Diets can be so frustrating. There are so many out there, but many of us struggle to find one that actually works. Why is this? A lot of times the issue is lack of creativity and sustainability. In the beginning, we come up with some new meals or healthy snacks, but we quickly grow bored of them, which can cause us to give up or look for something totally different.

So how do we keep that from happening? How can we put together a nutrition plan that we’ll stick with because we like it? The answer is surprisingly simple.

Make a List

Before you dedicate yourself to a healthy diet, start by creating a list of foods you actually like. Yes, kale and cucumber smoothies are super healthy, but how many will you drink before you’re sick of them?

It might be hard to pin down all the foods you like right away, but as your list grows, three main categories will emerge:

• Healthy all the time
• Good in moderation
• Junk food

Look for diets and recipes that combine the “healthy all the time” and “good in moderation” categories so that you can diet while eating foods you enjoy.

This part may require a little research because seemingly healthy foods are often better classified as junk food. Foods involving flour, especially bleached or enriched, can fall into this category.

During this stage, forums, online communities, and blogs can be helpful to figuring out what fits your diet and what does not. Just make sure they are reputable websites from well-known sources. Using security and anti-virus apps as well as having a Virtual Private Network can go a long way in protecting you as you scour the Internet for information.

Go Shopping

One thing I’ve learned about putting together nutritional plans is to make sure the stores around me sell the ingredients to make what I want to eat.

Check your local supermarket, but also consider farmer’s market and local farms. You can find quite a few locations if you use the FarmStand app. Health food stores also carry some unique items, but they can be expensive.

In some cases, you may need to order ingredients online. Dry goods are readily accessible on places like Amazon or Vitacost, and there are specialty online stores dedicated to delivering quality meat and fresh vegetables.

Follow Blog Posts

Blogs are a great way to learn new recipes, especially if your diet has special restrictions (no dairy, wheat, vegetarian, etc.). Spend some time following a few different ones to help you keep your selection fresh and diverse so you don’t get bored with the same old meals.

How will you build your nutritional plan? Tell us in the comments.

Faith Macanas has been interested in nutrition for years. Originally dedicated to eating better to feel better, she’s now focused on leading a healthy lifestyle. Her blogging is centered on this, as well as her other interest—internet technology, and her work tends to deal with how technology can help produce rewarding health outcomes.