How to Begin Eating Healthier : Start with Small Changes
What can I do to begin to eat healthier?
This is a question I get asked a lot by my athletes and nutrition clients, and I understand. It seems daunting to all of a sudden have to begin to make new choices every day and live a new lifestyle.
Usually, with my people, I begin by making small changes each week. Change comes through continuously choosing different actions. Sounds simple, but can be a mountain of work over time.
Guidance for Independent Healthy Eating
Let’s say you don’t work with me, though. What do you do?
Here’s a little compass to point you in the right direction: Eat as if you were on vacation.
Eating on Vacation: A Healthy Compass
Play along with me for a moment. Imagine you and your loved one decided to save up and go to Paros (a Greek island I visited years ago, it was amazing). And let’s imagine for a second you’re out and about taking in the beach view and you decide to grab some lunch.
Are you really going to order a cheeseburger and fries? Are you really going to eat hot Cheetos?
Of course not! You’re on a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea!
You’d order some seafood. Or a salad. Or something lean covered in olive oil with leafy greens.
Realistic Expectations and Balanced Choices
Is the question a panacea? Does it mean you have to eat Mediterranean forever? No – of course not.
But whenever I’m lucky enough to travel, I’m not going to grab a quick bite at McDonald’s. I’m not worried about grabbing a donut at Starbucks. (Neither of these things are inherently bad, but why would I waste my vacation time and money on something like that?) I’m going to spend that time and money on real, solid, healthy, local food.
Again, a nice compass to follow, not the answer to everything!