There's no Secret to Healthy Eating

No one diet will work for everyone.  Some people have intolerance, or allergies to certain "healthy" foods.  For instance, my body doesn't process diary.  So even though Greek yogurt is considered "healthy", I can't eat it.  All eating plans should have one similar goal in mind, to eat more natural, whole foods & less "junk".  That's because there really is no secret to healthy eating.    99% of your goal should be to eat real, natural, whole foods and minimize junk.  It's that simple! So with this in mind, why do so many people struggle with getting their eating in order?

I think for most people, (my past self included), we think the word DIET and automatically think all we can eat are salads.  While salads are a healthier option (at least some are!), they aren't your only option.  I actually hate the word Diet.  If you ask my husband anytime someone asks "What diet are you on?" My reply is always "It's actually a lifestyle change, not a diet!" I've even trained him to respond that way now!  OK, so let's call this the Transitional Lifestyle Change...or call it whatever you want!  

Let's focus on the basics first.  Outside of a small list of what you can't eat, you're free to chow down on anything.  How hard can that be?!  Let's get started.  

(I'm going to be mean for a second!) - NO JUNK!  Eliminate junk food from your diet.  That's it, just junk. Other than this, you can eat whatever you like.  The definition of junk is obvious stuff, like potato chips, candy, ice cream, cake, etc.  You may be stricter if you'd like, but don't be too hard on yourself.  Just stay away from, McDonalds, Wendy's, Sheetz, (insert your favorite fast food joint here)!  For many of you, this alone will reap huge benefits.  

    

Cheat Days!  Since no one's perfect, you get two days to cheat.  That's right, I'm giving you 2 whole days where you can eat anything you want! Told I was only going to be mean for a second!  The trick on cheats is to listen to your body. At first, it'll probably tell you it wants whatever you've been denying it.  However, overtime, it'll start to crave nutrients you're deficient in.  Learn to read and listen to your body's subtle signs. If you're craving ice cream, you may be short on essential fatty acids.  If you crave a hamburger, your diet may lack protein.  By listening to your body and learning what it really needs in this way, you can make better food substitutions.  It's a way of getting in tune with yourself and will benefit you for your entire lifetime.

Weekly Focus!  WATER.  Not swimming in it, though that's good too especially on hot days, but staying hydrated with it.  "They" say you should drink at least half your body weight in water per day.  But I'm saying you should just drink more then you normally do daily.  Shoot for a gallon (though don't worry if you fall short).  Yeah, that probably seems crazy but almost all of us walk around dehydrated for most of our lives, which not only hurts the way we function but also makes us hungry when we're actually thirsty.  A glass of water when you feel hunger pangs both staves them off and helps you fill up faster when you do eat.  As for other drinks, juices and sugary sodas also (obviously) fall into the Junk category.  And alcohol should be kept to a minimum.  For every alcoholic drink you have, have a glass of water!  We tend to forget (purposely or not) that alcohol has calories.  Actually a lot of them!  7 calories per gram to be exact.  Mixers can be even worse - not only can they add unwanted calories, but these sugary calories influence the way alcohol reacts with your body.  Instead of having a sugary mixed drink try having vodka & tonic with a lime!  It's my favorite drink lately.  

Does this all sound doable?  Comment below if you plan on giving this a try or better yet, share this with a friend that you want to do this with.  Accountability is key to success!  I'll be your Accountability Partner if you need one!  Check my blog next week for Week 2 of this Transitional Diet, Lifestyle Changing, healthy eating plan!

Your Friend in Fitness,
Brittany