As the subject line of this email says, eating healthy is hard work. Maybe even more so right now in the midst of social isolation, a virus running amuck and a roller coaster ride of emotions.
What I've learned since I started my journey of eating better many years ago is
it's not all or nothing.
When I began to eat better it started with one small change. I gave up milk. Not cheese, not ice cream and not yogurt. Just milk. I drank an eight ounce glass of milk (usually chocolate) with dinner every night. I'd done that since I was a kid (usually not chocolate).
What I realized in my twenties was that I didn't feel that great after drinking milk. It made me look and feel bloated. I had stomach cramps and just felt yucky. So I gave up milk. And I felt better.
After a while of doing that, I then decided to buy only hormone free meat and poultry. Free range if it was available. And I felt better. Not only that, when I ate at a restaurant that served protein that most likely was sourced from factory farms, I could taste the difference. So I stopped eating at places where the food didn't taste good. And I felt better.
And this habit continued over thirty years. Adding in healthier food options and letting go of food that didn't make me feel good.
Do you know which foods make you feel gross?
If you're aware of one thing you can change either by eliminating it or replacing it with a healthier option, you could try that. Give it a decent amount of time like a month. Just one thing. And when you realize that you're starting to feel better, you could pick the next thing. There's no hurry because you get to pick the timetable. If you're motivated and can go faster, you'll definitely feel better sooner. But we can't underestimate the emotional connection we have to food so be gentle with yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
What one thing could you change about your diet today? It doesn't have to be what I say, or Dr. Oz says or even Oprah. You're the one who has to make the commitment, wrestle with the temptations and do the hard work. So pick something that's either going to make you feel way better or something you really want to stop eating.
Keep in mind there may be a healthier alternative that you could use as a substitute. I switched to almond milk. It took awhile for my tastebuds to adjust but now I love it.
Reply to this email if you need help finding a substitute solution. I'm happy to help!
Wishing you well,
