Healthy Eating Habits

In today’s fast-paced age, navigating the dual responsibilities of being a dedicated corporate working momma can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining healthy and sustainable habits. Without thoughtful preparation and planning, it becomes near impossible to sustain these practices in the middle of the daily chaos of work and family life. You deserve but mainly desire the healthy eating so that you can be the beautiful you that you are.

Eating Clean

If you live in the United States, most people could readily agree that access to healthy foods is significantly more expensive than choosing to eat processed foods. It’s incredibly easy to fall into the convenience trap of purchasing and consuming packaged foods, which may save you time but not necessarily health. A rule of thumb that I follow is that if the ingredient labels contain too many words that I cannot pronounce, then I am probably not going to consume it. It’s wise to stay away from any food item that proudly declares “no added sugar” when you know that the item is sweet. These seemingly innocent products are often loaded with hidden sugars that can be addictive and, in some cases, potentially cancerous. Lastly, if you can, try to avoid gluten altogether. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that gives dough its elasticity; therefore, you will typically find it in many common items such as bread, pasta, and other baked goods. Many times, the flours used in products containing gluten are heavily loaded with pesticides. As I previously mentioned, I have Hashimoto's, and gluten and Hashimoto’s are certainly not friends. Consequently, I strive to stay away from gluten as much as possible in order to keep my inflammation at bay.

Eat the Rainbow

I always recommend embracing the vibrant concept of eating the rainbow, but I must emphasize the importance of choosing foods that are not artificially colored or flavored. Vegetables come in an extraordinary array of colors that not only enhance our plates but also provide a wealth of nutrients. Picture the rich green of leafy greens, the deep hues of tomatoes which can be red, green, or even yellow, the striking violet of purple cabbage, the sweet burst of blueberries, the earthy tones of turnips and potatoes, the regal shade of eggplant, the pristine whites of cauliflower, and the diverse varieties of beans. You get the idea, right? Consuming a variety of colorful vegetables is a delightful way to nourish our bodies while supporting our overall health.

Portion Control

I know it sounds quite self-explanatory, but I recently started using smaller plates as a simple yet effective strategy, and I have also made the mindful decision to avoid the common practice of eating with my eyes. In the past, I would serve myself multiple helpings, often opting for 2nd and even 3rd plates, but I have learned to exercise better control over my portions. This change has helped me understand the importance of moderation, enabling me to enjoy my meals without the risk of overeating.

Meal Prepping

I am here to tell you that if you bulk prep some meals for the week, it will be easier for you to maintain sustained eating habits. I like to roast veggies (zucchini, carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, onions, string beans), cook two pounds ground meat (turkey, bison, or beef), and roast either regular or sweet potatoes just so that I have in the refrigerator for easy meals or even snacking.

For breakfast, I try to keep it as basic as possible so that I don’t rush in the mornings to make something, or even worse, eat a packed meal loaded in carbs and sugars. I love making what I call breakfast hash. Breakfast hash for me consist of sweet potatoes, ground turkey cooked with spinach, roasted cauliflower, and roasted onions. Making this in bulk for the week helps me tremendously.

Drink Water

Staying adequately hydrated for me has always been paramount in maintaining my overall health and wellness. I highly recommend to everyone, without hesitation, to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. Not to be overly basic, but my beloved Stanley water bottle follows me everywhere I go, ensuring that I have easy access to hydration. I know that if I manage to consume at least 2 full Stanley cups of water daily, I can confidently say that I am well-hydrated and promoting my inner vitality.