Changing the Way You Eat Also Changes the World

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Changing the way you eat also changes the world.

Why? Because with the right information about nutrition, you can make healthier decisions to eat on a daily basis. You don't need to force yourself to change your diet or spend your whole life on and off diets. And, in turn, the world is more fortunate, healthier and more sustainable.

With the right nutrition knowledge you will take responsibility for your health, your family's health, and your environment. The world will become a better place to live in. And, even if you ever want to change your diet again, it will be for the right reasons and from a healthier starting point.

But, How to Change Unhealthy Eating Habits?

Eating well will change the way you view your life and the world. In fact, by eating better, you can improve not only your health but also the environment. How is that possible? I find that when I started eating better I also started to care more about the world around me. I was thinking about health in a different way in general. Research has become a big part of my decision making when it comes to foods and I'm always looking for ways to make it more sustainable.

I actually started talking with farmers and learning about how they grow food. I to buy from these local farmers instead of big companies that might not have my interests in mind when deciding what food to come out with or how they treat their animals. This, in turn, will help local farmers and businesses grow and provide jobs in the community.

Eating better also means knowing which foods have been genetically modified or contain things like artificial flavours. And avoiding them is simple because the more you eat foods that are natural, the less you will want or need to consume processed food full of preservatives and chemicals.

The best part about eating well is that it's a sustainable action and part of a healthy lifestyle. It simply makes you feel good.

The Problem with Eating Unhealthy Foods

I was brought up in the 70s and learnt bad habits when it came to eating. At the time, the was a lot of advertising encouraging my parents to eat in unhealthy ways and it seemed like everyone I knew was eating these kinds of foods as well. And I liked these processed foods because they simply tasted good. I think we all did.

The problem is that unhealthy habits are not easy to break. So when it is time to change the way we eat, a lot of us are not willing to change our old ways because we're simply comfortable with them. It's hard for us to let go and we can have an incredibly hard time trying new things that might make life better (which could in turn help our physical as well as our mental health).

No matter how much good habits you've developed from switching up your diet, the fact is that eating unhealthy foods will eventually make you sick, one way or another.

It Has Taken Me Years to Develop Healthier Eating Habits

I started being aware of my 'bad eating habits' around 8 years ago. Every year I've tried to make changes, and I must admit I've been more unsuccessful than I'm happy with. I feel like I've failed in some ways because I didn't cut out all the unhealthy food from my life from the moment I realised I had a problem. However, I did learn valuable lessons from my mistakes.

It has been a process I've taken my time with. It's been difficult because we are all so used to eating unhealthy products that it is hard to erase those habits. At least, it has been for me.

This is what makes it difficult for me to try and develop a new eating habit and work on it for a long time, day in, day out. It's easy for me to say that I want to lose weight or get healthier, but actually doing it is harder than it sounds. I think many of us know that from experience.

I'm Not 'There' Yet

So, 8 years later and many habits later, I can't say that I've changed my way of eating completely. Nowadays I eat many more fruits and vegetables. I've always loved these, but was not very good about eating them often (or at least as often as I should have). I also had to be strict in eating my meals at certain times, because if I'd let it slip my attention, it wouldn't be long before I would be snacking a little too regularly (and most certainly the wrong snacks).

Other than fruit and vegetables, I also try co consume more whole grain products, organic produce in general and feel I'm a vegan in the making although I'm still consuming fish, eggs and other meat products like seafoods.

I also try to more regularly treat myself to the kinds of things that I used to eat often! After all, even if I have developed a healthier way of life, it doesn't mean I can't have the occasional (sensible) treat. It's always been what got me back on my feet after falling off the wagon (and I'm a very regular faller I must admit).

I am happier with the way I eat now, but that's not true at all times so I know this is something you need to have control over. It's not a one-way journey, it means continuous improvement and you are required to put in effort. I know this, and am willing to do it. It's just a matter of time.

What Small Changes Can You Make?

You might find it difficult to change your eating habits, because it can be. It's a problem that is hard to solve due to our comfort eating, but the good news is it can be done if you make small changes. And they don't even have to be incredibly healthy ones. Let me give you a few suggestions:

  1. Don't get rid of the junk food from your home entirely. A lot of times, we want to do this and then find that it just makes us crave more unhealthy foods to "comfort" ourselves.
  2. We all need some treats every now and then. It's good to eat foods that are natural, but it's also good to enjoy a bit of chocolate every once in a while. I like 70% organic dark chocolate.
  3. It is ok if you have unhealthy snacks on the go (or even at home). Just, if possible, make sure they are healthy ones and not processed foods (like chips or biscuits).
  4. Even if you feel like you just don't want to change, try making small changes. Even if you just cut out one unhealthy snack per week for a year, it will surely help you feel better about yourself (and your health).
  5. Start drinking water more often. It's good for us! I keep a jug of water in the kitchen and another one in the living room because they act as a visual reminder. And it works.
  6. Think of the ways you can make small changes when it comes to food. Do this by slowly changing the way you cook or prepare your meals and snacks. And always do it at a pace that is comfortable for you. This is very important.
  7. Talk to your friends about your favourite unhealthy food items. It's a good way to see what everyone else is eating and then it can become easier to decide if you want to keep doing the same or start thinking about alternative. They can also help you if you find it hard to get motivated.
  8. Ask yourself, what are the criteria you use when choosing what's going into your body? For example, do you always choose healthier options? Or do you decide based on taste? Consider this when it comes to making decisions on which foods you should eat more often and which ones you should avoid.
  9. You've heard this one so many times, but I can't avoid adding it to the list. Exercise is a great way to help you have more energy, feel better and it's a great way to burn some calories!
  10. Consistency is key. If you find that you're not able to change your habits, try changing them little by little. One day at a time. It's easier for the brain (and probably your body) if it's not overwhelmed with too many changes at once.
  11. If you find that you're feeling a bit discouraged when it comes to changing your habits, think of all the small changes you've already made. You're already are on the right path and it will only get easier in time. By reading this list you're already being more aware of your eating habits and it is a good sign!
  12. If you can't stick to healthy eating, try going vegetarian or vegan for a while. There are many benefits of doing this. For example, you will be increasing your intake of fruits & vegetables, which are full of nutrients. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist first.
  13. Never be hard on yourself.

The Future is Bright(er)

It might take me another 8 years to completely change my eating habits and behaviours, but I don't mind taking little steps every day to get there. At least, I'm on the right track.

Whether you're looking to lose weight, be healthier or just want to make small changes to your eating habits, it's important to remember that you're not alone out there in the big world. I'm here, and I'm sure there are many others just like me who are trying to make small changes every day.

We all have our challenges, but at the end of the day we're all out there trying to make our lives better and healthier.

I'd love to hear your thoughts below. Have you also found it hard to change your eating habits? Do you think it's easier for other people to make the changes than for you? And are there any other suggestions that you might have about changing your eating habits?

If so, please share below! =)

I'd love it if you could also share this message on social media. Thank you for reading!

Author: Patri Hernandez

Klarity Health Library Co-Founder and Self-Care Advocate
Patri is currently training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Health Coach and has also been accredited by several institutions in fields such as skincare formulation, natural skincare, botanical skincare, aromatherapy, natural perfumery and traditional herbalism. She runs and manages Oh Mighty Health.

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