Healthy Eating Is Human: Joys, Challenges, and Practical Tips for Success

The joys and challenges of healthy eating and discover three practical tips to make it easier. Learn how to make healthy eating work for you.

When you ask different people what healthy eating means to them, you’re likely to get a variety of answers. For some, it’s about cutting back on fast food or eating more fruits and vegetables. For others, it might mean enjoying a slice of cake now and then without feeling guilty. If you have specific health conditions or food allergies, your definition of healthy eating will likely be different as well.

Healthy eating is a deeply personal experience that reflects our unique needs, lifestyles, and preferences. What’s healthy for you might not be the same for someone else, and that’s perfectly okay. The way we think about food and nutrition can evolve over time as we go through different stages of life.

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In this article, I’ll share my journey with healthy eating, discuss some of the challenges that come with it, and offer three practical tips that can help you create a balanced and enjoyable approach to your diet.

What Healthy Eating Means to Me

Over the years, my understanding of healthy eating has changed. In college, I saw it as following nutritional guidelines to the letter, which made me focus more on nutrients than on enjoying my meals. For example, instead of appreciating a traditional Costa Rican dish like gallo pinto, I would only see it as a source of carbs and proteins.

When I became a dietitian, I thought healthy eating meant carefully measuring everything I ate to ensure I was getting the right nutrients. While this approach kept me physically healthy, it took away the joy of eating. I realized that healthy eating is not just about nutrition—it’s also about how food makes you feel.

Today, I believe that healthy eating is about balance. I aim to include a variety of foods from all food groups without obsessing over portion sizes or nutrient content. I also allow myself to enjoy sweets, fast food, and desserts in moderation. This more flexible approach has made me happier and more satisfied with my diet.

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Seeing the Bigger Picture

Healthy eating isn’t always about making the perfect choice. Sometimes, life gets in the way—you might have to work late or feel too tired to cook. On those days, ordering takeout or indulging in a favorite treat is okay.

I’ve learned that healthy eating is about the bigger picture. One meal doesn’t define your overall diet. As a friend once told me, “One bad meal won’t make you unhealthy, just as one good meal won’t make you healthy.” It’s the consistent choices you make over time that matter most.

Challenges of Healthy Eating

People often assume that because I’m a dietitian, healthy eating comes naturally to me. But like everyone else, I have my challenges. One of the hardest times for me was when I had to cut out most carbs to manage recurring infections. This was tough because carbs are found in many foods, from grains and dairy to fruits and vegetables.

While some might think eliminating refined carbs is easy, I had to give up many foods I loved, including whole grains and starchy vegetables. Adjusting to this new diet was difficult, but it taught me the importance of organization and creativity in maintaining a healthy eating routine.

3 Practical Tips for Healthy Eating

Here are three strategies I use to make healthy eating easier, which you might find helpful too:

1. Meal Prep: Preparing meals in advance saves time and ensures you have nutritious options ready when you’re busy. I like to cook a batch of proteins and prep vegetables for the week, so I always have healthy meals on hand.
2. Keep Fruit Visible: Keeping fruit where you can see it encourages you to eat it more often. Research shows that we’re more likely to snack on whatever is easily accessible, so I keep my fruit out on the table and my snacks stored away.
3. Follow a Routine: Having a set of go-to meals makes it easier to choose healthy options. I stick to a few favorite dishes for each meal, which simplifies grocery shopping and meal planning while ensuring I get the nutrients I need.

Healthy eating is a personal journey that evolves as we do. My approach has changed over the years, but the key is finding what works for you. Whether you’re meal prepping, keeping healthy snacks on hand, or following a routine, the most important thing is to listen to your body and nourish it in a way that makes you feel good.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating. It’s about what makes you feel nourished and happy. If you’re unsure where to start, consider working with a registered dietitian who can help you create a personalized and sustainable plan that fits your lifestyle.