So you've decided to change your lifestyle and you've decided it is time to just eat healthier damnit! What's on your breakfast, lunch, and dinner plate? If you're like the majority I have encountered it looks something like this:
Breakfast: 1 hardboiled egg and black coffee (your mind: sugar? nope that shiz kills. milk/half and half? no way too many calories!)
Lunch: A salad with a side of extra boring. (It probably looks like this: iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and low fat dressing)
Dinner: Carefully portioned grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, and a half of a sweet potato. (DUH. What else would you have?)
Sound familiar? If this is not you personally I can guarantee that you have encountered someone (friend, family, client) that has the above mindset when it comes to "healthy" eating.
Here's why this is such a huge pet peeve of mine:
1. Restrictions, restrictions, restrictions
2. Bland, party of 1
3. This does not solve the problem LONG TERM
4. I wouldn't eat that for a week even if you paid me. (OK I lied maybe if you paid me.)
Just to clarify, sometimes something as regimented as this works for some and that's OK. It's all about finding a way that works for you. HOWEVER, in MY experience this turns out poorly for this individual in more ways than one. You see developing a healthy relationship with food is so much more than the foods we select. It's also about finding the joy in eating and nourishing our bodies. It should not be about torturing ourselves with bland foods that some body builder guy said is the ONLY way we can see results (apologies in advance for the stereotype... I couldn't resist lol).
Food should be exciting and flavorful and I want individuals to start looking at it as an opportunity to explore the HUGE variety of foods and cultures out there that inspire some of the best looking, colorful, enjoyable foods. There are literally so many ways to prepare foods! Pinterest has been my best friend in finding inspiration to renditions of my own dinners and it does not have to be a 1 hour plus project to get a meal on the table. I encourage you all to start exploring the many options of healthy eating and straying away from the typical "I'm going on a diet so now it's time to cut everything enjoyable out of my meals mindset." Think outside the box! (I get it.. sometimes thinking outside the box is hard) BUT this.. this right here is the reason why I developed my Instagram food account. To offer a refreshing perspective on how to make colorful, nutrient-dense, AND flavorful foods! I encourage you all to find your own perspective on food! It all happens with a little (or a lot) of trial and error!
Let me leave you with this final thought. Would you just steam your steak...? Didn't think so. So WHY for heavens sake are we just steaming our vegetables with nothing on them?
Find YOUR variety. Explore this bounty of diverse foods we have at our fingertips. I guarantee you'll find something more exciting than a bland salad with low fat dressing.
Just a little food for thought. ;)
Until next time,
xx
- Jackie
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