All You Need to Know About Eating Healthy
/There are SO MANY mixed messages through the media, advertising, publications and endless commercials trying to sell the next best way to lose weight, get healthy and to finally "make exercise fun." The healthy and fitness industry is a multi-million dollar money making machine and every day they make their buck off of individuals that are hoping they have FINALLY discovered that magic solution.
However, it does not have to be that complicated.
Have you ever wondered how some people can eat "normal" everyday and never have to worry about food? They can eat a donut without feeling one bit guilty. They can eat a few bites from a piece of cake and feel satisfied enough to pass up the rest. They can eating 3/4 of what is on their plate and leave the rest for later because they're no longer hungry.
Eating healthy is really about just getting back to the basics. Eating food that tastes good, food that's nutritious and energizes your body for daily activity and exercise. Eating food to the point of feeling satisfied and stopping when you're full. Enjoying a treat from time to time without feeling guilty.
There are five basic concepts for healthy eating:
1. Understanding Nutrition - Having a solid foundation of healthy nutrition is the cornerstone for giving your body what it needs to function properly. Healthy nutrition involves understanding how to read food labels, eating a balanced diet and knowing how each food group effects your body.
2. Healthy Goal Setting - A health goal is the #1 New Year's Resolution set every year. And why wouldn't it be? A New Year means a new start and a great time to look at one's health and want to make changes. However, many individuals set goals weight loss goals which can be very problematic, causing the person to be tethered to the highs and lows associated with what the scale reads. Learning how to set HEALTHY goals can be the best approach.
3. Navigating Grocery Gimmicks - There is a LOT of jargon in the present day when it comes to food. Sugar free, all natural, cage free, gluten free, etc. All of these different terms come disguised as a way to try and help you be healthier, but some are actually causing more harm than good. Understanding how to read through all the jargon and how advertising and marketing companies utilize jargon to trick you into buying their products can be very beneficial in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
4. Meal Planning - One of the single best ways to create a healthier lifestyle is to plan out your menu from week to week. But so few people actually take the time to do it! Whether they're overwhelmed, don't know where to start or simply bored with their meal choices, there are many reasons people don't commit to meal planning. However, this method has time and time again proven to be one of the most helpful!
5. Getting a Tap on Your Emotions - Do you eat when you're sad, stressed, bored, angry --- all of the above? You're not alone. Almost everyone eats for reasons other than physical hunger from time to time. However, this can become problematic if you find yourself reaching for food EVERY time you experience negative emotions and you have no other healthy means to cope. Adopting a mindful eating, or intuitive eating, approach can be one of the best ways to make sure you're eating in ways that nourish your body and leave you feeling satisfied instead of guilty.
Do any of these areas sound like something you're struggling with in your healthy lifestyle pursuit? We'll be covering each concept in depth in the Healthy Eating Basics Boot Camp beginning March 4th. The 6 week program is completely online and if you found something that resonates with you here, I would love for you to learn more about the program by clicking here.
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