SUBTLE, SIMPLE CHANGES FOR AN OVERALL HEALTHIER YOU
By Krissy M, NWHS Team Member
I love to think of ‘being healthier’ as taking small steps along the way. It’s hard to go from 0-100 with anything in life. The journey is where you learn the most, its’ where you unconsciously take in things that will help you to get to where you want to go. Think about if we got from where we are, to where we want to be, in only one step. We would miss out on everything the journey brings - and that’s what it’s all about.
It’s good to think like this when you want to start making changes when trying to be healthier with eating and wellness. Think of it as a journey as well. Your body might not be fully used to what you’re trying to do yet and it’s going to take some big and small steps to get to where you want to be. Say someone wants to go vegan, it may take time and small, daily changes for them to fully get there. I eat “whatever I’m craving at the time” and it’s the best way of eating I’ve ever done (for me!). I simply ask my body what it’s craving and I try to grab the healthier version of whatever that is. I rarely crave animal products anymore, but when I do, I eat them. My sugar cravings have reduced insane amounts by honoring my journey and going through the process of small, subtle changes. Keep in mind how different we all are, this may not work for you 100%, but the small changes will. Honor YOUR body and where YOU are at. If you do better on specific diets or want help navigating it, reach out to our Nutritionist’s so you can feel your best.
Here’s some small, simple changes you can make to be healthier all around. These are all things I have done over the past few years to get to where I am! They are changes that won’t force you into anything right away and ones that you can start incorporating into your routine today (or whenever feels right for you).
Sugar replacements. Try to reach for healthier, naturally sweetened products. If you sweeten anything, try to lower the amount slightly. If you’re really in the mood for a sweet, reach for something natural like some dates with almond butter on them. Use date paste or maple syrup instead of sugar. You can also use replacements like Monk Fruit when baking. My best tip for this is go natural wherever you can, go slow and don’t beat yourself up.
2. Try different brands and replace products. There are so many good brands out there today. I like to try all different ones for healthier versions of chips, crackers, etc. until I find some I really love. Then I fill my cabinets with them. (Check our Pantry Cleanout post for tips.) I reach for things I know I love - like Chickpea Puffs or Taos Bakes Bars to feel like I’m snacking on something I loved as a kid but with much better ingredients. This will help you to feel satisfied and not like you’re missing out on anything - and soon you’ll be craving these brands instead of the ones you used to eat.
3. No matter what, add veggies. I always try to add loads of them into a smoothie, on-top of a heather-pizza, bake with them (put them into your spinach muffins!), etc. Just try to add more vegetables into your routine however you can. Get creative here! It doesn’t have to be a ‘drag’ to get healthier.
4. It’s about simplicity. Don’t completely take out your kitchen and try to eat 100% vegetables. If you want to get to that point, that’s a great goal and we support you all the way - but take those baby steps. This will make it easier on you and your mind. If you like to make pizzas, switch out the dough for cauliflower crust. Go for nut-milks instead of dairy milk. Use almond flour instead of white flour. It’s these small changes you don’t notice much that will eventually get you to your goal.
5. Incorporate healthier options randomly. Add a green juice here and there to your morning routine. Make a Dandy Blend drink instead of coffee one day. Have a hot lemon water in the morning before you start your day. You can randomly make these changes throughout your days, don’t think you have to plan everything.
6. Don’t be hard on yourself. Let your body process changes organically and slowly. Try to honor where you are at right now in this moment. It will help the process and you’ll understand your body better. Listen to what you’re craving, what you’re in the mood for, and make a simple change to grab something that will satisfy that craving but is a bit healthier (ex: if you want bread or pasta, try adding carbs like sweet potatoes to your diet more or grab chickpea pasta instead).
I hope this helps your process of taking small steps to get healthier. It’s all about the journey, remember that!