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Theres always a new one right around the corner that promises to solve all of our problems.
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These diet-related claims are literally everywhere.
Sounds pretty promising, right?
Except that it isnt.
Then they try dieting again.
Yo-yo dieting leads to weight cycling, which may contribute tochronic inflammation,insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.
In other words, dieting probably isn’t great for your health, physical or mental.
As a result, they tend to"cheat"and overeat those off-limit foods.
Now, its important to note that there is a difference between restrictive dieting and medically indicated diets.
If someone has celiac disease, then I would definitely recommend the elimination of gluten.
The same goes for allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances to certain foods.
For otherwise healthy people, I see restriction as unnecessary.
This leads me to my next point.
I had to put a lot of effort into this balanced relationship I have with food and eating.
And make no mistake…this is not an easy and straightforward process.
It has taken me years to learn about what works best for my body.
Through lots of experimentation, I have learned that restriction has always yielded disastrous results for me.
In trying to control my food choices, I ultimately end up feeling more out of control.
I dont like to label any food off-limits.
Instead, I allow room for foods that bring me satisfaction and pleasure.
Am I going to have cupcakes every day for breakfast?
Does this mean you should have cupcakes everyday?
There isnt a one-size fits all answer, and its important to assess how you feel.
The allure tends to die down, and its seen as just another food on your list of options.
Its all about striking a balance between nutrition and pleasure.
Identify one food you absolutely love, but have written off as bad or unhealthy.
Think about three ways you could incorporate that food in a more balanced, guilt-free way.
Would you enjoy that chocolate more, if it were made with high-quality ingredients?
Ill use myself as an example.
I love Southern-stylemac and cheese.
Not the one with the butternut squash or cauliflower.
The one with lots of cheese, butter, eggs, and fat.
When it comes to nutrition and health, I like to think of what Im doingmost of time.
Am I eating nutritious, balanced meals most of the time?
Am I getting some jot down of movement in most of time?
And I have come to learn that this is all I can do.
Im not going to ditch the mac and cheese and ice cream, because I simply dont want to.
Take a moment to think about what your meals typically look like.
In trying to balance out meals for satisfaction and nutrition, I LOVE using theMyPlate method.
Its that simple, and really helps to give you a visual snapshot.
Im not gonna lie.
Oftentimes, when scrolling through social media, Im left feeling kinda salty.
This sucks, because optimal health doesnt look like that for most people.
We can all live our best lives looking just the way we do.
Be intentional about how you curate your online experience.
Do you see yourself in the people or accounts you follow?
I have found it helpful to follow a number of different accounts.
This has definitely changed my online experience.
You dont need to cut out foods or change your appearance to be healthy.
give a shot to chill out and focus on enjoying your food, whatever food you decide to eat.
Also, keep in mind that everyones needs are different.
And that goes beyond nutrition.
Oftentimes, these things influence our food choices, and thats okay.
There isnt one way to eat, forever and ever.
Its important to allow room for flexibility.
And although this may sound like rainbows and butterflies, I totally get that its hard work.
Our society is constantly pushing diet and restriction down our throats, all in the name of good health.
She is passionate about education communities on plant-based eating, in ways that are accessible and culturally relevant.
