Nutrition Tips

Admittedly, I am typically stumped when asked to give “a nutrition tip”.  Not that I can’t think of any, the problem is just the opposite. I can think of a ton of useful nutrition tips.  The kicker is that tips don’t work if they are not used. And I have found that nutrition tips are not taken and applied, not because there is a lack of desire and/or will power by the tip recipient, but because the tips may not apply to the recipients’ goals, preferences, schedule, barriers, or lifestyle in general. So, how am I to narrow a tip down to something that many people – with many different needs and unique situations - find useful? It really comes back to the fact that there is no ONE way to do this whole healthy eating thing.

I often have people show me two different food products and ask, “Which is best?” My answer usually depends on the question I then ask: “what is your nutrition goal?” Are you trying to increase protein? Reduce carbohydrates? Reduce calories? Gain energy? Improve calcium intake? It is important to know what you are striving for nutritionally. When you know this, you can more easily proceed with making appropriate food selections that match your unique goals. In my work with individuals, I continue to find that one of the biggest challenges faced is lack of variety in healthy foods that are enjoyed. If you have been making less than stellar food selections, it is likely that these less-than-stellar choices are pretty much the extent of what you know that you enjoy.   So, when I am asked to give a tip, I often refer people to lists of ideas. Look over ideas. Find ones you like. Try them. Make a list of the ones you like. Make a list of the ones you try and don’t like. Build your list of “likes” and use this as your go-to list of meals and snacks that work for you. Build your list of “dislikes” and quit trying to force those healthy options on yourself!

Visit this great blog by Bright Horizons.  Here you will find real life meals for people on the go. Just like I mentioned in a previous post about crock pot cooking, food does not have to be gourmet to be healthy. Focus on fruits and veggies; add some lean protein and whole grains. Limit overly processed foods with lots of added fat/salt/sugar.  When you run across a meal or snack that works for you, write it down.  While it sounds corny to say that life is a journey, or something along those lines, it is true. There is no one way to be healthy. You have to figure out what is going to work for you. But don’t hesitate to seek out resources and people that can help you “on your journey”!

Be happy on your quest to be healthy. If weight loss is one of your health goals, here is a post that may help you keep it all in perspective. J