Eating healthy is as simple as consuming lots of vegetables on a regular basis .
Brussels sprouts , mushrooms , or grilled asparagus is a path of small yet powerful steps that lead to enduring habits . These incremental steps are the building blocks of a long-lasting change .
Being honest also means confronting our limitations . For example , why are not we eating healthy every day ? Is it because our lunch options at work are not the healthiest ? Or is it because we pass on the healthy choice in favour of something yummy to alleviate stress ? We need to create strategies that align with our realities and navigate our constraints .
Lasting health is about gradual , maintainable change . A healthy diet is intrinsically personal and diverse in its expression . It looks different for everyone . It is up to us to introspect , evaluate , and tailor a path that not only sustains us but also brings joy and fulfilment to our everyday lives .
Q : Despite making efforts to eat healthily , many people will still eat unhealthy foods for various reasons . What is an optimal balance between healthy and unhealthy foods ? Is having a cheat day per week good advice ? A : Let us reframe how we view dietary indulgences . Labeling them as “ cheating ” casts a negative shadow over the joy of eating , exacerbating a culture already fraught with diet-related guilt and anxiety . It is healthier and more productive to recognise that occasional treats are a natural part of life ’ s pleasures . A diet does not always have to be perfect , and there is no shame in that .
Proper balance in a diet is not about rigid perfection ; it is about establishing a consistent pattern of healthy choices . An occasional day of indulgence will not compromise an overall nutritious lifestyle . When these instances become frequent , tipping the scales towards unhealthy foods , it is time to reassess and readjust . A healthy diet is an ongoing narrative rather than a daily account .
Instead of assigning a specific �cheat day� , it is more beneficial to cultivate a sustainable approach where the majority of dietary choices are wholesome and nourishing . This perspective allows for flexibility and enjoyment , ensuring that the journey towards health is pleasurable and devoid of guilt . By focusing on the overarching trend of our eating habits , we can forge a relationship with food that is both satisfying and healthy . It is the sum of our dietary choices that shape our well-being , not the occasional divergence from the ideal . n
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 1 | 2024
61