As this new year has just begun, a milestone has already passed for many. The second Friday of each year, which fell on January 10, 2025, marks a significant day for millions: this day is dubbed National Quitters Day, and for good reason. Studies show that by just a few weeks into a new resolution, 80% of people have given up on dreams that they had set for themselves, and returned to their old habits and hangups. One of the most popular goals that people have is to “eat healthier,” with the intention of losing weight, getting off medication, becoming more fit, and simply feeling better. Although this is much easier said than done, it is possible to change, and even improve eating habits, with the right information and inspiration!
Keto, Vegan, DASH,
No carb, low carb, Mediterranean,
Carnivore, Paleo, Plant-based
LETTUCE---------------------and TACOS-------------------------------and BACON, Oh MY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let’s start with the definition of “healthy,” and how it can relate to, and be affected by what we eat. Health, according to medicalnewstoday.com is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition correlates well with the most popular reasons given when people are asked WHY they would like to eat in a more healthy way. These answers include:
^Prevent chronic disease ^weight management ^increased energy ^improved mental health ^strong immune system ^better skin and hair ^improved digestion
Simply stated, people WANT to be disease/medication free, and look good and feel good! Unfortunately, the CDC states that over 129 million Americans suffer with at least 1 chronic illness (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, etc.) and that the majority of these are PREVENTABLE and TREATABLE. The CDC continues to say that eating a healthy diet is the #1 way to prevent and even CURE these diseases!
Given these statistics, the question that must be asked is WHY DON’T people choose to eat in a healthy way? A large Harvard Health Publishing poll gives these reasons:
^ takes too much work ^does not taste good ^cost ^knowledge ^stress ^social isolation ^low income ^addiction to food ^mood changes ^online food delivery ^advertisements
It is abundantly clear that there are a variety of explanations including financial, social, mental/emotional, and physical that can pose barriers to eating and being healthy. Overcoming these challenges can be difficult, but we will discuss some basic information that anyone can apply to begin to move toward this change, if desired.
The most important thing to remember when considering healthy eating is this:
THERE IS NO “ONE SIZE FITS ALL”
You know yourself best. By choosing changes that you are willing to make, your chances of making long-term improvements increase significantly.
*Drink Water- if not drinking any, start small. Water provides many benefits to physical, emotional, and mental being. Replacing just 1 soda, tea or energy drink with a bottle of water CAN make a difference.
*Reduce Ultra Processed Foods- These are foods that have been significantly changed from their original state, and contain preservatives, sweeteners, and emulsifiers. Fast food, soft drinks, candy, chips, packaged foods, hot dogs are examples of this type of food. They typically have minimal nutritional value, while being calorie, salt, sugar, or fat dense.
*Increase Zero and Minimally Processed Foods- Foods that are in their natural state, or have not undergone many changes, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, fresh chicken, and whole grains fit into this category. They are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, but low in added unhealthy ingredients.
You are encouraged to do research into what “healthy” means to you. Think about your motivation: WHY do you want to eat healthier? What is realistic for you: consider your schedule, tastes in food, family situation and finances. The fact is that change is difficult, but the benefits of making healthy eating changes can lead to better health, less medication, more energy, financial savings, and a new lease on life! Start by committing to 21 days of change, establishing a habit.
DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY ARE,
OUR HABITS WILL MAKE US OR BREAK US.
WE BECOME WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO
(Sean Covey)
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