How to Eat Healthier
www.SBtheRD.com
It’s a new year, and your social media feed is constantly telling you how to “eat healthier.”
But, what exactly does that mean?
Do you add kale to your smoothie, or just your salad?
Are whole grains healthy or have too many carbs?
Is coconut oil taboo again?
Can I drink fluids with my meals?
And what the heck are POSTbiotics? (fyi- they’re found in the same foods that contain probiotics)
I’m going to let you in on a wonderful little secret. Tips are just… tips. Nothing magical about them. You probably won’t lose 5 pounds in one day if you avoid drinking fluids with your meals. And adding kale to your smoothie is not going to drop your LDL cholesterol by tomorrow.
There is not one tip, or food, or fad that can instantly make you healthier. And what works for someone else may not work for you. We as human beings are all completely UNIQUE. With different food likes, schedules, family and work commitments, energy levels, medical histories, and on and on.
After 25 years of nutrition coaching, I can easily tell you how MOST people get healthier.
Quit smoking
Eat colorful fruits and vegetables each day. Add peppers and spinach to your eggs, a kale and carrot salad to your lunch, and roasted cauliflower, beets, and squash for dinner.
Include more plant proteins like chickpeas, edamame, lentils, almonds and quinoa.
Decrease your sugar intake, especially from hidden sources like protein drinks, coffee drinks, and condiments.
Take a multivitamin, preferably one made without synthetic vitamins/minerals.
Exercise regularly for your physical and mental health, which means each week including at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity and two weight training sessions.
But will these tips work for you? You know yourself and your health better than anyone. Better than any social blogger you follow. Better than your friend who only eats white foods. And way better than any website trying to sell you the latest fad diet.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what tips and tricks can help you be healthier. And if you need additional help, consider reaching out to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN or RD).
See my post on why you should choose a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist .
Before an RD or RDN throws out some macro numbers to you, they will complete a thorough diet analysis, evaluate your lab work, medical history, family medical history, and exam notes sent over by your physician in order to have a better picture of not only what your macros needs are, but what vitamins and minerals can strengthen your resistance to any family history of disease or cancer. Additionally, they will work with you to create specific and achievable goals based on your level of change, willingness for behavior modifications, and most importantly time to implement changes.