My personal experience is that I did not start to think about being healthier until after high school. While it was all about my external appearance, it was not about what was happening inside me. In the past few months, I have found what works for me and have never felt more positive, both physically and mentally. I decided to do my best and try to help anyone in need. These are my key points. They are the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
1. Do not get too attached to your weight
My personal opinion is that if you are only trying to lose weight fast, eating healthy and focusing on losing weight, this won’t work. People are well aware that weight doesn’t just drop by the kilo if you eat healthily. Although it is possible to lose weight by switching from eating processed foods to healthy, wholesome food, it will take longer. This is a good thing. Rapid weight loss is usually due to eating too much and not enough. It is a slow process to change to a healthier diet. If you get too obsessed with weighing yourself or constantly looking in the mirror to see big changes, you will eventually feel tired and unmotivated.
2. Don’t be too hard or unrealistic on yourself
It’s great that you are trying to be healthy. However, this does not mean that you can’t indulge in certain foods or cut out large food groups altogether. It is frustrating to hear people say they will not eat bread, pasta, rice, or white potatoes. Let’s face it; carbs aren’t your enemy. I will eat large quantities of pasta at least once a week. (I just finished eating some as I was writing this post!) Toast for breakfast and fried rice for lunch will be my favourite, while I will eat a lot of potatoes for dinner. I won’t feel guilty! Realistically, it is important to realize that eliminating healthy food groups is a lifestyle change and not a diet.
3. “I’ll begin on Monday
These words will likely lead to two outcomes. Either you’ll start Monday and not stick to it, OR you won’t. Why? It’s easy to understand why. Let’s face it; the whole Monday starting thing is a bit ridiculous. Start eating healthier and being more healthy.
4. Pay attention to your body
This is so crucial, and it’s repeated all the time. Many people have difficulty understanding this concept, but it’s easy to grasp. Eat if you are hungry. Drink if you are thirsty. Sleep if you feel tired and rundown. You should eat more if you feel lightheaded. The whole thing of people telling you how many times you should eat is a joke. Every person is unique. Each body runs differently and requires different foods. I don’t eat at specific times, and I love snacking! My eating habits are pretty consistent, with me eating about every hour. Although it will take some time to understand your body’s workings, it is possible with trial and error. Do not fall for believing you have to know everything about healthy eating right away. The more you learn about your body, the more likely this will become a lifestyle, not a phase.
5. Find out which foods are considered bad
This is a very basic part. This is not a list of foods you should vilify and refuse to eat again. I don’t believe there will be any foods I won’t eat again because they aren’t healthy. While I am all for treating myself if you wish, it is important to not deprive yourself of the things that are good for your mental health. It is important to be aware of which foods are unhealthy. I mean foods that are truly healthy for you, which will help you thrive. This is how I see it. The first is that foods from a pack will not be as healthy or as fresh as those grown in the ground. Second, I will look at the ingredients in boxes and packets. If you don’t know what certain words mean or if there are lots of numbers, it’s a sign that the food isn’t healthy.
One thing I can’t stress enough is not to be harsh at any time. Human beings make mistakes and sometimes eat badly. It’s not the end. The biggest mistake you could make is not getting up and starting eating healthy again. After a few weeks, your cravings for sugary foods will disappear, and you’ll be able to enjoy a balanced diet that you can be proud to eat.
Corinne Marabel, the creator of A Vegan Kitchen, never planned to eat a vegan diet. Nor did she plan on creating what she has today. Corinne began to feel tired and run down in July 2013. After spending too many months treating her body like a trash bin, she decided to change from vegetarianism and become vegan for a brief detox. But, as days turned into weeks, Corinne began to feel better and was inspired to make delicious and healthy vegan dishes.