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If you’re just starting out on a health journey, the world of nutrition can seem overwhelming. I totally get it, that’s exactly how I felt when I started too. There are countless diets, fads, and conflicting advice, and it can be hard to know where to begin. 

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But eating healthy does NOT have to be complicated, nor does it mean giving up joy and balance in your life! 

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In this blog, I will share my top tips to follow if you want to eat healthier while still getting excited about what you’re eating. 

Because let’s be honest, food is amazing and can bring so much joy! 

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Below I will share some nutrition basics to get you started on creating a healthier lifestyle that is sustainable, enjoyable, and fulling!

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But of course, a healthy lifestyle is not just about what you eat, but also how you live. Be sure to get plenty of sleep manage stress, and make time for physical activity that you enjoy. 

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That’s a topic for another blog, but for this one, I want to focus solely on nutrition and fueling your body and mind with only the good stuff! 

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Nutrition Basics 

These are tips that you can implement into your daily life! 

1. Eat Whole Foods: (and no I’m just talking about getting your groceries at Whole Foods) Focus on eating a wide variety of whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and protein. These foods are packed with essential nutrients and fiber, which help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

2. Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and eat slowly and mindfully. Meaning, don’t eat every meal in front of the TV or with your phone in your hand. Connect to the food you’re eating. This can help you better appreciate your food and prevent overeating.

3. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and energized. Avoid sugary drinks, which can be high in sugar and can cause spikes in your blood sugar. Some examples of this would be pop/soda, fruit juices, sports drinks, packaged protein shakes, or lemonade.

‍Here is a list of some better alternatives:

4. Plan Ahead: Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time to ensure you have healthy options available when you get hungry. This can also help you avoid impulse buying and unhealthy fast food choices. 

‍Some of my favorite go-to snacks:

  • Organic garlic hummus with veggies (cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes)
  • Plain greek yogurt with my vanilla bean protein powder (use code organicmeg10 for 10% off!) with berries, coconut flakes, and any kind of nut/seed on top 
  • Banana with peanut butter/almond butter 
  • Apple with peanut butter/almond butter 
  • Fruit!! (pears, cherries, any kind of berry, apple, clementine/orange)

5. Enjoy Treats in Moderation: It’s important to indulge in your favorite treats from time to time, but do so in moderation. It wouldn’t be considered a treat if you ate it all the time, right?? Balance is KEY to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods without guilt!

6. Read Food Labels: If you’re buying any kind of packaged food, you need to be reading the labels not just what the marketing says on the front! Look out for added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. The fewer ingredients listed, the better! Try to choose packaged foods with simple, whole ingredients. ‍

Here are some of my favorite packaged food brands:

7. Cook More Meals at Home: Eating out or ordering takeout can be convenient, but it can also be unhealthy and expensive. Cooking meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and portions, which can help you eat healthier and save money. Plus, cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity! Top tips to enjoy cooking at home:

  • Turn on your favorite podcast or music playlist 
  • Pre-cut your veggies to save time 
  • Cook with a partner or friend 
  • Try a new recipe

8. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: Saved the best one for last! Everyone’s journey toward a healthier lifestyle is different, so try not to compare yourself to others. Focus on your own progress and celebrate your small wins along the way. You know I will always be your biggest cheerleader, but you also have to be that for yourself too! 

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Small changes over time can lead to big improvements in your overall health and well-being. Don’t be afraid to ask me any questions you may have or if you need additional support on your journey! With these nutrition basics, you can create a healthier lifestyle with joy and balance that lasts a lifetime! 

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Remember, adopting a healthy lifestyle is an everyday decision. It may not always be easy, but it’s definitely worth it, trust me! By following these nutrition basics, you’ll not only improve your physical health but also your mental health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. So start small, take it one day at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way. You got this!

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