No matter how far I run, fruit smoothies I drink, or fast food restaurants I avoid, the struggle to fight daily food cravings and splurge like an emotional eater haunts me. At least once a week I have to stop myself from sitting down to watch a movie with a gallon of chocolate chip cookie dough.

Exercise is half the battle of staying healthy. When coupled with eating right, we have the chance to transform our lives.

I'm not a crazy "cut everything bad out of my diet" person in my nutritional approach. I believe in the simple and balanced habits that promote a healthy life overall. Denying the strawberry cake craving will drive a person mad. Learn to indulge in a healthy way.

 Here are five tips that helped me eat healthier.

1. Stay Hydrated

Instead of feasting on carbs and questionable snacks, drink water! Water hydrates you, gives you energy, and stifles the hunger cravings between meals. I take a water bottle with me everywhere.

2. Brush Your Teeth

This trick deters me from snacking after meals. Usually, I know it might sound bizarre, but I brush after every meal. If there's no sink available, I may defer to a pack of minty or cinnamon gum.

3. Eat a Real Breakfast

Who has time for breakfast? I'm always hitting the "snooze" button on my cell alarm, speed showering and out the door. I can't cook a fully loaded healthy breakfast.

Keep it simple. Oatmeal or Greek yogurt hits the spot. They both pack good energy (Yogurt = protein). Mix them with fresh fruit like peaches, strawberries, blackberries, or anything you want. I also add nuts (protein and energy) and raw honey.

You can eat this concoction quickly, add on top of a waffle, or take it to-go for the morning commute. If you miss a meal, cravings for bad food grow stronger.

4. Join a Community Garden & Start a Food Journal

Start a food journal. This could involve a little notebook or a personal blog.

Once you start paying attention to how much and what goes into your body, taking control of your diet will be easier.

The blog allows you to build a following, interact with other nutritional minded people, and gives you an outlet to focus on eating right.

Gardening is one of my favorite things to do. If you don't have that space for an elevated veggie or herb garden, then the community garden provides the next best option.

It forces you to become involved in food development and eating habits. Community gardens are better than personal spaces because you'll look forward to the hobby if there are people to interact with.

5. No Off Day

My father lived for that Sunday off day from his diet. It doesn't do you any good to change your mind about healthy eating if you spend one day indulging. Eating Right is founded on a lifestyle change.

This change entails plate disciple every day, exercising, becoming nutritionally aware, and connecting with the best doctors to ensure every dietary change affects your body in a positive way.

We need to fight obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. New health care plans or wellness programs encourage people to meet health goals prevent long term illnesses. If we can change our perspective about eating, then we will find it easier to keep a healthy weight, feel better about ourselves, and live longer! Do you have any tips for healthy eating?