When I was young I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain weight so I’ve never been much of a dieter. Even so, I did fall for the low fat craze and actually believed low fat twinkies were real food. I sure ate a lot of them.

Once I hit my 50’s my body began to change and even though I walk regularly I was adding extra pounds. My move from CA to Missouri complicated things even more and I soon found myself 20 pounds over weight. I have since lost half of that and am working on the rest.

But, ultimately, it’s not about my weight or appearance. What I really want is to be healthy so that I can thrive in my later years and maybe even live a little longer.

My relationship with food is probably better than most, but I’ve never been able to get rid of the snacking bug. I also really, really love comfort foods like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese.

More than a decade ago I became a vegetarian. I had a life threatening case of hives, which the emergency room doctor thought was due to a food allergy. When I couldn’t get allergy tests for weeks, I went to the library and checked out just about every book I could find on food allergies and elimination diets.

I never figured out what caused the hives, but what I learned in those books convinced me becoming a vegetarian was the best choice for me. It also fit nicely with my love of animals. I remember not wanting to eat meat as a child so eliminating it as an adult felt like coming home.

Being vegetarian is easy for me. I eat eggs and milk products and can dine out just about anywhere, often without people even noticing I am eating differently. It did, however, eliminate some of my favorite comfort foods like chicken pot pie and french onion soup. When I moved to Missouri, finding healthy vegetarian food was a little more challenging, but I have my resources lined up now.

Throughout the years I have struggled with snacking. I feel like I would be happy with a cheetos, cookies, chocolate, brownies, pie and ice cream diet if I just didn’t care about my health. And, while I have done well at minimizing these snacks or choosing healthier versions, they are still my downfall.

Cooking is also an issue as it’s not one of my talents. I grew up on mostly boiled potato chunks, fried meat or spam, and canned vegetables. I want to learn to cook. I want to want to cook. It just hasn’t happened yet.

My preference is for simple eating plans and focusing on what to add instead of demonizing or restricting foods.

For years I was inspired by a Michael Pollan quote: “Eat food, mostly plants, not too much.”

But, sometimes a little more structure is needed. To get some inspiration I recently took a class by McKel of Nutrition Stripped and am now taking one on whole food cooking, hoping I will start enjoying the process of preparing meals.

We all experience food issues at some point in our lives. I have supported many clients through the process of loving themselves and eating to live instead of being caught up in habits or emotional triggers.

Here is what I am focusing on and recommending now:

• Eating nutrient dense meals that will provide healthy fuel for our bodies
• Focusing on whole foods
• Learning to cook, enjoying the process and finding new recipes
• Having balanced meals with protein, veggies, carbs, and fat
• Adding and enjoying a flavor factor in each meal
• Embracing healthy fats
• Eating slowly, mindfully and savoring each bite
• Enjoying occasional small tasty snacks without labeling anything bad

My clients and I feel good when we eat this way. When we stop demonizing certain foods or food groups we don’t think about or crave them as much. Our lunch and dinner plates look colorful and taste good. We savor each bite, use beautiful dishes, and sometimes enjoy our meals outdoors, surrounded by nature.

What about you?

Where are you at in your lifetime journey with food? How has your relationship with food evolved? Do you need support? What has worked for you that the rest of us might like to try?

Eating well is one of the most beneficial gifts you can give yourself. You will look and feel better. Your health will improve and you will have more energy. You may even live longer.

What could be better than that?

If you would like professional coaching support for your health journey, please let me know. I would love to offer you a free consultation where we talk about your heart’s desires and how we can bring them to life.