My relationship with food over the years has progressively gotten better, and by that, I don't mean calorie restriction and strict diets!

The first step to eating healthier is to not go crazy about the calories. Counting calories is not only proven to be quite difficult, but it also places you in a bind and can be an inconvenience. Although it could be beneficial, it is too stressful of a habit, can be time-consuming, and is a very narrow-minded approach to a bigger problem.

Substitution! Replacing a part of your meal with a relatively more healthier option is always a great way to eat better without compromising the flavor profile of the meal. For example, you could be eating a chicken wrap with cheese fries on the side, but you've already ate your cheat meal for the day, so you can substitute some components. Start with the wrap and opt for a whole-wheat or a whole-grain wrap instead—trust me, you can't actually tell the difference. Then, ask them to go light on the cheese, or even get rid of the cheese altogether. Small steps like these can be implemented throughout your day without having to go out of your way to eat a little healthier. Substitution is especially helpful when at restaurants—most even offer vegan or gluten-free versions of dishes.

Drink water. This tip changed my life. I've always felt this 'sort-of-hunger' feeling and would eat to satiate the feeling until I realize that it was never hunger-- it was thirst. Your body doesn't even notify you of thirst until much later, and so if you do not constantly fuel your body with water, you are in a constant state of slight dehydration. Keep a water bottle with you everywhere you go and sip from it every couple of minutes and consistently refill it. If you don't particularly enjoy the taste (or lack of) of water, add some slices of lemon, cucumbers, or even strawberries!

Snack healthy. Snacks are the sneaky little calories that find their way into your mouth when you have your guard down. Buy some nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, and always have an emergency bag located in your backpack or at your desk. These are a great pick-me-up without giving you a sugar high. Another great snack is yogurt, especially because they come in a myriad of flavors, and you can always add great toppings (ie. nuts) to make it more interesting and appealing.

Stop eating after you are not hungry. I still remember the days when I believed that a meal wasn't over until I felt like I was going to explode like Aunt Marge. Never pressure yourself into eating more than you need to, because chances are, you will regret it later. Eat a little bit of everything and if you need more, get some, but if not, call it quits.

Cook something fun at home. They don't lie when they say that the best meals are home-cooked. Try to recreate something your mother once made or find a recipe online to follow. When you cook at home, you know exactly what is and isn't in your food, which makes it easier to eat just a little healthier and avoid particular foods.