There are many myths, misconceptions and confusion around diet and nutrition and what it really means to eat healthy. Sadly, this often gets in the way and keeps us from taking the appropriate or necessary actions, depending on each individual’s situation, of course, to ensure we’re on track to vibrant health, vitality and ultimately, longevity.
The good news is eating well is a skill anyone can learn at any age as long as you remember your diet is not a one-size-fits-all prescription. That’s why some people have amazing, not-to-be-believed results on a certain diet while others have little or none.
Instead of focusing on what type of diet to follow, educate yourself on what foods to avoid and what enjoyable foods to eat more of, so that you’ll stick with it. If you have trouble with this, get some guidance and support to help you follow through.
Not Enough Willpower or Determination
I hear from so many women who say, “I know what to do. I’m just not doing it.” When I ask why, they usually say something like, “I don’t know, I’m just not…”
Replacing an old bad habit with a new better habit is a process. It all starts with awareness that there’s a bad habit that needs to be changed and then making a conscious decision to change it.
Set yourself up for success by clarifying the outcome or benefit you want to achieve from eating healthier, like having more energy, better focus, stronger immunity, a healthy body weight, or better sleep. So many good reasons to go for it.
Not Enough Time
One of the most common obstacles to eating healthy is the myth that it’s too hard because it requires too much time and effort. This is a mindset thing. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, right?
If you make eating healthy a priority and you do a little bit of planning to ensure you have an ample supply of good ingredients on hand, you will make the time for it. Treat eating healthy as a self-care ritual, and be very mindful in your approach to preparing and eating food. When you put that kind of focus and intention on it, it will become easy and pleasurable.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to cook or prep food, consider a meal delivery service like Green Chef or Sun Basket Foods. You choose the category or type of food you want, and they do the meal planning and prep for you. This is a great way to get turned on to different kinds of dishes and foods you might not otherwise try.
Make ordering takeout or picking up prepared food your last resort and an occasional thing rather than a regular habit.
By Donya Fahmy
