Eating for Energy
As you may have noticed, there are thousands of opinions on how to eat, when to eat, which foods, how much, etc... Are you tired of hearing these? Are you confused? I can imagine you are left feeling dizzy and disoriented.
In my course, we dive deep into the role of nutrition in our sense of energy and wellbeing. Here are a few clear things that you can do to take swift action and begin to feel better now. Each of these is foundational, almost every nutrition expert would agree with them, and they have stood the test of time.
Eat more vegetables. We are often told to half our meal should be vegetables. This is a good first goal. Make sure some of it is green, and then try to have at least two more colors in your vegetables. "Eating the Rainbow" means eating lots of differently colored vegetables. This is important because each color is made of different nutrients. We need lots of different nutrients to feel well. So at least three differently colored vegetables, and making up least 50% of your plate. At every meal. If you are already doing this, try preparing and eating meals that are 75% vegetables. See how that feels. I know for my body, I feel so light, energized, optimistic and buoyant when 75+% of my diet is vegetables.
Eat protein at almost every meal. You get to decide which ones feel best in your body. Meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans and rice together, soy... Most likely you need about the size of a deck of cards on your plate. Maybe less.
Listen to your body. This one might be more challenging for you. The goal is to eat nutritious food, in the the right amount, and as a result you feel light, energetic. Tuning in to how your body feels after you eat is something to practice and get better at. If it helps, write down what you eat, and how you feel afterward, and see if this structure helps you notice more clearly what does and doesn't work for you. Do this for 2-3 days and you will become much more clear on what your body needs and appreciates.
Food is here for us. As fuel, as a vehicle for being in community, and as pure delight. See what happens when you try these things out. Commit to paying attention to what happens in your body with more vegetables, consistent protein, and more loving awareness.
Here's to your wellbeing!
Mwah,
Rebecca
