Balance Beats Perfect: Eating Well Through the Holidays

Hello, Shirley! With holiday weekends coming up, I want to talk about the importance of balance in your diet. Recently, I have been tracking my calorie and macronutrient intake, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Many of my clients at work go through this journey of tracking their food, and I wanted to experience it myself so I could better relate to them and support them when they need it. This process has been eye opening and has made me realize just how committed so many people are to their health and wellness.

Through this experience, I have learned how important balance really is. Having a diet that you can sustain long term is what truly matters. For example, I LOVE sweets. Cookies, ice cream, you name it, I probably love it. Going into this, I knew that completely cutting out sweet treats would not be realistic for me long term. Instead of eliminating them, I focused on balance and moderation. I still enjoyed what I love, just in a more mindful way. That approach feels sustainable and much more realistic than denying myself something I enjoy.

That is the secret sauce, balance and consistency. Quick fix diets and juice cleanses are not sustainable. Building healthy habits around food and fueling your body in a way that fits your lifestyle is what leads to lasting results. I have also learned not to feel guilty when things are not perfect. Perfect is the enemy of good. When you are too strict, it can lead to unnecessary guilt if things go off track. And let’s be honest, that will happen, especially with social gatherings and holidays, and that is completely okay. One day will not derail your health and wellness goals.

This issue’s good health hint is all about recognizing and allowing balance in your life. Not just with food, but in everything you do.