The most commonly asked question I get as a nutritionist is “What should I eat?” Most people want to improve their diet because they want to lose weight.
What if I told you that even though you need to lose weight, your primary focus should not be on losing weight but on gaining health, and that weight loss will occur as a natural byproduct of this transformation? What if you could stop counting calories, measuring foods, and depriving yourself of enjoyment at mealtimes? What if you could achieve your goal of losing weight without the hunger and drudgery of yet another diet? Read on.
Being overweight is a health risk and it does contribute to developing all kinds of chronic health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and autoimmunity. As you improve your health and eating habits, however, your weight will naturally decrease and you will arrive at a healthy weight without dieting.
So, what’s one thing you can do today to start changing your eating habits and improving your health? Replace convenience foods with real food. That’s it. Simple, yet easier said than done. Let’s unpack this further.
When you eat a diet high in naturally existing nutrients your body responds and starts reaching a balance or homeostasis, where nutrients are utilized efficiently to build and repair tissue, to defend against invaders, and to keep you feeling your best. Rather than me trying to convince you, the key to this transformation is for you to experience it firsthand. After all, you believe you and you talk to you more than anyone else.
So, where do we start with replacing processed foods? The best way to start improving your eating habits is to make a plan of action. If you want to start with baby steps, my suggestion is that you go through your pantry and refrigerator and get rid of all foods that are not found in nature. I know; that’s a lot to ask. Get rid of soda, syrups, dressings, packaged foods and anything that has an ingredient list that you don’t understand.
A helpful mindset is to think: “I’m adding health to my body; I am feeding my body with food, not man-made substances”. Then start replacing these foods with real food found in nature.
To help you do this I’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will help you answer the question, “What should I eat?”. This guide can be printed and laminated. It’s full of delicious, whole food ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Make a grocery list with this guide in mind and tell yourself you’ll try it for a week. See how you feel. Experiment and watch your body transform before your eyes!
If you enjoyed this blog, please be sure to share it with friends and family!
In great health,
-Monica
Monica Paz, MS, CN, FNLP
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When we can’t sleep our bodies cannot grow and repair and this can lead to illness and even death.
