Healthy Eating Is Human: Joys, Challenges, and 3 Things You Can Do
 

When you ask a group of individuals about their perspective on eating healthily, you're likely to receive a diverse range of responses. Some might view it as curbing their fast food consumption or incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diet. For others, it could mean indulging in a slice of cake occasionally without feeling guilty. Additionally, individuals with specific medical conditions or food allergies may interpret healthy eating in their own distinct manner.

In essence, there is no universally correct definition of healthy eating. Healthy eating is a very personal matter, influenced by individual preferences and needs that shape our food choices. Furthermore, what constitutes healthy eating for you can evolve over the various phases of your life as you adapt to changing requirements.

This article delves into the human aspect of healthy eating, and I offer some practical tips to facilitate the process.

The concept of healthy eating has evolved for me over the past few years, undergoing several transformations. During my college years, it meant strictly adhering to nutritional guidelines and focusing solely on the nutrient content of my meals. I shifted from enjoying my favorite dishes, like traditional Costa Rican gallo pinto, to seeing them as sources of complex carbs and plant-based proteins.

Subsequently, when I started working as a nutritionist, I felt pressure to conform to a particular body image and believed that healthy eating entailed meticulous measurement of every morsel I consumed. I ate what I wanted, as long as it met my nutritional requirements.

However, I soon realized that healthy eating goes beyond mere nutrients. It's also about how food makes you feel, and considering the cultural and social aspects of eating, it should be an enjoyable experience.

Nowadays, my approach to healthy eating is different. I've become more flexible with my meals and recognize that balance is the key to nourishment and food-related happiness.

For me, healthy eating now means ensuring that my plate includes a variety of foods from all food groups, without obsessively measuring or categorizing them as plant-based or animal-based protein, or simple or complex carbs. It also means I can indulge in a variety of foods, including sweets, fast food, and desserts, in moderation, without constantly measuring or tracking them.

The process of finding this balanced approach didn't happen overnight; instead, my perception of healthy eating has evolved as I've moved through different stages of life. Ultimately, as long as you aim to nourish your body and listen to its needs, you can define healthy eating in your own way, because it's a concept that's meant for everyone.