How to Make That Healthy Diet Happen!

A healthy diet is the one that we apply to our daily routine that nourishes us both physically and mentally. Our relationship to food can be one that truly enhances our health, but the sad reality for too many is that this relationship has a disconnect. As Michael Pollan impresses upon us in his book, "In Defense of Food", we will benefit from making food choices that bring thoughtfulness and pleasure back to eating. And his overwhelming message is to "eat food". The meaning of this is that we consume food that is grown by caring farmers in healthy communities without the interjection of food science. Fresh whole foods should be the choice we make and it is prepared with good intention and shared with loved ones in a spirit of gratitude and enjoyment. Not tossed to us through the window of a fast food restaurant.

We know that this paradigm shift in our relationship with our food is huge and that this process of change may need to take place slowly. So if we decide to embrace this approach, what are the steps to take that make this a reality? First and foremost, you must envision that your health is a priority! The steps you need to take will only follow if you hold this belief to be true in the process of making change!

* When we are making dietary changes to add more fresh fruits and veggies, there is a period of time to commit to that will get your taste buds over the hump of trying something new. Rather, your brain starts to make a different association to the new and healthy food that will allow you to enjoy these new flavors more after a period of time. Give yourself at least 1 month before you try a small nibble of the forbidden food that you used to crave whether it's fat or sweets.

*Start to view food in a different light. Find gratitude for each meal you eat and view the healthy food as your bounty rather than seeing the sweets you aren't eating as deprivation. Our brain function is intimately and powerfully associated with our consumption of food, so tap into the positive association that helps us make better choices.

*Are you aware that at least 20 percent of digestion occurs before food even hits our stomach? This is called the Cephalic Phase of gastric secretion and it results from the sight, smell, thought or taste of food. What this means is that the slower we eat our food, the better we enable our digestive system to process and ultimately assimilate nutrients. Enjoying food with loved ones in a slow and thoughtful manner does more than just provide socialization, it actually nourishes us better.

*When we can't afford the time for preparation, use a night or weekend to prepare extra food that you can bring with you for lunch or eat on a busier evening. Making crockpot meals are easy and leave you with quite a bit of left overs for later. At this time, you can also make packs of healthy snacks to bring with you to work or on outings with friends and family. But don't sacrifice the time you should take in eating it mindfully.

*Practice, practice and practice. Preparing different recipes will give you a repertoire of different meals to choose from and the process of preparing for yourself will become more joyful over time. Use the following link for a cancer dietician who will give you outstanding tips and recipes that will make your cooking easier and more nutritious.

http://rebeccakatz.com/

Should you fall short at any time in the process, return to step one...prioritize and believe in your health!