habit, move on to lunch.
• Then, work on dinner.

This gradual process helps you build momentum and makes the changes feel manageable. Before you know it, your entire diet looks healthier without it feeling like a huge struggle.

Personal Experience: The Rough Road to Healthy Eating

When I was on my journey to healthier eating, it was ROUGH. It took me about three years to clean up my diet. Three years from first making the decision to actually being in a place where I don’t even desire junk food anymore.

I firmly believe the reason so many people try and fail to eat healthy is because they give up way too soon. You need to understand that healthy eating isn’t some 30-day challenge you attempt, only to go back to your old habits afterward. It’s a lifestyle you must commit yourself to.

The road is tough. You will relapse. You will feel guilty for eating junk food sometimes. But here’s an unpopular opinion: that guilt is actually a good thing. It means your brain is starting to recognize that it shouldn’t be eating junk—it’s resisting! If you’re feeling guilty for eating junk food, you’re brain is on the path to healing.

Healthy eating takes time, patience, and persistence. You won’t get it perfect right away, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you keep trying, keep learning, and don’t give up.