What to Consider When Deciding on a New Eating Approach

In light of the mammoth amount of information available, what are the most important things to consider when deciding on a new eating approach? Here are 5 factors worth considering:

(1) Are you needing to make some diet changes for health or lifestyle reasons?

Our ‘why’. is probably the most important factor in our ultimate success or failure. Think about it. If you received some alarming news about your health, then yes, make the needed changes willingly. We only have one life to live and I encourage you to live it to the best. I caution you to think a little deeper, however, as once you get used to whatever ailment you have, unless your why is defined and at the forefront of your desire it is easy to slip back in your old eating patterns.

Change takes time and purpose. A wish for a better life is only a wish unless you define it, pursue it, and check on your progress regularly. Same can be said for new eating approaches.

(2) What are your time and $$$ budget commitments?

Eating healthier foods can be more expensive than you are used to, especially if you have typically eaten out more. Take into consideration the actual amount you have been spending per month on food (groceries and eating out) so you know what your real budget looks like. Eating out healthy foods is far more expensive than preparing healthy foods at home.

Your time commitment is important to ascertain as well. Do you have the time to prepare food? Do you prefer to have food prepared for you? Can you afford to hire a service to prepare food for you? Food prep services are becoming more and more common, but you are not in control of the ingredient selection.

Do you have food sensitivities or allergies? This makes it more difficult to order out or get food prep services. Just a note, but Grain Free Mama’s has gltuen/grain/sugar free crepe and pizza crust mixes that are healthy and quick and easy to prepare.

Any food sensitivities can be accommodated for with proactive planning and a little tenacity. Your body, again, will thank you!

(3) Are your family and friends supportive?

This is important as friends and family can be helpful, or be a pain in the intestines (or another region of your body slightly lower). If you do not have the support that you wish, I suggest staying a bit more quiet about your eating approach changes and just have a bite to eat before you meet up with them. Once you have it down and feel more confident, it will be easier to wave off their advice (or attacks, whichever seems to fit).

I cannot tell you how many times I have had people tell me they ‘feel sorry’ for me because I do not eat traditionally made bake goods. First, I could eat these foods if I wanted to, but I choose not to. Now I laugh it off, as I do not want the resulting ‘food baby’ in my stomach, blood sugar roller coaster, or weight issues that these ‘well-intentionned’ loved ones put up with on a regular basis. I like feeling great, looking great and having a very clear mind. I also love my delicious food.

(4) What do you want your new eating approach to look like?

Assess your current eating approach and see where you fall. Calculate the number of servings and portion size of each category that you currently eat per meal, as well as typical meals you eat per day. I would divide them as follows:

Proteins – Vegetables – Healthy Fats – Fruits – Starchy/carb items – sweet treats – alcohol (and what types)

All of this information is essential before you start to make changes. It will give you an honest assessment of where you are and then you can decide where you want to adjust eating habits to form healthier ones.

Please note that it doesn’t have to be an ‘all or nothing’ approach unless you choose to have it be that way. Your body … your choice.

(5) Do you feel overwhelmed by the above information?

 

You can learn. Get the help you need.

Grain Free Mama’s has developed an online training course, Sustainable Clean Eating Made Simple.

Arm yourself with the knowledge and mindset to achieve food freedom once and for all! Learn the myths associated with gluten free and why that is only a fraction of the truth. You will discover what works for your body and take back control of your food choices.

In this 5 module course you will learn:

• Why gluten free eating is only scratching the surface and how all the grains cause elevated inflammation.
• The connection from gut health to clear thinking (Having a ‘gut feeling’ is really the truth.)
• How establishing a healthy mindset toward food is the most important factor for success.
• How to take back control of your food choices and enable yourself to eliminate food guilt.
• An overview of foods and how they interrelate to optimize good health.
• A simple knowledge of food groups to gain the confidence to make healthy meal choices.
• How to read ‘between the lines’ with labels.
• And much, much more!

Sign up today at https://grainfreemamas.com/.

In conclusion, I want to remind you again … it is never too late to make a new start. Our bodies are wonderfully put together and thrive with healthy choices. No matter where you are starting from there is hope and there is more vibrant living just waiting for you on the other side.