Veggie vs. Vegan vs. Paleo vs. Low-Carb: Starr Struck's Guide to Healthy Eating

Sadly, this post isn't going to give you all the answers about healthy eating, because I just don't have those answers.  I wish I did, but I'm not a nutritionist, a dietician, a doctor, or anyone who has any real knowledge about this stuff--besides what I've read (which is actually quite a lot), what I've experienced, and what I've learned in my own body over the years. But, since this blog is a place where I share my thoughts, today I wanted to give you a little peek into my beliefs on  "healthy eating." 

Being part of two very active communities with very different nutrition philosophies (Yoga = vegan or veg, while CrossFit = paleo), I often eat meals with people who have very specific foods that they can or cannot eat. I hear lots of arguments for eating in one specific way, and lots of reasons why "this way is the most beneficial for your body," but, I have a very different set of beliefs when it comes to eating, and feel pretty grounded in these beliefs. I am totally accepting of anyone who wants to follow a specific diet for personal reasons, so this is by no means saying that my way is the "right" way, but instead, is just a little "food" for thought (hehe!). So here goes...

(Oh, and we're doing this in a Top 10 List format, because what other format could possibly be better?)

Starr Struck's Guide to Healthy Eating 

1. Moderation is key. Easier said than done, right? But, I am a big believer that everything is fine in moderation (this doesn't just apply to food--I think it's a pretty good way to live your life, too!).  You're craving chocolate cake? Totally fine! Have a piece, enjoy every minute of it, and then don't have any more sweets or chocolate cake for a while. You want some french fries? Order them at a restaurant (not a fast food joint-please!), and split them with someone else. Or make a healthier, homemade version every once in a while. Just don't have them every day, and it's okay.

2. Restriction = not such a good idea. In my experience (both observed in others and personally), if you restrict for reasons other than personal beliefs (religious, humanitarian, spiritual, etc.) or just basic dislike of a food or food group, you're just setting yourself up for failure. Restriction often  ends  with a binge-eating session down the road, a big "cheat meal" that you may feel guilty about afterward, constant frustration and/or negative feelings, or a constant longing for the day when you can eat that item again and thus, total disconnection with the present moment. 
 
3. "You can eat anything you want, as long as you make it yourself." I've stolen this rule from Michael Pollan, who I think is a genius when it comes to eating healthy in our modern world. You want chips? Great! make them yourself--from scratch! You want chicken parmesan? Make it yourself! If you have to put in a lot of effort into making unhealthier items from scratch, you won't be able to have them as often AND you won't just mindlessly consume them. You'll also know exactly what goes into the dish and will be able to use the healthiest ingredients.

4. FRUIT!!!!!! I think you know how I feel about fruit by now. For anyone who has a sweet tooth, fruit is your answer. Keep tons of it in your house, and reach for it for snacks, if you're craving something sweet, or if you just want to indulge in something juicy, refreshing, & delicious. Can't say it enough: FRUIT!

5. Have a colorful salad for a meal at least 3-4 times per week, and have a big serving of veggies with every meal possible. I think veggies are key. Tons of vitamins & nutrients, low-cal & low-fat, lots of fiber, and delicious. Eat lots of them. If you don't like them very much, force yourself to start eating them a lot and learn to like them. They're a must!

6. Stay away from highly-processed foods. Very basic. And NEVER, EVER, eat at McDonalds. EVER. I'm serious about this one. 

7. In all situations, if you can possibly go with a whole grain/whole wheat option, do it. I try to avoid eating white breads/non-whole grain options as much as possible, without forgetting about Rule #1 (if you're at a dinner with friends at an Italian Restaurant and you really want pasta, or one of the pieces of french bread on the table, eat it. You'll probably eat way more of everything else if you don't let yourself have what you want). You can get whole grain versions of a lot of foods now, so this shouldn't be as hard as it once was.

8. Fat isn't bad. This is a newer belief for me, and it took me many years to get over it, as I was definitely swept up in the "diet", "fat-free"/"low-fat" craze of the late-90's and early-2000's.  But, I'm now a big believer in the fact that we all need a little fat in our diets, and that we should mostly get it from healthy foods like nuts, avocado, and olive oil. We also really enjoy cooking in coconut oil, which is high in fat but very healthy and leaves a GREAT taste on your veggies. Yum!

9. Try to avoid mindlessly consuming too much caffeine, alcohol, and/or sugary drinks. Again, apply Rule #1 here and I think you're good. 

10. Say no to soft drinks or sodas. Period. They are the chemically-processed devil of beverages. Eek! I think they're killing Americans!

**Bonus Rule** Listen to your body. Your body will tell you which foods you should be eating, and which you shouldn't. If you feel sick, lethargic, depressed, or just plain gross after eating something, your body is probably telling you to stop eating that food (or to eat less of it). If you feel energized, fulfilled, healthy, and clear-headed, your body is probably telling you that you're eating the right thing. If you have an allergy to a food, don't eat it! If you just plain don't like a food, don't eat it! Your body will let you know what you should be doing, as long as you take the time to listen to it. 

What rules would you add to this list? As you can see, I don't subscribe to any one movement or trend in eating, and don't think anyone should unless it feels right for your body. 

Something to ponder: how have you been eating lately? How has it left you feeling? Which of the following rules above could you work with in order to become the healthiest version of yourself? It's always a process for all of us, but it can be great to stop and think about what type of fuel we're providing our body with...

Here's to a healthy day!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine 

Image credits: [Left] obsessedmom.blogspot.com, [Right] wellandgoodnyc.com