Hey girls! I’ve been on this wild ride lately, trying to figure out this whole mindful eating and crafting a balanced diet thing. And let me tell you, it’s been a journey full of surprises, a few facepalms, and some seriously delicious discoveries!
You know, I used to be that girl who would just grab whatever was quickest and easiest when it came to food. I mean, who has time to think about a balanced diet when there are deadlines at work, errands to run, and a social life to maintain? But then I started noticing how I felt after scarfing down a greasy burger and fries on the go. I’d feel sluggish, bloated, and just generally blah. That’s when I knew something had to change.
So, I started doing my research. And let me tell you, there is a TON of information out there! Some of it was super helpful, like learning about the different food groups and how much of each we should be aiming for. But some of it was just so confusing and overwhelming. I mean, who really understands all those scientific terms and complicated charts? Not this girl!
But I didn’t let that stop me. I decided to take a more practical approach. Instead of getting bogged down in the details, I focused on making small, achievable changes. For example, I started adding more fruits and vegetables to my meals. I used to think that a side salad was enough, but now I make sure that at least half of my plate is filled with colorful produce. And let me tell you, it has made a world of difference! Not only do I feel better physically, but my skin looks amazing too.
Another thing I did was cut back on processed foods. I know, I know, it’s easier said than done. But once I really started paying attention to the ingredient lists on the back of packages, I was shocked at how much junk was in there. So I made a conscious effort to swap out things like microwave dinners and snack cakes for healthier alternatives. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips, I’ll have some nuts or a piece of fruit. And instead of a sugary soda, I’ll drink water with a slice of lemon. It’s amazing how these little changes can add up over time.
But mindful eating isn’t just about what you put on your plate. It’s also about how you eat. I used to be a super fast eater. I’d shovel food into my mouth without even really tasting it, just so I could get on with my day. But now I make an effort to slow down and savor each bite. I put my fork down between bites, chew slowly, and really pay attention to the flavors and textures of my food. It not only helps me enjoy my meals more, but it also gives my body time to register when it’s full, so I don’t overeat.
And speaking of overeating, portion control has been a big part of my journey too. I used to think that a huge plate of food was the norm, but now I realize that it’s all about finding the right balance. I use smaller plates and bowls, which makes my portions look bigger without actually being more food. And I listen to my body. If I’m starting to feel full, I stop eating, even if there’s still food on my plate. It’s a tough habit to break, but it’s so worth it in the end.
One of the things that has really helped me stay on track with my balanced diet is meal planning. I used to dread the thought of spending hours in the kitchen on a Sunday prepping meals for the week, but now I look forward to it. I’ll sit down on a Saturday or Sunday and plan out my meals for the next few days. I make sure to include a variety of different foods from all the food groups, and I’ll prep as much as I can in advance. It makes my weeknights so much easier, and I’m less likely to reach for something unhealthy when I’m short on time.
I also discovered the joy of cooking from scratch. I used to rely on pre-made sauces and mixes, but now I make my own. It’s actually really fun, and I know exactly what’s going into my food. I’ll make a big batch of tomato sauce on the weekend and use it throughout the week for pasta dishes or on top of baked chicken. And making my own salad dressings is a game-changer. I can control the amount of oil and sugar, and they taste so much better than the store-bought stuff.
Now, I won’t lie to you. There have been times when I’ve fallen off the wagon. There have been parties where I’ve indulged in too many cocktails and cheesy appetizers. And there have been days when I just couldn’t be bothered to cook and ordered pizza instead. But that’s okay! Mindful eating isn’t about being perfect all the time. It’s about making the best choices you can most of the time and not beating yourself up when you slip up.
In fact, I’ve learned that allowing myself the occasional treat is actually an important part of a balanced diet. If I deny myself something I really want all the time, I’ll just end up bingeing on it later. So now I’ll have a slice of cake or a scoop of ice cream once in a while, but I make sure to enjoy it mindfully. I sit down, savor each bite, and don’t feel guilty about it afterwards.
Overall, this journey of mindful eating and crafting a balanced diet has been an eye-opening experience. I feel so much better physically, mentally, and emotionally. I have more energy, my skin is clearer, and I just feel more in control of my life. And I know that I’m doing something good for my body, which is really important to me.
So if you’re thinking about making some changes to your diet, don’t be afraid! Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that it’s a journey, not a destination. You got this, girl! 💪