Making a change in how you eat can be likened to a major life saving operation in that it takes careful consideration, preparation, and action.  Like an operation, it can truly be one of the most important and life-altering decisions you make in your life.  So, how do you eat healthy? 

I’d like to outline a 3-step process you can adopt to adequately prepare you to make healthy eating a sustainable lifestyle habit.  Then, a list of 10 tips is offered to assist you with what to eat, when you’re ready!

The first step is to recognize that a change is needed.  If knowledge is power and awareness is wisdom, both will help point you in the direction of change with great velocity!  How do you know if a change is needed?  It usually has to do with your body’s signals.  Ask yourself, are you low in energy?  Do you wake up feeling drowsy, sluggish, or irritable?  Do you experience the effects related to obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or other chronic conditions?  If so, it could be your body’s signal telling you it’s time to make a change.

The second step is to tip the scales in the direction of change.  Maybe you’re aware a change is needed, but you’re not sure what steps to take, or changing just seems too difficult.  One thing you can do to tip the scales in the direction of change is to list the benefits and consequences of eating healthy.  For example, one benefit of changing could be to help you lose weight.  A possible consequence of it could be the perception that healthy foods don’t taste good. 

Additionally, consider the benefits and consequences of not making a change.  For example, one potential benefit of not changing could be that you get to stay within your comfort zones and continue to eat what you always have.  Conversely, one consequence of not changing could be the fact that you’ll never lose the weight you’d like.  Such an analysis helps you weigh both the pros and cons of changing, as well as not changing.  This strategy will help you become more aware of the barriers that may be holding you back and how you can begin overcoming them.

The third step is to prepare for change and create a plan of action.  Here, you know it’s time to change but you need to have the appropriate plan before taking action.  This may mean you need to arm yourself with correct information about what eating healthy involves. You can visit the websites www.thenutritionsource.org or www.mypyramid.gov for great educational resources on eating healthy.

When you’re convinced it’s time to change and you’re ready to create a realistic eating plan, consider these 10 tips on various components of healthy eating:

1.    Limit the intake of processed foods that contain ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup and/or partially hydrogenated oils.
2.    Use 100% whole grains rather than white flour or white pasta.
3.    Eliminate white sugar as much as possible.
4.    Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and fill ½ your plate with them at each meal.
5.    Use olive oil instead of butter
6.    Choose lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish, versus red meat
7.    Shop the periphery of the grocery store and avoid shopping when you’re hungry
8.    Eat until you are 80% full
9.    Drink at least 8 cups of water per day
10. Eat slowly and savor each bite.

When you can adequately prepare yourself for change, and then adopt these tips; you are well on your way to making healthy eating a sustainable lifestyle habit.  Congratulations!

In my practice I carefully consider your lifestyle habits, especially regarding your nutrition.  Please contact me to get started on your own homeopathic treatments or to learn more about me and my practice.

Thanks for reading and be well!
Noel