Balance Your Eating

I can confidently consider myself both a wellness-junkie and foodie. And I am no poser. I love a matcha latte, face mask, ice roller, cold shower, infrared sauna. You name it, I’ve probably tried it (as long as it’s within budget – ya girl lives in expensive cities). Same goes for my love of food; yes, I used to run a sweets account to document the half pound chocolate chip cookies and cake-topped milkshakes I was consuming while living in NYC. My old age prevents me from going too crazy now (yes I am being dramatic – I am still under 30, but food affects my body differently, okay?!). However, I am always up to try any new food craze in London (please hit me up if you have recos).

And that’s my only point here! The ONLY way to find happiness with your body is to find some sort of balance. Want a cronut (croissant donut – but we all know that) for breakfast? Cool! Do it! Just add some eggs or almonds on the side to balance your blood sugar. Or, have a protein-rich salad ready to go for lunch when you feel the inevitable crash a few hours later. MAYBE don’t eat 3 slices of chocolate cake the night before if you know you’re going to consume a couple of cronuts first thing in the morning right after rolling out of bed. Perhaps if you have a high intensity workout to break it up, then that’s different. But you get the point. You can do it all, within reason…

This brings me to the food approach I am VERY passionate about, and it took just about 22 years to learn (you’re welcome for saving you time by letting you in on the secret now). Have you heard of the term, “food freedom?” I know it sounds trendy and flashy and to some, fake, but man the truth is that it is liberating. If you’ve suffered through eating difficulties of any sort, this is relevant to you. There are two ways I like to think about this oh-so-important phrase:

1. Order What YOU Want: Please. Pleeease don’t give worry about what the people around you are eating (unless you genuinely enjoy the inspiration). I wasted too many meals and experiences not ordering the salad when I wanted it, or ordering it when I was craving a cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. If your people are making a fuss about your selection, maybe consider how much you want to be hanging out with them…just sayin’. They have no idea what your body (and soul) need that day, and if they are judging you, then they must be feeling insecure about their decision. And THAT is not on you. Though you can be a quality person and gently encourage them to make a food decision that’s best for them. That sounds like a helpful tip. Yeah – try that.
2. Consider Its Impact: Not to make this sound too dramatic, but I do tend to think about how the food will make me feel given that time of the month, my movement recently, mood, what else I’ve eaten that day, etc. Some days you know that the fish and chips really won’t energise your body, even if the extra crispy coating does sound enticing. But other days when you’re feeling healthy and happy (maybe you had a green smoothie for breakfast after weight-lifting and you’re taking your American mum out for lunch – looking at you, Susie), it could make for a perfect choice! My two recent “wins” (thanks to my fiancé) are confidently ordering a (very) basic avocado toast for brunch and caesar salad for dinner. Sometimes I don’t want the epic babka french toast (yes, rarely, but it happens, and yes, I am pivoting to and from NYC and London cuisine. Sorry, but gotta keep you on your toes)!

I am not a nutritionist, so I am not going to preach to you what food proportions you need. We all have Google and can look it up easily. Instead, I am empowering you to think of food in a different way. If you’re habitually craving sweets, that’s probably a sign that your body is looking for more whole food nutrients and substance (think protein, fats, and wholesome carbs).

Not until I increased the calories in my afternoon snack (cottage cheese with peanut butter, fruit, a drizzle of honey, & sprinkle of sea salt) and added animal protein with a substantial amount of rice/potatoes/pasta to my dinner did I understand that my late afternoon and evening cravings were a result of accidentally undereating. I really thought I was consuming enough, but clearly not! I experimented and listened to my body. Now I am satisfied with a few pieces of chocolate for dessert (vs. the few pieces of chocolate plus nut butter, cookies, yoghurt, etc. I was turning to out of late night hunger).

You can find room for every type of food you want in life. Maybe not in one day, but in a week/weeks. You can fit it in with a balance of all of the other nutrients you need. I will leave you with one last nugget of inspiration: make sure you are structuring your meals in a way that excites and satisfies you. It’s hard to live a healthy and happy life if you don’t enjoy an activity in which you must partake each day. An activity that should bring peace, energy, and satisfaction.

You got this ❤

Bea