Healthy living doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes time, dedication, and patience to form habits that are sustainable and become second nature. Nutrition Expert Lindsay Chetelat reminds us that we can do whatever we set our minds to by staying patient with ourselves. After all, life is all about progress, not perfection!
BECOME SELF-AWARE, NOT SELF-CRITICAL.
The first step in becoming self-aware is to record how you feel. You can actually write this down in a journal or in a note on your phone. Ask yourself a few questions:
– Did I exercise?
– Did I eat well today?
– Was there an event during my day that promoted significant stress? Happiness?
Over time, you will be able to notice trends and habits. You may find that you do not manage stress well on days you don’t eat well. Or, you may discover that you have more energy on days that you work out in the morning. You can also identify certain meal patterns, emotions, or times of the day that prompt episodes of over eating. Becoming self-aware helps you discover what works and what doesn’t work.
PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION.
No one and nothing is perfect. Focus on the progress you are making and treat any obstacle along the way as a learning opportunity to make you stronger. Obstacles are not failures. You have to push past the obstacle rather than turning around and going home because you’re afraid of failing.
EMBRACE CHANGE.
The only constant in life is that nothing stays the same. How boring would it be if life was consistent, predictable, and static? Do not let a change throw you off your game. Stay on track!
FOOD IS FUEL.
Carbohydrates, fat, protein, water, vitamins, and minerals all play a role in our bodies. Just like fueling a car, you must view food as your opportunity to provide your body with the best fuel possible in order to operate effectively. Get a wide variety of whole foods that are minimally processed and low in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat.
DO NOT FEAR THE UNKNOWN.
The unknown can be uncomfortable and even scary, but it is important to understand that you cannot predict or control the future. Shift your attention to what you CAN do: work hard, take risks, have a little faith, and go with the flow.
Lindsay Chetelat, RD, CDN is a NYC-based Registered Dietitian who focuses on empowering individuals to take care of their bodies. Her approach is rooted in helping others gain an appreciation for their bodies through the food they take in, and creating a mindset that transformation is about the progress one is willing to make in their journey, not quick diet fixes. For more practical tips on maintaining our healthiest minds, visit and learn more about Lindsay.