The Art of Balanced Living

Finding the Right Diet for You

On Wednesday, Leo at Zen Habits posted an article called A 12-Step Program to Eating Healthier Than Ever Before. I read it and thought he gave some good advice about how to change your diet gradually. Other readers disagreed with the changes he suggested making and a firestorm of controversy has erupted in the comments following the post. (Okay, maybe it wasn’t a firestorm of controversy, but you have to admit the phrase sounds good. Come on, admit it.)

I’ve heard varying opinions about which diets are healthy and what we should and shouldn’t be eating. People giving these opinions always seem to point to some scientific study or another. The problem is that so many of the studies seem to contradict each other. Some people think eating meat is bad. Some people think you shouldn’t eat grains. Some people don’t cook their food. Some think soy products are made by the Devil. Some people think it’s okay to drink a several gallons of diet soda a day. In college, I knew a guy who wouldn’t eat anything that didn’t come from a vending machine.

I’ve recently stopped eating beef, chicken and pork. I still eat seafood, but I only eat it occasionally. I made the decision to change my diet this past summer. This is what works for me, but it wouldn’t neseccarily work for you. That’s the point I have to make. I think eating habits are individual and people should try different eating styles and see what works best for them. I have friends with diary allergies. I have another friend who can’t eat most grains, especially rice. I know someone else who can’t eat gluten.

Here are some basic things that I think we all should be doing to help our health.

1. Cut out junk food. I think our bodies are better off without all the preservatives and chemicals that processed food puts into us.
2. When you can eat organic produce. It’s expensive so for a lot of us, including me, it’s not going to happen all the time. Compare prices. Surprisingly some organic produce at your local health food store or farmer’s market is less expensive than what you get at the grocery store. If you eat meat try buying organic meat.
3. Eat out less. Find some simple healthy meals that you can prepare at home. Restaurants fill their food with fat and sodium. Take a lunch with you to work–a salad, a sandwich, leftovers from the night before. You’ll notice difference in your waistline and your wallet.
4. Pay attention. Eat only when you feel hungry. When you feel full, stop. This seems simple but so many people don’t do it. You should also pay attention to how you feel after you eat. Some foods may leave you feeling lethargic or even slightly ill. Take notice and cut those foods out of your diet.
5. Moderation. I think moderation is the key. Too much of anything is not good for you. Fill your diet with a variety of foods and you’ll be healthier and happier.

Photo by Savannah Grandfather

Related Posts

• No Related Post

Tags: diets, heathy eating