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Arete Warriors – spirit, mind, body strong
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No suffering allowed!
In these days of overwhelming advice available to us at our finger tips from all sorts of experts, and people who claim to be, it can be a bit overwhelming on what advice to take.
Keto? Intermittent fasting? Low carb? Vegan? Paleo? Eat breakfast? Don’t eat breakfast?
The truth is, every way has worked for someone… but that doesn’t mean it will work for you.
I’ll say it again… I LOVE how each of us is created uniquely.
It’s not just about the science of the human body! Lifestyles, preferences, genetics, schedules, life experiences, taste buds… so MANY things play in to why something works for one, but doesn’t for another.
We know that insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. So if we’re not happy with how things are, we search out information we may be missing.
Here’s the great news.
You don’t need to read another book on nutrition.
You don’t need to listen to another podcast claiming to have THE SECRETs to eating right.
You just need to accept these 5 truths and turn them into habits.
Let’s Prepare – the warm up
1 Eat mostly real, single ingredient food.
This is common sense that is often overlooked.
I still grab a bar when I’m in a pinch and lately I have been drinking the heck out of some protein shakes – cuz life’s been BUSY! And that’s ok. But if you are constantly grabbing processed foods, you are putting in a lot of things your body wasn’t meant to digest.
You can also expect to be more hungry. It’s just that simple.
2 Ask yourself before you eat, “Am I actually hungry?”
If we can create the habit of PAUSE between the urge and the reaction, and RESPOND with thoughtfulness, we will often learn that what we really want is a nap, a walk, a glass of water, a hug, acknowledgement, or some other form of soothing.
What are you actually feeling? Don’t you deserve that much?
Most of us have a default setting to grab food for all kinds of reasons not related to actual hunger.
Do yourself a favor and give you what you actually want! It only takes a second to pause and ask, and really listen.
I’m giving you permission to give yourself what you actually need. 🥰
3 Prioritize protein and fiber.
Find protein and fiber sources you enjoy!
I often hear myself moan in delight when I’m chewing on an especially good salad or other form of veggies and meat. I’ve literally asked myself, “Why would I eat unhealthy when eating healthy tastes THIS good?”
I want you to look forward to every bite you take. Don’t choke down calories because someone said you should eat radishes… or whatever you’re suffering through.
Make food FUN again and experiment with recipes and foods you haven’t tried in a long time.
NOTE FOR KIDS – their taste buds change! So reintroduce foods they’ve previously said they don’t like on occasion. 😉
Also, eat these first, before any simple carbs you plan to consume.
A. This will help you feel more full sooner and
B. it helps stabilize your blood sugar.
4 Eat slowly and with full attention.
Have you heard the saying “chew your water and drink your food”?
The idea is we should be chewing our food so many times that by the time we swallow it it’s almost liquid. And sipping our beverages so they absorb bit by bit.
This slow intentionality allows for better digestion and will allow you time to notice when you’ve actually had enough.
I’ve eaten more than one meal standing up lately… doing other things between bites, but this has been a busy season. I am trying to get better now that I can see my counter tops (in some rooms).
5 ENJOY your food!
You should look forward to every meal. Every bite!
Now if you’ve been eating nothing but sugar, moving to healthier food might take a bit of taste bud training but they WILL adjust!
There’s a misconception that you have to eat plain chicken breasts and green beans to look like those fitness models.
A. Do you really want to look like them? And
B. Is this really how you want to live? Does the Ideal You SUFFER to be thin?
My Ideal Woman savors every bite of the cake. And because she does, she only needs the one slice, not the whole dang thing.
Let’s Work – the exercise
Is there one or two of these 5 that resonate with you? Do you see an area of opportunity here? Do you AGREE with what I’m saying?
Be honest. Have you been trying to hunt down some secret trick, supplement or diet that would make eating healthy easy?
Stop searching. Save that energy for fun, connection, sleep or movement.
Your assignment is simple. Eat real food, mindfully, slowly and only when you’re hungry.
