How would you define healthy eating?
Healthy eating is when a person consumes all the essential nutrients that the body needs from a variety of food. These nutrients are essential because our body cannot produce them so they have to come from food. Macronutrients are water, fats, proteins and carbohydrates and provide the body with energy; micronutrients are vitamins, minerals and trace elements and DO NOT provide energy for the body. Every single nutrient provides the body with something it needs.
Why do diets paint certain foods as being bad for you?
Well first thing, let’s ask a few questions about the ‘diet’; are they making promises that seem too good to be true, are they offering a quick fix, are there warnings for following their diet, are some foods ‘good’ and some foods ‘bad’, are they selling something? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions consider that a warning sign and that you might want to do more research about the diet.
“But it worked for my friend?”
We have to remember is that every person is different. Your friend may have only followed the diet for a short period of time or added physical activity as well. Your friend may not have experienced the long-term effects of some of the diets that are out there right now. A lot of weight loss from short-term changes in eating habits is water loss. In order to lose fat, at a healthy rate that is sustainable, long-term and maintainable for life, TAKES TIME! All foods need to be incorporated to allow for long-term success. Being too strict or too relaxed with what you consume doesn't help you. The key is finding that balance, with food but also emotionally and mentally. Allowing yourself to enjoy life without feeling bad about it is empowering. Diets that restrict foods are restricting you from nutrients that your body requires. Healthy eating is a life-long thing and if you can do it 75% to 80% of the time (over the course of a year) then you are doing great. Diet companies are there to make money and they won't make very much if what they offer takes time and requires long-term commitment; so remember that next time when you are thinking of changing your eating habits, you are worth the time and commitment!
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