I preface this by noting that I am not a nutritionist or expert in any way. My philosophy for healthy eating stems from years of studying biology and slowly changing my eating habits in recent years. I view food as fuel for the body. Millions of complex reactions and processes take place in our bodies each day to keep it functioning properly, all of which require a multitude of molecules. These necessary molecules come from the foods we eat, which is why food is such a vital component to health.
There is no perfect diet or cardinal rule to follow when it comes to eating healthy sustainably. Every ingredient has its pros and cons and every individual will have different dietary requirements. Below I've outlined some personal suggestions for healthier eating and living.
Take it Slow Incorporating small changes in eating habits can lead to large changes over time without feeling the desire to revert to old habits. Start by substituting ingredients a few meals a week. For example, try spaghetti squash or spiralized zucchini instead of pasta one night. Greek yogurt is a great swap for sour cream and baked sweet potato "fries" are delicious. Find substitutions you like and stick with it, but it's okay to have the original every once in a while.
Plan Ahead Planning meals in advance not only makes for more efficient grocery store visits but also keeps you on track of what you buy. I have often found myself putting those tasty but highly processed foods in my cart simply because I didn't have a grocery list and that tub of ice cream was calling my name. Searching for new recipes can be an enjoyable task, and is easier than ever with sites such as Pinterest and food blogs popping up everywhere.
Nourish Again, eating is about supplying the body with fuel so that you can do all of the things that you enjoy in life. Reducing the amount of processed foods and opting for whole, fresh ingredients will aid in this task. So much of the body's mass is made up of water, so be sure to fill up. Not only will a hydrated body function better, but you will be less likely to confuse thirst and hunger. Carrying a reusable water bottle with me everywhere I go has been a game changer and the results of a well hydrated body are noticeable.
Spice it Up Instead of loading up on salt and sauces containing who knows what, add spices and ingredients with a variety of flavors. Black pepper and garlic are personal staples and I no longer feel the need to add salt to all of my dishes. Use a mixture of food textures and flavors: crunchy, creamy, tart, juicy, etc. to keep things interesting. These complex flavors and textures will bring variety and interest to your dishes without the need to add items such as ketchup or ranch dressing.
Treat Yourself Moderation. I love ice cream and foresee my relationship with ice cream lasting a lifetime but I don't always have a tub of ice cream in my freezer. Take the time to explore new restaurants or in my case, ice cream shops, and treat yourself every once in a while. Again, the key is sustainability. I once kept myself away from all desserts for a few months and guess what happened when the holidays rolled around. I ate all of the dessert in sight because I had been missing it for so long that I felt the urge to make up it. Indulge every once in a while, you deserve it.
