Is Healthy Eating Really That Hard?

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"There are no foods that are inherently bad or good,  and what is needed is a balance and variety in the foods we eat."

Why can't I eat whatever I want? This is a question that I have asked many times and I am sure you have as well. In reality, no one is stopping us from eating what we want, but we often deny ourselves the foods we enjoy in order to achieve and maintain and reach our  'goal weight'. This habit of denying ourselves the things we enjoy often backfires in harmful ways e.g. binge eating, purging. 

Most disordered eating patterns are rooted in unhealthy relationships with food. Some of us genuinely believe that some foods are bad and some are good. However, in actuality, there are no foods that are inherently bad or good,  and what is needed is a balance and variety in the foods we eat.

Here are some tips on how to slowly train yourself to make healthier choices until it becomes second nature:

Use food exchange Lists

Food Exchange lists like the one seen below are helpful because they show you alternatives to your favorite foods, you can ass variety without second-guessing the caloric contribution to your meal plan. The idea is to find something else that will be just as filling if not more to substitute for a seemingly unhealthy option. We use this concept every time we choose whole wheat bread instead of the regular white bread.

Enjoy your favorite Foods in different presentations

Why not? Have you ever watched 'Cook yourself thin'? This show used to air on Lifetime and is the perfect example of using your favorite foods in different ways whilst still enjoying them. So, instead of ordering a pepperoni pizza, try a vegetarian topping instead, or better yet make your own pizza.

1 Chicken Breast	Calories	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Grilled (Skinless)	130	1.5	77
KFC grilled (with skin)	180	4	440
KFC fried (no skin or breading)	140	2	510
KFC fried (with skin)	370	5	1050

Take a bit from each food group for a meal

Select a wider variety of foods on your plate, in smaller proportions, that are deliciously prepared, and your senses will be so much more satisfied and satiated. You will hardly realize that instead of having your usual leg and thigh with a spoon of rice, you had some beans, vegetables, and rice with a leg.

Do a little research

Experiment and explore new ways to enjoy your favorite foods. As always the internet is an excellent source for recipes and tutorials on preparing new foods. Be open to new textures and flavors and do not be discouraged, there are ways to enjoy your favorite foods.

Yes, you CAN eat what you want, you just need to learn how.