Day 24

Talking with Y has been interesting. We have similar interests ( Fitness and nutrition) yet have different personalities and outlook on life. But I love talking to her. She provides fresh perspectives. In fact, her MBTI personality is the exact polar opposite of mine. So far what I like about her is that she is all action! no hesitating, just going ahead when she feels the need. I like that she speaks her mind while being considerate and attentive. Anyways, on with today’s topic: Nutrition!

Y has managed to change my perspective on a couple of things within a short time. One of them is in the area of nutrition. Her rule in nutrition is that she doesn’t restrict herself any particular food groups or labels them as ‘bad’. When she craves something she will just have it and/or think about why she craves it in the first place. Maybe not enough salt or fat intake. If I crave a croissant, why don’t I just eat it? Then I won’t binge eat later or overeat other food. If my body needs something it will send me signs. Like many of us, I have had my fair share of struggles with dieting and maintaining diets.I have been eating pretty healthy over the past year or so but there have been times when I got stressed about eating healthy. I see what Y means when she says restricting food can lead to weight gain over time and overall because of the psychological effect it has.

A big part of healthy eating is getting to know what foods you actually enjoy eating. People have different needs and body types, so by experimenting and taking note of how certain foods make you feel, you can find out what you enjoy and what works for you.

Eating healthy is not just about the foods themselves but also taking note of your mood and how tired you are. If you come home and you are exhausted and it’s cold and dark, you are more likely to grab something quick and comforting which tends to be highly processed and calorically dense. But if you know that, then you can prepare in advance. You can have a nutritious, delicious and healthy food ready to eat when you come home from a long day at work

There is no one magic trick that can fix our diets or life style. It’s all small habits here and there, compounding over time. Finding out about your body and your likes and dislikes and coming up with a balanced and positive solution in light of all those factors is the key.

Anyways today’s biggest take home message is not restricting food! and thinking about why I crave the things I crave, to sustain healthy eating in the long run.