The Secrets of Healthy Eating Habits

Even though there is a myriad of diets and programs such as Paleo, Mediterranean, Keto, Weight Watchers, and the list goes on, there is one question that remains even among the most structured diet….What do I eat or how do I know what to eat?

In actuality, I think we all know how to "eat healthily" - Get your daily fruit and veggies, cut back on the sugar, processed foods, and gummy worms, resist fried foods against your will, and drink water until your belly swells.

The most common complaint with maintaining a healthy diet is that it feels restricted, which makes it unenjoyable. Although you may still feel great, ultimately it doesn’t bring you joy, because you are craving more flexibility (Flexie). On the other side, there are some personalities that don't mind having the restrictions because it keeps them on track, and they operate better that way and feel better without including a wide variety (Strictie).

Here are the secrets to healthy eating habits:

Figuring out which of the above Type of Eater you are and then...

Learning how to make “Nourishing Food Choices” & set your non-negotiables

Resonate with Your Eating Type

You are a “Flexie” if:

Strict diets have never worked for you because they end up causing more stress.

You like to eat healthy 80% of the time and 20% you want to be able to enjoy foods that you wouldn't eat on a normal basis (without getting too crazy).

You like variety and would like to explore multiple aspects of each diet. For example, eating a vegan meal 2 times out of the week and throwing chicken or turkey into your other meals

*Flexies don't mind having boundaries but need the flexibility to celebrate their wins.

You are a “Strictie” if:

You prefer to stick to aspects of a particular diet that works for you and your goals and makes you feel great

You don't want or need much variety and don't view this as a restriction but a choice that you're content with

You need the structure (especially in the beginning of starting something new) because you may take "flexibility" way too far.

*Stricties prefer boundaries but don't view them as restrictions and very happy with it.

Is it possible to be both? Absolutely. Personally, I am both. I make the healthiest, and most nourishing choices 90% of the time by choosing to properly combine nutrient-dense food, but if I want to have a cupcake or pizza later in the week or at a kids birthday party, I don't feel guilty for it (and I thoroughly enjoy it ). However, I do have my non-negotiables!

Not sure which one you are? Take the What's Your Eating Type Quiz here!

Eating to Nourish

If you were able to identify which type of eater you are (and there are so many things that shape your type from environment, to the way you were raised, etc) or not, one thing that will not fail you is choosing to Eat to Nourish.

Eating to Nourish means choosing foods that serve us by being dense in nutrients, great quality, are easily digested, and keep our systems strong.

Nourishing foods come from predominantly whole foods (foods closest to their natural form or very minimally processed) and foods with quality ingredients that don't increase inflammation in the body.

Eating whole foods is optimum for your health, vitality, and longevity. And to be honest its' benefits extend further to healthy, glowing skin, an efficient digestive system that lets you feel good from the inside-out, and a strong immune-boosting and disease-fighting system.

So what does this really look like in real life?

Choosing 2-ingredient, nutrient powerhouse, energy balancing sweet potato pancakes, and scrambled eggs, with a green or berry smoothie for breakfast over store-bought pancake mix (12 ingredients with GMO enriched "vitamins"+ bleached flour)

Opting for a large multi-greens salad, with grilled chicken, tomatoes, & cucumbers sprinkled with flaxseeds and balsamic dressing over that meatball sub two days in a row for lunch.

Going grilled versus fried on the chicken sandwich with a side salad instead w/an olive oil-based vinaigrette instead of fries because the oils used to fry foods at fast food places are full of omega-6 and trigger inflammation throughout the body.

Choosing an unsweetened tea or water over soda.

The vast differences between these meals offer you more quality, nutrient density, and less inflammation (the root of all disease).

I promise you that keeping it simple will serve you in the long run. Yes, we all love the variety and that can be done in a healthier way, and we will not be perfect so don't beat yourself up if you feel like you've backtracked.

Remember those Non-Negotiables I mentioned earlier? You can download the list HERE! These are the foods (mostly processed) that serve little to no nutritional value and are empty calories. The ones that cause those uncontrollable cravings and setbacks that lead to the feeling of guilt. 😊

Keep in Mind

Food is supposed to give you energy, nourish your cells, make your skin glow, strengthen your hair, and compliment and not hinder an efficient digestive system.

Food has the power to dictate your mindset and ultimately dictate your day. And since we are what we digest, having an efficient digestive and detoxification system and eating to make digestion easier can eliminate our bodies using up all of our energy to actually break down food and use food to fuel our cells.

So this is a great place to start with simplifying how to eat healthy without the added pressure and build your eating habits.

Ultimately, understanding the type of eater you are and how to eat to Nourish is a gamechanger. You'll have moments where a craving may seem to rule out any possible healthy choice, but don't beat yourself up for that. Figure out that craving, adjust, and keep it moving 😊.

Comment below with how you keep your healthy habits alive or ask any questions!