In a world of fad diets, every product, new way of eating, and diet restriction promises something lofty (energy ,weight loss, mood improvement) but it doesn't always (if at all) deliver. This is because there is no one size fits all to health and wellness. Improving health is a learning experience. Just because a plan may sound easier than doing the hard work, doesn't mean it's a better choice. And just because something worked for someone else, doesn't mean it will work for you!
Despite this, something has been bugging me. I know blanket approaches to healthy living and generic meal plans do not work, especially in the long term. But, I have been wondering, how do I help people feel better when I don't get to reach everyone on an individual level? When someones walks through the door for counseling, we have solo time and numerous sessions to work through their personal goals and needs. For my audience, you guys, I want to be producing content that can help you, wherever you are at in your journey. Maybe nutrition counseling isn't in your budget, or maybe you enjoy the self-exploration. Whichever it may be, I want to be the best resource you have for all things health, wellness, and self love. Today, I am sharing three no-nonsense nutrition related things to start doing today that will help you become a healtheir version of yourself - right NOW.
Let's do this!
3 ways to get healthier today
1. eliminate artificial sweeteners.
This one might feel harsh, and it is. I never recommend cutting out major food groups or avoiding certain items at all costs - except for this one. Eliminate artificial sweeteners from your life and see what happens. These should go: aspartame, sucralose, saccharin. These non-nutritive sweeteners are not shown to decrease insulin, energy intake, or weight. Plus, they confuse the body's normal physiologic responses to sweetness and they mess with your taste buds! Just because they arent providing calories from sugar, they are training your tongue to want a sweet taste and don't offer any real benefit. This means diet sodas, blue and pink packets in your coffee, and 'light' yogurts should go. Just use real sugar - seriously. If you're using real sugar you will think twice about putting several packets in your coffee, and you will learn what sweetness really tastes like! If it seems scary, try it for just one week and see what happens. (note: pure stevia comes from a plant and is considered natural, while other artificial sweeteners are manufactured - it is up to you if you choose to include it)
2. include greens in two meals per day.
This is an easy one! Purchase at least 2 greens each week. This can be: kale, arugula, spinach, spring mix, collards, chard, or whatever else appeals to you! Having greens on hand means there is no excuse to not use them. Try greens in a smoothie or with eggs in the AM, as a base underneath your lunch, or include a salad as the star or side with dinner.
3. add one more fat to your day.
I get it, life gets monotonous especailly during a busy week. While sticking to the same leftovers or meal can help us get through the week, there are always small tweaks we can make to improve the nutritoinal quality of our diet. Add one additional source of fat to your day. I have a bunch of examples here to inspire you!
Okay, there you have it. Doable, right? These small steps can make the big difference. I am hoping to bring more posts like this one to you. Like I said, I want to be able to support you no matter where you are in your wellness journey. Is there something you really want to hear about? Let me know in the comments!
