I want to help you get outside, eat well, and feel good…but why should you trust me to lead you in your healthy eating efforts? Let me share three truths about my healthy eating journey. If my perspective speaks to you, let’s eat well and feel good together. While I’m proud to be a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach, my greatest qualification to help you achieve your goals is my success in reaching mine.
In 2011 I made positive lifestyle changes that allowed me to radically improve my health. I lost the 48 lbs I had gain over four years of working full time and going to school full time and dramatically reduced the stress my body was under. My blood pressure and blood sugar improved. I reduced my risk for cardiovascular disease and reduce my already high risk for colon cancer. Not to mention my joints felt amazing again.
So what were the changes I made and how have I maintained them? You may be surprised to learn, I didn’t count calories, I didn’t deprive myself, I didn’t change back, and I’m still on that Journey now. Here are the three truths about how I built and maintained my healthy eating lifestyle.
I didn’t Count Calories
Instead, I read ingredients. I looked for foods with the shortest list. A longer list of ingredients increases the opportunity for additives or preservatives. I also paid close attention to the order of ingredients, as they are listed in order of amount. If I was looking for a protein snack, I’d make sure protein wasn’t at the bottom of a long list.
I Didn’t Deprive Myself
Instead I added delicious whole food and used gastronomy, the art of choosing, cooking, and enjoying food to achieve satiation and enjoyment in the meals I made. The whole food delivered vital nutrients my body was craving, an important part of feeling full and satisfied, while the natural flavors felt like a deep indulgence. Knowing I was investing in my long-term health was the cherry on top.
I Didn’t Change Back
Instead I’ve maintained and even thrived because the healthy habits I adopted were sustainable for me. I broke big goals into bit-size challenges and saw the value in each change I made. As the little success stacked up, I noticed the far reach positive effects they had and over time I made them a part of my lifestyle. Because my goals weren’t based in self punishment but self love, I actually enjoyed the process. It was hard work, but not in the way you might imagine. The hard work came in the form of challenging my perspective, researching, and repeatedly trying new things.
When you’ve figured something out and it’s made your life better, you want to share it. That’s the truth. And there’s more to come, as I’m still challenging my perspective, researching, and trying new things. If you’re interested in making some lifestyle changes with huge potential for change, I’ve got 3 challenges for you.
- Read the ingredients of something you purchase on a regular basis. Consider the number and order of ingredients then ask yourself if it’s something you want to keep as part of your regular diet or if there’s a more healthful option you would enjoy? Is there a whole food option with plenty of nutrients?
- Learn a little about gastronomy. How we prepare and combine food can make or break our satisfaction and satiation. Do a little research and try a new preparation or cooking technique.
- Set SMART goals. We’ve all heard the acronym (SMART for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Bound) but for good reason. Small and sustainable goals will get us there. Next time you set a goal ask yourself how likely you are to reach it on a sale of 1-10. If you’re confidence is a 5 or below, try modifying your goal.