If eating “healthy” was simply knowing what foods are good for us, everyone would do it, right?! I mean, as a dietitian, I would be eating a “perfect” diet if the only barrier was knowledge, right? And trust me, I do not eat a perfect diet! (Spoiler: there is no “perfect” way of eating!)
Eating and Nutrition are Complex
Eating and nutrition are so much more complex than that.
Yes, I think nutrition education is super important to learn about different foods, what the foods do for our body, portion sizes, etc. but aside from that, it is more about learning what works for you. What is reasonable with your schedule/lifestyle, what changes are you willing to make, what tools will help you be successful?
As a dietitian, I often think of myself as providing tools that my clients can put into their toolbox to use as they see fit. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for someone else. Every person is unique and individual. Often times my clients know a good amount about nutrition, they just need new ideas (tools) to put what they know into practice or they need motivation, encouragement, and accountability.
I struggle too.
I struggle with eating well but I am trying to be better. It takes time and effort, even when you know what you need to do. I prep food in advance (when I am super motivated), make my lunch instead of eating out, and try to watch my intake of desserts.
I had a breakthrough moment the other week. On Friday, I went to have pizza for lunch. I love Mama’s Pizza in the downtown Minneapolis sky way. They serve pizza by the slice that is so good! I usually get one slice of chicken alfredo and one slice of cheese. But these are GIANT slices so really 2 slices = 4 slices and I probably don’t NEED to eat 4 slices of pizza for lunch.
So the other day when I went, I had one slice (chicken alfredo, yum!) instead of the usual two. This was a success for me. I didn’t tell myself “I can’t eat pizza” just because I’m trying to eat better, but I modified and was more aware of the choices I was making. I also allowed myself permission to go back later for the second slice if I felt like I still wanted it. (I did not).
A couple things I think are important –
- Know yourself. Find what works best for you. Be realistic about what is sustainable.
- Practice mindful eating. Slow down, take time to prepare and enjoy your food. Be aware of what you’re eating, how much, and how it makes you feel.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you have a bad meal or bad day, don’t throw in the towel all together. Just pick back up the next meal/day and keep trying. Life is a marathon, not a sprint!
- Honor your hunger. If your body is physically hungry – eat something!
- Food is meant to be enjoyed! Whatever your goals might be, don’t forget that food is meant to be enjoyed so allow yourself to have your favorite foods without the guilt!
Do you struggle with eating well?
What tips and tricks do you find work well for you?
Great tips Jill. I think it’s really important to realize that everyone is different and the advice for one person really won’t work for another.
Absolutely!
I’ve been very strict with my diet in the past and it just isn’t sustainable for me. I just finding eating whole real foods is the best approach and as you say above… if I want something that perhaps isn’t as healthy allowing myself to eat it but just in smaller quantities.
Cooking for myself and others I think is also a great way to enjoy healthy food and feel like you are doing something good for yourself and your health!
Hi Danielle – yes, you have to find what works for you! Some people like and need more structure while others do not. Keep at it!
Love this read so much! Diet (to me) is both fun and frustrating! It’s taken me years to figure out what is good and what isn’t so good, and it’s taken me longer to understand fully how important it is for me to eat good. On the other hand, it’s taken a while for my husband to figure out what is and isn’t good as well. Then it’s a matter of combining it and making it work for us!
Love the tips,a nd will be sharing this for sure!
Thanks Deanna! It definitely is a work in progress and takes some trial and error. Keep at it!
These are great tips. I am struggling lately with eating healthy and you are right, it is so complex. I am slowly learning myself and what I can and can’t handle.
Hang in there! It definitely takes some figuring out and remember we’re striving for progress, not perfection!
So true that even as dietitians, we aren’t perfect eaters. No one is, because we are all different. Small changes add up, like your pizza example (although both flavors sound pretty deeelicious 😉
Thanks Sarah! I am glad others feel the same. And the pizza is delicious – can’t stop, won’t stop!
Great tips !!!!