photos by the fabulous maria lloyd photography
ok, i want to get something out there right off the bat. i am not on a “diet.” i’m truly using that word as it lives in the dictiona
ry – a pattern of eating. since i’ve started to try and clean up my life in all areas, my eating habits have become a lot more sustainable and quite honestly, better for my health and longevity. i don’t count macros, i’m not keto [love avocados though!], and i count my calories purely from a curiosity standpoint. i try to move 30 minutes every day to compliment my better eating, but i also often “joke” [it’s not really a joke] that i eat salads for lunch to offset the reeses peanut butter cups that live at my desk. i do not eat the same thing every single day, not even close. my life is pretty chaotic and i don’t really have the time to be super structured about my meals, but there are a few things i try to maintain some consistency with. all that aside, here are some of my go-to’s, non-negotiables, and the framework i use as i try to look and feel my best.
i make sure i get enough fiber. let’s start things off with the least-sexy nutrient, shall we? more than what you know about fiber, it helps clear out toxins from your body, resulting in clearer skin, less brain fog, and overall better health. how do i do so? i add to my diet. i add berries, leafy greens, and other veggies. avocados are high in fiber, as if you need another excuse to eat them. more than anything, i read labels and look at the fiber/carb ratio. listen to this podcast for more info + inspiration to eat more fiber in your diet.
i eat a lot of leafy greens. this includes my salads for lunch, but it also includes that frozen spinach i throw in my smoothie. i find ways to sneak them in, whether it’s having a lettuce wrap of sorts with other greens in it, or adding a handful to my zoodles [adds more volume, and makes you more satiated!].
i prioritize healthy fats. mct oil, nut butter, avocado oil … they all used to scare me because of the calorie count. after listening up on kelly leveque’s POV on healthy fats, not to mention hearing about how they help our brain function even better, i’m a believer. what does this look like to me? avocado when i can, mct oil or nut butters in my smoothies, or just a spoonful of mixed nut butter from tj’s when i’m feeling hungry and need to take the edge off before dinner. healthy fat helps calm your hunger hormones and keeps you more full for longer. you had me at cashew butter.
i learned to love veggies. i grew up with a mom who led by example when it came to healthy eating, but one thing she never did was shove veggies down our throats, figuratively and literally. i credit that with my adult-aged love for veggies of all sorts. give me brussel sprouts, peppers, or zucchini — i’m on board. roasted broccoli is a fave of mine, and i have yet to meet a cauliflower rice dish i didn’t like.
i take my daily supplements. while it doesn’t count as “diet” per se, taking my vitamins + probiotics on the daily is something i have incorporated into my wellness routine as a non-negotiable. read more about the probiotics i use here and you can find my vitamins of choice here.
i’m a work in progress when it comes to what, when, and where i eat. i’m trying to limit sugar, but the fact that reeses white chocolate pumpkins exist is derailing that a bit. so what’s next? i feel like in addition to prioritizing all of the above, i’d be really interested to see if there’s anything my body is reactive to. every once in a while i’ll ingest something that makes my joints swell, but i’m not quite sure what it is. i find this whole world fascinating, and plan on continuing educating myself on it. any recommendations for testing kits i should try? if you have a reco for me, feel free to drop a comment here or comment on my latest instagram!