Fit From Within: Cultivating a Positive Relationship with Food

Welcome back to our Fit From Within journey! Last week, we explored the importance of cultivating strength in your body through movement. Today, we’ll delve into creating a healthy body – fueling our bodies through strength and nourishment. Let’s talk about how the food we choose impacts our energy levels, physical performance, and overall well-being.

Ditch the Dieting Drama: Embracing a Sustainable Approach

For many women, the journey towards a healthy lifestyle is paved with restrictive diets and the constant battle against the number on the scale. But here’s the truth – these restrictive approaches often backfire, leading to a cycle of cravings, deprivation, and yo-yo dieting.

As Isaiah 55:2 NLT beautifully states, “Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.”

Instead of focusing on deprivation, Fit From Within embraces a flexible 80/20 approach. This means prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods that nourish your body 80% of the time while allowing yourself some wiggle room for the occasional treat (the 20%). It’s about striking a balance, creating a sustainable lifestyle that caters to your unique needs and preferences, and fostering a healthy relationship with food.

The Power of a Balanced Plate: Nourishment from the Ground Up

Think of your plate as a masterpiece waiting to be created! The foundation of a healthy and balanced meal lies in whole foods, the building blocks of a vibrant life. Here’s what belongs on your Fit From Within plate:

• Fruits and Vegetables: These vibrant gems are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They provide sustained energy, support digestion, and keep you feeling your best. Think colorful variety – leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers are all excellent choices.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains offer slow-burning energy, keeping you feeling full and focused throughout the day. Opt for brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and oats instead of their refined counterparts.
• Lean Protein: Whether it’s chicken, fish, beans, lentils, or tofu, including lean protein sources at each meal helps build and maintain muscle mass, keeps you feeling satisfied, and supports a healthy metabolism.

Remember, this is just a general guideline. Experiment with different combinations and find what fuels your body and delights your taste buds.

Stay Hydrated & Replenished

We all know water is essential for life, but it’s easy to underestimate its importance for optimal health and fitness. Water plays a crucial role in every bodily function – from regulating body temperature to transporting nutrients and lubricating joints. Aim for eight glasses of water daily, and adjust based on your activity level and climate.

Mindful Eating: Cultivating a Positive Relationship with Food

Nourishing your body goes beyond just “what” you eat; it’s also about “how” you eat. Mindful eating practices can transform your relationship with food from a source of stress to a joyful experience. Here’s how to cultivate mindful eating:

• Slow Down and Savor: Put away distractions like phones or the TV while eating. Take your time, chew thoroughly, and savor the taste and texture of your food.
• Listen to Your Body’s Cues: Learn to recognize your hunger and fullness cues. Eat until you’re comfortably satisfied, not stuffed.
• Embrace the Joy of Food: Food can be a source of pleasure and connection. Enjoy your meals with loved ones, experiment with new recipes, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the food that nourishes you.

With mindful eating, you can break free from guilt and shame surrounding food choices and develop a healthy relationship with nourishment.

Know Where to Start: Tools for Your Fit From Within Journey

Remember, the saying goes: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Knowing where to begin your personalized Fit From Within nutrition journey is just as important as what to eat and how much.

As a first step, I’d love to invite you to try my FREE Calorie + Nutrition Calculator. This tool will help you estimate your daily calorie and macronutrient needs based on your activity level and fitness goals. This is a starting point; remember, everyone’s body is unique, and your needs may adjust over time.

Embrace the Fit From Within Lifestyle

Remember, Fit From Within isn’t just about temporary fixes; it’s about creating a sustainable, holistic approach to well-being that nourishes your body, mind, and soul.

Embrace the Fit From Within Lifestyle

Remember, Fit From Within isn’t just about temporary fixes; it’s about cultivating a lifelong commitment to health and self-love. It’s about honoring your body as the magnificent temple it is, as described in 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

Building a Sustainable and Flexible Approach

The beauty of the Fit From Within approach to nutrition is its flexibility. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet; instead, it’s about finding healthy and delicious ways to nourish your body that fit your unique lifestyle and preferences. Here are some tips to create a sustainable and flexible approach to eating:

• Plan and Prep: Taking some time each week to plan your meals and prep healthy snacks can make a big difference. This helps you avoid unhealthy choices when hunger strikes and ensures you have nourishing options readily available.
• Cook More at Home: This allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes of your meals. Experiment with new recipes, discover the joy of cooking, and create healthy meals that tantalize your taste buds.
• Don’t Fear Indulgence: Life is meant to be enjoyed! The 80/20 approach allows room for occasional treats. The key is moderation and mindful indulgence. Savor a decadent dessert, enjoy a night out with friends, but do so without guilt or shame.

Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Remember, this is a journey, not a race to perfection. There will be days when cravings win or healthy intentions fall by the wayside. Embrace the process! Learn from setbacks, be kind to yourself, and recommit to your Fit From Within goals.

XO,

PS: Need help getting started? Check out the Fit From Within 60-Day journal to help you stay on track, stay focused, and make progress toward your goals. It challenges you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and commit to bettering yourself each and every day. Throughout the process, you’ll learn how to create a healthy body, a positive mindset, and a soul filled with self-love and gratitude.

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_{Curated by Rachel Brooks for The Confident Woman}