Do people ask you about what you eat? If you asked me that question I’d say YES. What I eat seems to be a subject people are curious about. For years when it comes to nutrition, people have been trying to pigeon hole me. I’ll admit, having been a health and fitness profession for many years now, I have tried every “diet” and
eating lifestyle out there. Eating for brain health has always been a factor in my choices. But that’s not my sole consideration.
How to Choose What to Eat?
How do you choose what to eat?
When it come to my food choices, I listen to my body and then eat accordingly!
Why is there no diet plan called the “listen and eat” diet?
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my own nutritional choices and eating for brain health and I had an insight that I think is quite profound.
At some point in the past year, I started feeling afraid of what food could be doing TO ME if I wasn’t eating the “right” foods.
I was driving myself batty.
Am I taking in too many pesticides, too many preservatives, too much sugar; questions like these were guiding my choices, and I was feeling tense about
enjoying food.
Really tense.
Have you ever driven yourself batty like this?
It was as if I was doing “damage control eating,” which made me feel very defensive, only focusing on what damage the food could be causing in my body and to
my health.
Especially my brain health. Eating for brain health is essential!
How to Eat for Brain Health Without Worrying
I began to realize how stressful it is when you eat in reaction to the question, “What’s this food doing TO ME?” when a MUCH more useful question is, “What’s this food doing FOR ME?”
When you ask yourself, “What’s this doing FOR me?” changing that one word has a big effect on how you react and how you feel.
The language you use around food has a huge impact on how your brain translates those words into feelings.
I don’t want to be scared or worried about what I choose to eat. I’m sure you don’t want to be either.
When I’m considering what to eat, and I think about what it’ll do FOR me (will it give me energy, will it replenish my body with nutrients, will it hydrate me, will it provide me with fiber), I make better choices and in a more relaxed manner. I feel informed, proactive and empowered rather than defensive and scared.
When you’re making nutritional choices, ask yourself if your choice will do any of the following FOR you: will it provide you with nutrients?
Better health?
Energy and stamina?
A fit and trim body?
A heart that’s healthy and bones that are strong?
A healthy brain that can focus and get things done?
Will it satisfy my taste buds?
These are just a few possible FOR questions to ask. Make a list of questions based on what’s important and necessary to you.
This idea of substituting FOR for TO can also be used when you’re making exercise choices or choices about how to handle any of the challenges that come along in your life.
Final Thoughts
Remember, it’s not about perfection and doing it “right” every single time. Any step is a good one when it’s a step in the right direction.
If you feel stuck and need additional support to adopt a new healthy habit or routine, consider working with me. We can partner up in setting goals, drawing on your skills and strengths, and implementing strategies to help you find your way to lasting healthy success.
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For over 15 years, Shelli has been a freelance writer and wellness coach on Joyinmovement. She writes about brain fitness, creating a healthy lifestyle, traveling the world, and making positive habits stick. Stop procrastinating! Take action, join her free newsletter.
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