A common sense approach
So, it's been about a year since I started making a conscious effort to take better care of myself by eating better. I've never been a breakfast person, but now I usually eat something within an hour of waking up, even if it's just a handful of almonds. I eat a little something whenever I feel hungry, but if it's not mealtime, I usually eat just enough to stop feeling hungry: a handful of almonds, a piece of fruit, a string cheese, a yogurt. I eat almonds, Greek yogurt, and an apple nearly every day. I drink primarily water and tea. I place a priority on having fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, (at least one serving per meal), I avoid processed foods and artificial sweeteners, and I try to limit any crap choices to a single serving: one can of soda, whatever the serving size is for cookies or chips, etc. If I catch myself eating fast, I try to slow down. I like to have a glass or two of wine with any especially fatty meals. I will say, "Does anyone else want a glass of artery de-clogger?" Charming, eh?
I make exceptions, of course, but those are my habits. I make exceptions all the time, actually. I always thought you had to be really disciplined about eating well to see any benefits, but that hasn't been the case for me. I don't put any restrictions on my alcohol consumption, (other than the natural limitations afforded by lack of opportunity, reduced desire, and budgetary concerns), I don't avoid animal fats, I don't count calories. I figure stressing over the quality of my diet would detract from the benefit of eating well, and the last thing I need from the standpoint of better health is more stress. So if something doesn't seem reasonable to me, I don't bother with it. The results have been that I've lost weight, (an unspecified amount, I never weigh myself - a two or three pants sizes, anyway), and overall my health has been excellent. I feel consistently better, more resilient, and more energetic.
I think it is interesting to note that although it's been a very stressful year, instead of gaining weight or mitigating my emotions via poor food choices, I have better emotional stability and I've lost weight. I call this progress.
I make exceptions, of course, but those are my habits. I make exceptions all the time, actually. I always thought you had to be really disciplined about eating well to see any benefits, but that hasn't been the case for me. I don't put any restrictions on my alcohol consumption, (other than the natural limitations afforded by lack of opportunity, reduced desire, and budgetary concerns), I don't avoid animal fats, I don't count calories. I figure stressing over the quality of my diet would detract from the benefit of eating well, and the last thing I need from the standpoint of better health is more stress. So if something doesn't seem reasonable to me, I don't bother with it. The results have been that I've lost weight, (an unspecified amount, I never weigh myself - a two or three pants sizes, anyway), and overall my health has been excellent. I feel consistently better, more resilient, and more energetic.
I think it is interesting to note that although it's been a very stressful year, instead of gaining weight or mitigating my emotions via poor food choices, I have better emotional stability and I've lost weight. I call this progress.