Simple Nutrition Habits That Work!

Amy Brown • June 13, 2024

Let's talk about ways we can simplify our nutrition to improve our overall health. I'm sure you've felt confused about how to make the right changes when there is so much information and misinformation available to us. Like you, I've tried lots of different "diets" out there in an effort to improve my health or change how my body looked. Over the years, with ongoing education and application to myself and patients, I have been able to learn some general practices for healthy nutrition habits to improve overall health.


I've not only learned the science behind the benefits of a balanced diet, energy needs including macronutrient and micronutrient needs of the body, but also how to adopt change in the mind and form healthy habits that stick. How many times have you tried a specific diet that promised to be the best way to eat to achieve a specific goal? Well some of these diets can work short-term, but are typically too restrictive to be sustainable and helpful. 


When we fall into these diet myths of only having ONE right way to eat and have so many rules around food it causes too much restriction that cannot be sustained. This often leads us to return to old habits that might be less healthful or further restriction that can be detrimental to health. These can both cause weight changes, feelings of failure and shame, and the yo-yo dieting continues. 


One of the biggest nutrition pitfalls is believing that there is only ONE right way to eat for your health and body goals. Getting away from the all or nothing type diets and instead focusing on positive daily and weekly habits can improve your overall health and happiness around your relationship with food, body, and health. 


Here are some of my favorite positive habits that you can implement on a regular basis: 

  • Go for a 15 minute walk each day
  • Stay hydrated ~ 60-80 ounces/day
  • Add beans or lentils to a meal
  • Add a serving of vegetables to your meals
  • Have a piece of fruit as a snack
  • Have a serving of nuts each day
  • Plan your meals out for the week
  • Reduce your screen time by 15-30 minutes/day
  • Stick to a consistent bedtime

When we are trying to start a new habit there are a few ways to implement them that can help you be most successful. 

  • Make the habit low entry: This means walking for 5 minutes each day as opposed to 15 to start. 
  • Stack the habit: This means adding a habit on to something that you already do so that you are more likely to complete the task.
  • Complete the habit while doing something you enjoy: This could be talking on the phone with your best friend while you take your 15 minute walk.
  • Track the habit: Keep a chart on the fridge or track using an app on your phone and you can monitor progress. 

These types of positive healthful habits stack up over time and will help you reach the biggest goal of improving your overall health. They can help you with increasing energy levels, improving performance goals, and improving mental health. They can also help with preventing, reversing, or managing metabolic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. 


Want to learn more? Join us for Nutrition Talks every 3rd Thursday of the month through the summer! Email info@mainelynp.com to RSVP


Ready to start working together? Become a member of MainelyNP Primary Care Today!


Pick 1-3 habits to start working on this week and let me know how it goes!


💙

Amy

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