As a wellness transformation coach, I want to help you eat food that makes you feel good. Looking at science is always where we start, but we understand that real-life eating doesn't fit some perfect nutrient pattern. Here's how you can refresh your eating habits while enjoying your meals.
The Pitfalls of New Year's Resolutions
Almost every January, without fail, people become interested in nutrition, health, and wellness. Countless resolutions around weight loss, specific eating patterns, fitness goals, and more exist.
While I love to see the enthusiasm around taking better care of yourself, all too often, it starts with eliminating countless foods and hitting the gym 7 days a week. The lofty start may sound great but tends to fizzle out after a few weeks.
Instead of banishing sugar, carbs, or bread, what if you focused on small, positive changes you could make? Swaps may feel less significant but are much more likely to be sustainable.
It's estimated that only about 9% of people stick to their resolutions yearly. Why not try a healthy refresh instead? It could be more exciting, but getting back to basics is essential.
Starting Small with Nutrition Tips
If you need clarification about where to start, you're not alone. Almost everyone has an opinion about Nutrition, which is only sometimes, err, rarely based on evidence.
It can be overwhelming on social media to sift through nutrition information and figure out what's true and makes sense for you. I encourage you to start with what the science says and start small.
New research by Trusted Source was just published, showing how important hydration is for healthy aging, so drink more water (perhaps a new water bottle will help motivate you).
Sleep is essential for overall health and impacts your appetite and food cravings (try these science-based tips for better sleep).
Nearly 90% of us (Trusted Source) need to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, but we have some creative and simple ways to help you get your fill.
Suppose you're already checking those boxes and getting some movement in. In that case, you could try one new food a week, eat protein-rich foods at most meals and snacks, cook more at home, or do meal prep on Sundays.
Notice how most of the small changes I mention are positive. They're foods or habits you can add to your day. I don't like restriction or deprivation, but adding some good stuff can naturally help crowd out other behaviors.
At Wellness Next Step, we want Nutrition to be for everybody.
Often Nutrition and healthy eating are presented like an $8 smoothie full of potions, powders, and tinctures. In reality, you could whip up a smoothie with some frozen fruits and veggies for a fraction of the price that will still be very good for you.
In addition to being budget-friendly, healthy food should taste good. Only 29% of Wellness Next Step readers said healthy food tastes good, meaning most people equate healthy food with bad tasting. This is one myth I hope we can banish together.
Not everything needs to be the most amazing meal of your life, but have you ever tried a roasted brussels sprout? They're light years away in flavor from any steamed or boiled sprouts you may remember as a kid.
If cooking feels overwhelming, these 10 simple dinner recipes can help you put tasty and easy meals on the table. Or try a healthy meal delivery service to make dinner even easier.
Healthy eating should incorporate foods you love, grew up with, and are part of your culture.
Wellness Transformation Beyond Your Plate
Beyond your plate, many other factors contribute to overall wellness. Getting enough sleep, moving your body regularly, and caring for your mental health are just a few examples. It's important to remember that while nutrition is a critical piece of the puzzle, it's not the only one.
Unfortunately, many people feel guilty or ashamed when they indulge in a less-than-healthy food choice. But it's essential to let go of that guilt and treat yourself with kindness. Remember that life is about balance and that sometimes indulging in your favorite treat or comfort food can be positive.
Our wellness transformation coaches can help you with personalized nutrition coaching and other aspects of wellness. We believe in empowering our clients to make positive changes in their lives that fit their individual needs and goals.
So as you embark on your journey to refresh your eating habits in 2023, remember to take a holistic approach to wellness. Focus on small, positive changes you can make, and be kind to yourself along the way. And if you need extra support and guidance, consider contacting a wellness transformation coach for personalized nutrition coaching and more.