I’ve spent a lot of time looking at food labels and following fitness trends, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: We are overthinking our dinner.
Between the "keto" crowd, the "vegan" influencers, and the people telling us to fast for 16 hours a day, it feels like you need a PhD just to eat a snack. But nutrition doesn’t have to be a math equation. If you’re tired of the "diet" culture and just want to feel better, here is some honest, human-to-human advice.
Stop Thinking About "Good" and "Bad" Foods
The minute we label a cookie as "bad," we want it more. Then, when we eventually eat it, we feel like we've failed.
Instead of seeing food as a moral choice, see it as energy. Some foods (like spinach or salmon) give you long-lasting, steady energy. Other foods (like a donut) give you a quick burst of joy but leave you tired later. Both have a place. If you eat mostly "energy" foods, that donut isn't going to ruin your life. It’s just a donut.
The "Color" Test
If you look at your plate and everything is the same shade of beige (think bread, pasta, potatoes, meat), you’re probably missing out on the good stuff.
You don’t need to track every vitamin. Just try to get three different colors on your plate. A bit of green from broccoli, some red from peppers, or purple from cabbage. Usually, if your food looks like a rainbow, you’re getting exactly what your body needs to stay healthy.
Listen to Your Stomach, Not the Clock
We’re taught to eat at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. But sometimes we aren't hungry at noon, and other times we’re starving at 4:00 PM.
The most "human" thing you can do is check in with yourself. Ask, "Am I actually hungry, or am I just bored/stressed/tired?" If you’re actually hungry, eat. If you’re just stressed, maybe a five-minute walk or a glass of water is what you actually need.
Keep It Simple
At the end of the day, the best "nutrition plan" is the one that doesn't make you miserable. Drink a bit more water, eat a few more veggies, and stop beating yourself up over a slice of pizza.
Health isn't found in a supplement bottle or a restrictive meal plan, it’s found in the small, boring habits we do every day.
