If you know me personally, you know health and wellness have been a passion of mine for at least the past decade. I feel like I have been through many phases when it comes to nutrition and overall wellness. I have tried diets, trends, restrictions, cutting out entire food groups, and over exercising. They definitely weren’t some of my greatest moments, but like with anything, they were a learning experience. I can honestly say I will never do any of that again (unless there is a legitimate health need) and wanted to share my current mindset around food and where I am today.
A little backstory…pregnancy truly transformed the way I viewed my health because my choices (eating/exercise) had nothing to do with the way I looked. I was eating to fuel my body/baby with as many good nutrients as possible, and exercising to remain strong throughout pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. It was the wake up call that I needed and shifted my perspective to focus on my total health…mind, body, and spirit. It brought an awareness that I was previously missing, which I am so thankful for!
I wanted so share how I have established my current mindset/lifestyle in case it is an area you personally struggle in. Of course we are all different and have to do what works best for us in the season we are in.
I would love to know what has worked best for you when it comes to eating/nutrition!
1. Knowledge
Educating yourself when it comes to food and nutrition is such a powerful thing. Knowing different food groups, serving sizes, and recommendations really helps you keep the “big picture” in mind with your habits and choices. Understanding the benefits and value specific foods add to your health helps keep the “why” in the forefront. It also helps you take ownership of your health because you understand the importance of fueling your body properly and how to do it. There is so much information out there to dive into and learn from.
2.Professional Support
Seeking the advice or knowledge from a professional is also extremely valuable. They can give specific recommendations based on your individual needs and goals, as well as create a system that works for YOU. Yearly appointments/check-ups can provide beneficial conversations from your doctor and can give you a snap shot of your current health. They can also provide data to show improvement over time and work with you to reach a healthy place.
Additional Resource: Preventative Health
3.Long Term Vision
I now view my health as a long term goal and process. I choose to eat a certain way because I want to stay strong and healthy for my family. I want to feel good throughout each season of life and appreciate all the amazing things my body is capable of. My focus has shifted to maintaining good health and doing my part in honoring and taking care of my body.
4. Sustainability
I am now at a point in my life where I recognize how important it is to create habits and a lifestyle that is sustainable. For me personally, restrictions of any kind were not a realistic expectation or habit. I wanted to create habits that I could maintain and not constantly be worried about. I couldn’t stay in a consuming “diet” mindset where I was always thinking about what I “could” and “could not” eat. It was exhausting and made me want those foods even more just because I thought I couldn’t have them. It also was unhealthy for me to constantly be thinking about food and have everything else revolve around it. I recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balance.
You can check out my thoughts on that here: Balanced Eating.
5.Positive Food Relationship
I think having a positive relationship with food and eating is SO important when creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Knowledge, education, and support will all help with this, as well as focusing on the mental aspect of wellness. Our minds our such a powerful tool in creating habits and discipline.
BONUS: Set Yourself Up For Success
At the end of the day, you are in control. Do the things that keep you successful and feeling good while still living your life. Be kind to yourself and your body. Being healthy isn’t a short term race with a specific end date. It is something to maintain throughout life…
Blessings,
Jac
The Bridwells 
3 thoughts on “No Diet Lifestyle”