It seems like there is a new diet every other week that you just have to be following to see results or to feel better or to live longer. First of all, we are all different, so the idea that there is one diet that works for everyone is just not true.
This goes back to trusting ourselves and listening to our bodies, which is not always easy to do, but since everything is connected – mindfulness and meditation are huge tools in helping quiet the mind to be able to listen to the body.
Secondly, most of the popular diets are not sustainable. Sure, if you cut out carbs for a couple weeks, you will lose weight, but you won’t be able to live without carbs, which is where we get almost all of our energy.
And lastly, it’s a lot of extra stress and extra stuff to think about when we are constantly having information thrown at us from all directions. Food should be something that is enjoyed. If we are stressed while we eat, our bodies do not digest and use the energy efficiently.
I believe in going back to the basics of nutrition: eating mostly whole foods, cutting out processed foods as much as possible, and slowing down and savoring the food you eat. More and more it seems like people are eating on the go, rushing to get fast food or convenient food, or eating as quick as possible to get on to the next thing they have to do.
Obviously, not every meal can be a nice sit down experience with loved ones, but we can aim to do it more often. If you are eating by yourself, you can also make an effort to slow down. There are studies that show being grateful and mindful towards food actually makes it taste better – like this one that talks about our attitude towards food.
*Take a deep breath before you start eating
*Set your food or utensil down in between bites
*Take a moment of gratitude for the food you have and yourself or whoever took the time to prepare it.
*Stop eating when you’re not quite full yet to give your brain time to catch up to your stomach
*Focus on adding good foods to your plate rather than taking away
I am guilty of standing at the counter trying to eat a snack as fast as possible so my insatiable toddler doesn’t see me and try to get it, but I always feel more satisfied and calmer when I take the time to actually enjoy my food and the time I spend eating it.
A good way to practice this lifestyle is the 80/20 principle. I am very diligent and make a solid effort to prepare and eat whole foods, limit my sugar intake (I need something sweet after every meal), and eating balanced meals 80% of the time. That leaves 20% of the time to either indulge, go out to eat, have a drink, or use more convenient options to make life easier.
This can be used in any area of your life – consistently choosing habits 80% of the time that help create your best self allows for 20% of the time for life to happen or to choose something that may not align with your goals but can still be a part of your journey. I find it easiest to use as it relates to food and diet because that’s typically where I tend to “stray” the most in the form of sweet delicious treats.
Eating more protein definitely helps my sugar cravings, but it can be hard for me to always get enough throughout the day. I usually add in a protein shake as a snack or add protein powder to a smoothie to make it more of a meal. Kachava is my favorite brand I’ve tried, and I have tried a lot. Sometimes I’ll even have one after dinner to satisfy my sweet tooth.
We should care about what we are fueling our bodies with. What we eat and drink is literally what we become. How we eat, how we move, how we think are all connected. If we fail to take care of ourselves in one aspect, we can’t become the best most balanced version of ourself.
Side note: If you’re really interested in learning more about nutrition, I would recommend taking the Institute for Integrative Nutrition Course. I took it with the goal of becoming a health coach, but even if you don’t want to be a health coach, there is so much useful information in the course, and it’s really interesting. There is a book called “Integrative Nutrition,” by Joshua Rosenthal who is the founder, and that explains the philosophy behind the school. I would recommend reading it before you decide.
Plus, they have lot of additional courses you can take after completing it. I have a referral link, and use the code GABRIELLELACORATAXIIN to get a discount if you sign up!
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