The 3 Biggest Obstacles to Healthy Eating (and How to Overcome Them)

Eating healthy sounds great in theory. More energy? Better digestion? Feeling amazing in your jeans? Yes, please.

But actually making it happen? That’s where things get tricky.

Maybe you feel like you just don’t have the time to cook from scratch every night. Or that eating healthy is way too expensive (organic everything?!). Or maybe it’s just overwhelming, and you don’t even know where to start.

I get it. I’ve been there.

But here’s the thing—healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or crazy expensive. And today, I’m breaking down the three biggest obstacles that trip people up and how to move past them without stress.

Let’s go.

Obstacle #1: "I Don’t Have Time"

Ohhh, this one. Because, really—who has hours to cook every night? (Not me, that’s for sure.)

Here’s the secret: healthy eating doesn’t mean spending all your free time in the kitchen. It’s all about quick wins and smart shortcuts.

How to Overcome It:

✔ Pick versatile staples—think, pre-chopped veggies, and frozen proteins that cook fast.
✔ Batch cook once, eat twice—make extra and turn leftovers into new meals (like roasted veggies in a grain bowl).
✔ Keep easy meals on hand—avocado toast with eggs, a quick stir-fry, or protein-packed smoothies can be lifesavers on busy days.

Bottom line: You don’t need fancy meal plans or hours of prep—just a few go-to meals that take minutes.

Obstacle #2: "It’s Too Expensive"

Ever looked at your grocery bill and thought, why does eating healthy cost more than takeout?! Yeah, same.

But here’s the truth—healthy eating can be affordable. It’s all about knowing where to spend and where to save.

How to Overcome It:

✔ Go for frozen—veggies, fruit, and even proteins are just as nutritious (sometimes more), and they won’t go bad in three days.
✔ Buy in bulk—oats, rice, beans, and nuts are way cheaper when you skip the small packages.
✔ Prioritize what matters—you don’t have to buy everything organic. (Check out the Dirty Dozen list to see where it’s actually worth it!)

Bottom line: Eating healthy doesn’t mean fancy superfoods or organic everything—it’s about smart swaps and simple ingredients.

Obstacle #3: "It’s Overwhelming"

One minute you’re Googling “how to eat healthier” and the next thing you know, you’re drowning in meal plans, ingredient lists, and articles telling you to avoid everything in your pantry. (Not helpful.)

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start small and keep it simple.

How to Overcome It:

✔ Focus on one meal at a time—just start with breakfast! Swapping sugary cereal for oatmeal or eggs is an easy win.
✔ Make one simple swap per week—replace canola oil with avocado oil, grab plain Greek yogurt instead of the sugary kind, or swap soda for infused water.
✔ Give yourself permission to go slow—you don’t have to get it perfect overnight. Small, consistent changes make a bigger impact than trying to overhaul everything at once.

Bottom line: Healthy eating isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding what works for you and taking it one step at a time.

Final Thoughts

Listen, if you’ve ever felt like eating healthy is too time-consuming, too expensive, or just too overwhelming, know this—you’re not alone.

But also? It doesn’t have to be that way.

Start with one small change this week. Maybe it’s meal-prepping a couple of easy dinners. Maybe it’s swapping soda for water. Maybe it’s just giving yourself grace and knowing that every little step forward counts.

And if you want even more simple, stress-free ways to make healthy eating easier? I’ve got something for you.

Click here to grab my free guide, Healthy Swaps Made Easy!

Because healthy eating should feel simple—and I’m here to help you make that happen.