Making the switch to a real food diet can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re used to the convenience of processed foods. But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With the right mindset and a few practical strategies, transitioning to real food can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you're doing this for better energy, digestion, or long-term health, making the shift to a real food lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for yourself. But, knowing where to start and how to maintain it can be tricky. Some simple strategies can help you make the change and stick with it - for good.
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Start Where You Are
You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Drastic changes can be difficult to maintain, and overwhelming yourself with too many restrictions often leads to frustration. Instead, take a gradual approach and start where you are. Begin by taking inventory of your current diet and identifying processed foods that can be replaced with healthier options. If you’re accustomed to cooking with vegetable oils, switch to healthier alternatives like avocado oil, olive oil, or ghee. If breakfast consists of sugary cereals, try a protein-packed alternative like eggs with vegetables or a nutrient-dense smoothie. Instead of reaching for processed snack foods, opt for whole food options such as nuts, seeds, or sliced vegetables. Small changes add up, and over time, these adjustments will feel like second nature.
Grab our healthy fat guide to get you started
Focus on Nutrient Density
One of the biggest shifts when transitioning to a real food diet is focusing on what you can add rather than what you need to eliminate. Instead of fixating on restrictions, think about nourishing your body with foods that provide the most essential vitamins and minerals. Prioritize high-quality protein sources such as grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, and wild-caught fish, which provide the amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and metabolic function. Healthy fats like those from well-raised animals and avocado, coconut and olive oil help support brain function and hormone balance. Vegetables, particularly those rich in fiber and phytonutrients, are a great addition to every meal. Organ meats, bone broth, and fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi can support gut health, which plays a crucial role in digestion and immunity. When you fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods, cravings for processed and unhealthy options naturally start to fade.
Make Real Food Convenient
One of the biggest barriers to sticking with a real food diet is time. Processed and packaged foods often win out because they are convenient. To make real food work for your lifestyle, you need to plan ahead. Meal prepping can be a game changer. Cooking extra portions at dinner means you have ready-made meals for the next day. Keeping healthy snacks on hand, such as hard-boiled eggs, clean-ingredient beef jerky, or pre-cut vegetables, makes it easier to make good choices when hunger strikes. Stocking your kitchen with real food staples ensures that you always have something nourishing to eat without needing to resort to convenience foods.
Cook bigger batches so leftovers become convenience foods later and combat the statement "I don't have time."
This post gives you our meal planning guide
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Recreate Your Family Favorites
There are some healthier options out there that will replicate standard family favorites or comfort food with more nutritious ingredients. The online options for delicious recreations of almost anything is endless. Although not always in the ‘spirit’ of real-food principles, these foods and recipes are perfect for transitioning to a more whole-foods based diet and will keep your household happy and satisfied.
Try spiralizing vegetables instead of noodles, use almond and coconut flours along with crushed nuts to crust chicken for chicken nuggets, make up a batch of sweet potato fries or try your hand at making meatza.
Defy the standard definitions of each meal. Perhaps try chicken and broccoli for breakfast or have eggs and bacon for dinner. Snack on crispy prosciutto and crunchy carrots (sweet and salty!) mid-morning. Skip the bread, and roll up some favorite vegetables, avocado, and avocado oil mayonnaise inside turkey slices any time of day.
Navigating Social Situations & Eating Out
One of the biggest concerns when switching to a real food diet is how to handle social situations and dining out. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can maintain your eating habits without feeling restricted. If you’re eating at a restaurant, look at the menu in advance and choose dishes that feature whole, unprocessed ingredients. Choose grilled meats, vegetables, and simple preparations that avoid heavy sauces or refined carbohydrates. If you’re heading to a social gathering, eating a nutrient-dense meal beforehand can prevent you from feeling tempted by unhealthy options. Bringing a real food dish to share is another great way to ensure there’s something available that aligns with your diet. Above all, don’t stress about being perfect. The goal is to make the best choices available while still enjoying social experiences.
Here is our restaurant guide to help you out further
Building a Support System
Having a strong support system can make all the difference in maintaining a real food lifestyle. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who prioritize real food helps reinforce your commitment and provides encouragement. If your family isn’t fully on board, lead by example rather than trying to force change. Prepare delicious meals, share what you’re learning, and allow them to experience the benefits firsthand. If in-person support isn’t available, online communities focused on real food eating can offer motivation and accountability. Engaging with others who share your goals can help you stay inspired and on track.
Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Consistent
It’s important to recognize that no one eats perfectly all the time. Life happens, and there will be occasions when you make less-than-ideal food choices. The key is to avoid an all-or-nothing mindset. One off-plan meal doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Instead of feeling guilty or giving up, simply refocus and make a better choice at the next meal. The goal isn’t perfection but long-term consistency. Developing a sustainable real food lifestyle means allowing flexibility while still prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods most of the time.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning to a real food diet is one of the best things you can do for your health, and while it may seem challenging at first, it becomes easier with time. By taking small, manageable steps, focusing on nutrient density, making real food convenient, preparing for social situations, building a support system, and practicing consistency, you can create a way of eating that is sustainable and enjoyable. Eating real food should be simple, delicious, and accessible for everyone.