Nourishing Your Mind and Body: Transitioning from the Standard American Diet to a Free-From Lifestyle

In our journey towards optimal health and vitality, the foods we choose to consume play a pivotal role. The transition from the Standard American Diet (SAD), characterized by high intakes of processed foods, red meat, grains( both in the grain form and as flours), and sugary snacks, to a “free-from” diet—void of common allergens and inflammatory ingredients—can be both rewarding and challenging. Mindset, an often-underestimated factor, is crucial in this transformation, and is the first step. Here are several steps to foster a positive mindset that supports a healthier, free-from dietary lifestyle.

 

1. Cultivate Awareness and Education

Knowledge is Power. We can only make healthier choices that correspond with the level of our knowledge of what is actually healthy. Understanding the impact of certain foods on your health can motivate you to make better choices. Relying on advertising to learn about what foods are healthy can often be misleading.

Educate yourself about the benefits of a free-from diet, including the reduction or avoidance of Edible Grass (gluten, grains, sugar), dairy, soy, and artificial additives. If you have a mold allergy, also consider reducing or eliminating nuts. Recognizing how these changes can improve your well-being is the first step towards embracing them.

 

2. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Embrace the Journey. Transitioning diets doesn’t happen overnight. Set achievable goals, such as incorporating one new grain/sugar free or plant-based meal into your diet each day or eliminating cane and corn sugars. There are plenty of other sweeteners to choose from, including stevia, honey, maple syrup, and monk fruit. Choose to use different sweeteners in your tea and coffee is a simple switch. Celebrate small victories to encourage progress rather than striving for perfection from the start.

If you are a person who like to journal, write your new mindset down and then journal about your new journey. If you are more of a list person, make a to do eating and mindset list each day and check off your progress. Before you go shopping for groceries have a quick snack. It will help you to avoid getting sucked into the processed aisles. Make some promises to yourself and then keep them.

3. Focus on Abundance, Not Restriction

Shift Your Perspective. Instead of dwelling on what you’re eliminating, focus on the new and diverse foods you can introduce. The reality is you can eat anything you choose to eat, so the key is to learn to make different choices. It is tough to maintain any change that we think of as something we ‘have to’ do. In contrast, it is much easier to stick with things that we ‘want to’ do.

Explore the world of whole foods—fruits, vegetables, seeds, healthy fats, and proteins. Make it an adventure. Expect the best. If you have been one who mainly eats out, try out cooking by finding some simple quick and easy meals you can make at home. Here is a suggestion; try our Grain Free Mama’s Crepe Mixes. They come in four delicious flavors and are quickly prepared. Discovering new flavors and textures can make the dietary transition an exciting adventure rather than a chore.

If you are lacking for tasty ideas, check out our free recipes.

4. Connect with Like-Minded Communities

Find Your Tribe. Support systems are invaluable. Connect with others who share your dietary goals, whether online or in-person. Our online platform “A Place At The Table” offers a safe space to learn, exchange ideas, recipes, and encouragement. Inside A Place At The Table community, we have a three-fold purpose; Eat – Grow – Learn.

The Eat space has recipes, meal ideas and a chat place where you can ask for help to convert recipes, share your own ideas and recipes, and find clean recipes to try out. In the Grow space it is all about growing and cultivating fruits, vegetables at home whether you live in an urban, rural or anything in-between setting. We have members who are growing produce in the desert, in rainy areas, in their yard, on their patios, and even in inside planters. The Learn space is where you will find interesting articles, up-to-date information about new foods, regulation changes and more. This space offers the pros and cons, to educate but not dictate. That way our members can make their own decisions that make sense for them. A Place At The Table is a judgement free zone. We respect each other. Kindness matters.

Shared experiences can make the journey more enjoyable and less daunting.

5. Practice Mindful Eating

Listen to Your Body. Mindfulness encourages a deep connection with your food, including where it comes from and how it makes you feel. Eating slowly and without distraction allows you to savor each bite and recognize when you’re full, reducing the likelihood of overeating and fostering a greater appreciation for nourishing foods. For many this connection to our bodies has been lost. Even this can seem overwhelming at first.

 

That is why I wrote the Food Breakthrough: Adjust Your Diet, Transform Your Life book and cookbook. Our bodies are incredible, and we have within us everything we need to learn again how to ‘hear’ what our bodies are saying. We just need to educate ourselves and re-learn how to listen. That is what the Food Breakthrough series is all about; giving you the tools to reconnect and the knowledge of foods to help you to be able to confidently choose life giving foods for quality of life.

 

6. Embrace Flexibility and Kindness

Be Kind to Yourself. Understand that missteps are part of the learning process. If you find yourself straying from your dietary goals, reflect on why it happened and how you can adjust moving forward. Two steps forward and one step back is still progress. Instead of berating yourself, celebrate your progress. Our inner voice is the most important to teach to be kind and to believe the best for ourselves. Self-compassion is essential; berating yourself only hinders progress.

 

7. Seek Professional Guidance When Needed

Consult Experts. If you’re unsure how to start or need tailored advice, consulting with a dietitian or a natural food scientist can provide personalized guidance. Professionals can help you navigate the transition, ensuring your diet is balanced and meets your nutritional needs.

Transitioning to a free-from diet is a profound act of self-care that can enhance your physical and mental well-being. By adopting a positive mindset and taking deliberate steps, you can navigate this journey with grace and joy, paving the way for a healthier, more vibrant life. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just about reducing or eliminating certain foods but about nourishing your body and mind with what truly benefits you. Let this be a journey of discovery, wellness, and, most importantly, kindness towards yourself.