Growing up in an Italian family was wonderful and I am blessed that I was always well fed. I think Italian food is some of the best in the world. The thing is, we celebrate every occasion with food and that has shaped my eating habits and how I view nutrition. I have struggled many years with my eating habits and weight and I admit I am addicted to certain foods. We eat to celebrate or because we are sad or bored or lonely.  But do we ever eat just for fuel or to feel healthy and to avoid all those scary diseases?

I am sharing my journey because it is important to know that most people struggle with some kind of food issue.  We get programmed very early on in life with our eating habits and that is hard to shake. Do I love food— yes! Do I love eating healthy? Eh- not all the time! But my recent struggle with weight gain totally threw me for a loop.

Some Extra Help with Nutrition

I am a certified Health Educator and Wellness Coach so how could I be so unhealthy and overweight? Lots of reasons why but I won’t get into that now.  The good news is that I am taking steps to make it better.  What was missing is accountability and support.  Having someone else coach me has made a world of difference. Over the last couple of months, I have been feeling a lot better and have more energy  so I am able to work out on a regular basis.

Putting menus together is not an easy task if you don’t have experience. The nutrition world is constantly changing and honestly, it changes during different times in life. Since I am approaching those years before menopause, I have different needs than when I was in my twenties and thirties.  I can’t just eat what I want anymore and hop on the elliptical to make it up and burn off calories. Ahh, the good old days! But it’s just not the case anymore.

Finding the correct approach to eating for you and your own circumstances are very important if you want to be healthy and fit. It is not easy by any means but there is help out there! Sometimes it just takes trial and error but you have to keep going until you find what works for you. And if you are struggling with a condition or disease right now, it is imperative to enlist help to give your body the nutrients you need. The trick is getting the right balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) and it is also necessary to take away certain foods in order to feel better. I feel my best when I don’t eat too much sugar, gluten, and dairy.

food is medicine

How Nutrition Plays A Part

The third aspect of health is Nutritional and simply put we become what we put into our bodies. So you are what you eat! Research clearly shows how important good nutrition is for optimal health and recovery from disease.   Diabetes and Heart Disease are among the top killers of men and women and most of the time they are avoidable.  Because there are so many diet plans to follow it can be extremely confusing. Do what’s best for you and your body type. I tend to not be able to process carbs as well so right now I am on a higher protein and lower carb meal plan. The weight comes off slowly but I am losing inches thanks to metabolic and strength training.

Most Americans have grown up on processed foods; I know I sure did!  If eating healthier seems like a big change for you, take it one step at a time. Pick 1 or 2 changes to make now, and once those are in place, pick 1 or 2 more.  This is the best way to make healthy changes a part of your lifestyle, and something you can easily live with, long term.  The dietary changes you’re making should not feel restrictive, overwhelming, or hard to live with.  Transitioning to a healthier way of eating may seem daunting so here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Eat vegetables at most meals. Think salads, side dishes, soups, or even adding veggies to your sandwich or wrap.
  2. When you are having a craving for something sweet, opt for a serving of fruit to satisfy your craving.
  3. When you eat meat, it’s best to choose organic, grass-fed, and hormone-free so you get the maximum nutrients possible without the harmful pesticide residue, antibiotics, hormones, etc.
  4. Most importantly, don’t be too rigid. Making small changes over time will make a huge difference and it makes the changes easier to stick to.

Treat your body with love and it will function at it’s best over time. But also don’t forget to indulge in the special treats every once in a while. Check out my Pinterest page for delicious recipes and lots of tasty treats.  It will help you stay sane 🙂

Jill DeMasi

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is for general education purposes only and is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical conditions. Check with your health practitioner before making diet and lifestyle changes.