Eating...what should I do?
When most people think about healthy eating, they picture chicken, veggies, meal prep, and giving up all their favorite foods. But real health isn't built on being perfect or never eating anything yummy, it's built on being consistent.
Eating healthier foods gives your body the fuel it needs to function and feel its best. Most of us already know that fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains are foods worth focusing on. When you consistently make good food choices, you're investing in your health and quality of life.
But there's another important piece of the puzzle that has to be taken into account: ENJOYING FOOD!!
Food is more than just fuel. It's part of everyday life. We tie memories, traditions, family gatherings, vacations, and celebrations to food. Trying to label foods as strictly "good" or "bad" can create stress, and that can lead to an unhealthy relationship with eating.
Instead, think of food on a sliding scale.
Everyday Meals
These are examples of the meals that should make up the majority of what we eat:
- Grilled salmon, roasted sweet potato, and asparagus
- Greek yogurt with berries, nuts, and protein powder
- Large salad with grilled chicken, vegetables, and olive oil dressing
- Vegetable omelet with fruit and whole-grain toast
Balanced Meals
These meals might not be quite as healthy, but they're still pretty good choices:
- Burger with a side salad
- Chicken fajitas with rice, tortillas, and guacamole
- Homemade pizza loaded with vegetables and lean protein
- Turkey sandwich with baked chips
Enjoy-It Meals
These aren't the healthiest options, but they're still part of life:
- Cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake
- Pizza and breadsticks on movie night
- Nachos at a ballgame
- Pancakes and bacon on vacation
- Ice cream with the family after dinner
It's vital we understand that one meal doesn't determine your health. What matters most is what you do consistently over weeks, months, and years.
If you make better choices most of the time, there's plenty of room for pizza night, date nights, birthday cake, vacations, and enjoying a cheeseburger and fries with your family. In fact, allowing yourself some flexibility often makes healthy eating easier because you don't feel like you are unable to enjoy food.
Everyone's needs and preferences are different, and there isn't one perfect way to eat. Some people need a "cheat meal" just to survive eating healthy most the time. Other's might thrive on meal prepping and never allowing anything outside of their prep into their diet. What matters is you find something that works for you and that you can stick with for years, not just weeks.
Healthy eating isn't about being perfect. It's about creating habits that nourish your body while still allowing you to enjoy life.
Because life is meant to be enjoyed.
Eat to your health but also eat to feel joy. They both matter!
