Make the Transition to Healthy Eating
by Rochelle Griffin
I often hear people say it’s so expensive to eat healthy. I would like to counter that sentiment with “Perhaps…but it’s even more expensive to diagnosis and treat diseases that occur as a result of not eating healthy.” Seriously…it’s true…and I’m not even counting the loss of what you can’t do in your life as a result. Healthy eating seems rather cheap when you take everything into consideration.
So when you are in the throws of fast food, processed foods, and non-organic foods, how can you make the transition over to healthy foods?
I can honestly tell you to take it a day at a time, as it’s most definitely a process. You must be willing to extend yourself grace as you learn to eat different. If you’re an “all or nothing” kind of person (this is me,) I get that it’s difficult to forgive yourself when making a wrong choice…that it’s easy to just give up. Stand firm however. It’s one of those times that you need to just shrug your shoulders and move on.
Here are 4 practical tips to help you along the way.
1. If you struggle mentally with the thought that it’s really expensive to eat healthy, I want you to add up ALL the food you’ve bought, including what you spent eating out, over the past month. Often times this opens people’s eyes that eating unhealthy is actually rather expensive…plus it makes you feel like poop and you gain weight!
2. Give your kitchen a makeover. Anything that you know isn’t healthy, get rid of. If you can’t stomach throwing it away, give it away. Just get it out of your home. While cleaning the pantry and refrigerator, be sure to look the ingredients of anything in cans or bags. If you see chemicals or preservatives (basically anything you can’t pronounce,) include it in the “toss” pile.
3. Head out to the grocery store to restock your home. Stick to the perimeter of the store where most of the healthy foods are kept. If you venture to the inside aisles (which I often do because my store carries many organic items in cans and bags,) be sure to read the ingredients. Just because the label says gluten-free, sugar-free, or any other “-free” doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Remember, if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, don’t let it pass your lips.
4. I strongly suggest you begin the transition on the weekend when you aren’t working. It’s very common to experience some symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and labile moods as you begin to detox the chemicals from your body. This will pass normally in a few days. Be sure to drink a lot of water and rest when you need to. This isn’t the time to push yourself.
When I work with my private clients, it typically takes about 2 weeks for them to adjust to the changes but I promise, they DO adjust. You will adjust as well…not only in how you feel physically but in your wallet too. Trust me, your health is worth it.
To Living Your Best Life,
Rochelle Griffin, RN BSN FDN-P
Rochelle Griffin, The Wellness Detective™, is a Registered Nurse (with over 22 years experience) & a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition™ Practitioner who has transitioned her love for fitness, health, & freedom into a 7-figure International company that now helps others live Their Best Life.
She founded Your Best Life, Inc with her husband Keith after stepping onto the edge of physical ruin with her health & the health of their young son. Having experienced a complete turn-around, they now desire to give hope & support to those who are dissatisfied with their current situation.
PS. If you found this post to be of any value to you, please COMMENT below!
I’ve already bought knew food it’s just that there r a lot of things I don’t like but should I’m a very pickie eater that’s what worries me but I’m trying like heck to do the rt thing
I want to eat healthy once again!!!!! I am a diabetic- I live for sweets… I need to lose weight. I barred myself in a bdrm for 1 whole yr did not want to see or here from anyone ! I need and want help and guidance !!!!!
I often say it’s too expensive to eat healthy, especially with the kids wasting most if their meal….but it is more expensive to treat your health issues you caused by not eating healthy. Thanks for the post!