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LETTING GO OF FOOD RULES

What does it mean to let go of food “rules”?

Most of us, at some point, probably learned the basics of nutrition in school – eat your fruits and veggies; eat your protein (and depending on where you live that protein source may vary); some fats are good, others are bad; carbs are good, but also bad; drink your milk; drink your water; sugar is bad.


As busy moms, we got older and our lifestyles changed. So did our metabolisms. Many of us went from being able to eat anything we wanted in whatever amounts we could handle to not being able to look at a cookie without gaining weight.

We have been influenced by our families and upbringing. We have been influenced by our culture and society. We have been influenced by media and marketing efforts. We have been influenced by friends and colleagues, our spouses and children.

Whatever influences have been at work in your life, there is a 100% chance your views about food have been impacted.

And I would like to tell you that it’s okay to let some of those “Food Rules” go.

In our house, Hubs, Mini-Me, and The Boys have always been about eating whatever they want, whenever they want. I bought into that as well after Hubs and I got married 6 years ago, and that’s when I gained an extra 30 pounds.

Now things are different. Hubs was diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Pre-Diabetes. The Boys went to college. Mini-Me plays ALL the sports and can pretty much eat anything she wants, but we’re trying to keep her nutrition on point for her athletic performance.

We are having to re-evaluate and re-learn a LOT about food choices – what works and what doesn’t. There are things Mini-Me and I can eat that Hubs can’t. There are things that are SPECIFICALLY for Hubs that Mini-Me and I need to stay out of so he will have enough to meet his nutrition needs.

Our household is currently dealing with weight loss, medical, and performance nutrition requirements.

We are re-learning everything.

And finding out it’s all about balance.

Hubs has gone from eating whatever he feels like whenever he wants to certain foods within his medical restrictions in controlled portions.

Mini-Me is balancing junk food with proper – and getting enough – fuel for her body to function at a higher level. This is new and she’s a teenager, so it’s taking time for her to adjust to eating regularly and eating plenty to make it through her workouts and practices.

I am working on balance between eating foods that make me feel healthier and not feeling guilty when I want a cookie or potato chips with my sandwich.

Each household and each person within your household is unique. There are going to be differences in food preferences and needs. Trying to follow specific “Food Rules” may not fly for your family. Or you. Making adjustments, experimenting with what works for your family dynamic, and finding the balance for everyone will take time and patience.

You can meet your health and nutrition goals, and those of your family as well. Give everyone some grace and work on the specifics together.

And if you would like help to meet your health, wellness, and nutrition goals, Book a FREE Consultation with me.

 

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