What does “good nutrition” mean to you? Is it synonymous with “clean eating”? Does it mean just food? Or is nutrition beyond what is on your plate?
Today’s post is all about breaking down what good nutrition is and discerning what is best for YOU – and you may be surprised at the answer…
OK. I am terrible at suspense. Let me cut straight to the punch line - there is no “best diet” for everyone. I have no magical insight on a special food or fasting cleanse that everyone can do to get the results they are looking for. That is because as humans, we are uniquely diverse. And what works for one does not always work for another. Creating a meal plan or a “best diet” is unique to every person and situation. This is because we have different:
Genetics
Metabolism
Food preferences
Access to certain foods
The key components to ‘Good Nutrition’ are as follows:
Nutrition is a science, not a belief
The foundation and principles of healthy eating and good nutrition are scientifically backed. These principles are a foundation. They apply to ALL people. However, the application of science can change person to person. This means that not all diet or dietary recommendations are going to be cookie cutter person to person. If this confuses you more than helps you, consider working with a nutrition coach to find what is best for you.
Nutrition controls energy balance
The science of nutrition which is a balance of energy in and energy out, which is measured in calories. In addition, the nutritional density, or quality of what nutrients our food provides us with a proper energy balance as well. 200 calories of popcorn has a different nutritional density of 200 calories of spinach. The micronutrients, or smaller components of food can shift our energy balance by boosting our metabolism, which is essential for “good health”.
Nutrition allows us to look, feel and perform at our best
Most people looking to diet or lose weight are interested in the short-term goals, but struggle with the long-term outcomes of sticking with a nutrition plan. Having blueprints in place to address any short-term goals while also promoting long-term goals will allow you to have a sustained and healthy relationship with food and with your body to perform optimally for years to come.
Nutrition is sustainable
Sustainable not only applies to the duration of executing the diet, but where the food is grown. We don’t always think about where our food comes from and what it takes to get from ground to store to home. I encourage you to reflect on this. Support local farms and look at eating what’s “in season”. Look at preserving summer bounties with freezing and canning practices. There are many fun and sustainable practices you can do that can make a huge impact on those growing our food.
Nutrition involves being aware of our food and eating habits
This does involve a mindset shift of trying to look at food and meal time as a part of your day rather than what you can cram in and multitask. Slowing down and intentionally planning your meals and thinking about what you are eating allows you to be more connected to the quantity and quality of your food choices.
Nutrition promotes regular movement
In finance, we use a term “compounding interest” which means that starting with a small amount of money into a stock market will start to grow - at first in very small increments, but soon results can double, and triple and so on, with no more or little effort from what you started with. The idea is the more you apply a concept consistently the more reward you will see with about the same effort. In addition, these consistent habits of eating well also improve your want and will to exercise regularly because you are feeling better, have more energy, and understand the importance of regular daily movement.
Nutrition is outcome-based
Outcome-based decision making is applying a “rule” or principle to your eating habits and waiting to see what the results are. The idea is, adjust 1 or 2 things like your carb or fat intake, do that for 2 weeks. If you see weight loss results - keep it up. If nothing changes, consider changing your calorie balance.
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