I want to eat healthier, but don’t know where to start…
The world of nutrition can be overwhelming. I’m here to tell you to take it one step at a time and focus on your individual needs. Everyone is different and therefore requires different things. For one it might be drinking more water, or knowing what foods to eat to feel more energized. It varies from person to person but here are some tangible steps anyone can take to start focusing on health to create sustainable healthy habits:
Plan out meals for the week - take into consideration your schedule and dedicate time to preparing meals. Look at your schedule for the week, and account for meals you are cooking at home and any you will be eating out. I myself, LOVE looking at cook books, IG, TikTok and blogs for recipe inspo.
Increase fruit and vegetable intake one meal at a time - For example, throwing in spinach, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes to a breakfast scramble. Fresh or frozen produce are equally healthy, so start by tackling one meal of your day to fit in more fruits/veggies where you can. Small steps will lead to bigger ones!
Prepare the basics - Instead of traditional meal prep, I recommend to prep the framework of your meals for the week. An example is batch cooking rice or quinoa, chicken and tofu, and getting any toppings ready. From there you can make a bowl, burrito, or simple plate by adding a variety of sauces, dressings, or toppings. I made crispy tofu on a Sunday, and was able to use it in this AMAZING salad you see above on the following Wednesday.
Be realistic and be intuitive - Having a realistic expectation of the week can allow you to be more intuitive with your hunger and fullness cues. Food is energy and without it we can’t function, which is why it’s critical to get enough food. However, everyone’s schedule is different, so take the time to reflect on yours to find your best path forward. And please… cancel out that diet culture talk!
Talk to a doctor or RD - Nowadays there are a lot of people suffering from GI or nutrition related issues. If you are having any symptoms/concerns about nutrition seek out help and support from a reliable professional. :)
