Diet is so important in the all-around functioning and health of our bodies. They are linking diet with more and more ailments and find that changing our eating habits to eat cleaner and eating the recommended portion sizes can change our health around and aid in combating various diseases and problems.
by Dr. Chris Mathe
Making small changes in what we eat can make a big difference in our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Diet
- Food basics
- Where to start?
- Tracking and goals
- Staying motivated
Diet – Food Basics
- We truly are what we eat. Health is what we are after.
- What we know:
- The more plant-based food, the healthier (some examples.. Healthy Plant-Based Recipes That Use Spring Seasonal Produce (thehealthfeed.com)
- The less processed food, the healthier
- The fresher fruits, vegetables, and nuts, the healthier
- For most of us, fewer carbohydrates is healthier
- For most of us, fewer calories per day is healthier.
- The benefits of changes accrue immediately.
Diet – Where to Start?
- Our goal is to change our relationship with food – Not find the next fad diet.
- Making small, incremental changes leads to a habit that will last the rest of our lives.
- Talk with a doctor or nutritionist. Identify areas in your diet that have the most room for increased health.
- Any sustained movement along the lines of “what we know” will make a difference in our health.
- Start small and incrementally. Use the tools in the next two sections.
Diet – Tracking and Goals
- Consider using a tracking app. If you don’t measure it, it is very difficult to change it. (Best Calorie Counter Apps of 2023 (verywellfit.com)
- By tracking, you quickly will get more mindful about what and how much you eat.
- Plan for those situations that are the most challenging.
- Give yourself reasonable daily goals and break down longer term goals into small ones. (20 Achievable Goals To Set for Your Personal Development | Indeed.com)
Diet – Staying Motivated
- Make it routine; Think in terms of “The Zone.”
- Get a buddy or buddies.
- Join a support group.
- Track it! Plan it!
- Establish goals.
- Know your “why.”
Summary
- The effects start today
- Start small
- Make it a practice
- Work on self-compassion