With all of the nutrition and health information available online, do you find yourself wondering - what’s the right thing for me?
You’re not alone! From keto, to paleo, to vegan and flexitarian - more and more people are choosing to adopt nutrition philosophies in the pursuit of optimized health and wellness. However, in addition to being readily available, nutrition and health information you come across online or through peers can be confusing! How do you know whether something is applicable or relevant for you, or whether or not it’s the “right” thing for you?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few things to think about when it comes to finding your food tribe.
Focus on how it makes you feel
One of the biggest signs that an eating plan is right for you is if it makes you feel great. The food that you eat should leave you feeling energized, satisfied and nourished. If you find that you’re lacking in any of these areas, this can be an indication that an eating plan isn’t right for you. Pay attention to how your body feels, in addition to your hunger cues and cravings.
The most important thing when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to find a plan that is sustainable for you. Oftentimes, if an eating plan is too restrictive or too much of a departure from your normal food preferences, it may not be right long-term. When trying something new, start slow. Add or substitute foods in your diet one at a time to test whether it feels right for you before going “all in”.
Make sure it aligns with your beliefs and values
If your friends are all telling you to become keto, but you’re trying to consume less meat due to your sustainability beliefs, that might be a sign that keto isn’t right for you. Food is about more than just the nutrients that we take in. It’s important to consider the cultural implications and how different foods align with your beliefs, values and philosophies.
Do your own research
Let’s face it, not all of the information found online is credible. Although your best friend might swear by a new cleanse, eating plan or superfood, make sure that you do your own research. Look for credible sources of information that are written by credentialed health professionals. If the information you come across ever promises a “quick fix” or “miracle cure”, it’s probably too good to be true. Make sure to validate the information with your healthcare provider.
In addition, everyone has different needs depending on their unique lifestyle, health history and preferences. Not every eating plan is right for every person and it’s important to keep this in mind when building a sustainable healthy lifestyle.
Finding a “tribe” or group of people who eat and live the same way that you do can foster a powerful sense of community. When it comes to finding this group, make sure you start with YOU and find something that aligns with your own unique beliefs, values and lifestyle.
