A Whole Foods Lifestyle: How (& why) to Eat More Real Food
Eating a diet based mostly on whole, unprocessed foods has numerous benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, and better overall health. However, making the switch to a whole foods diet can seem overwhelming, especially if you're used to eating a lot of processed foods. Here are some slow and steady steps you can take to make the transition to a whole foods diet feel more manageable.
What Is a Whole-Foods Diet?
A whole foods diet is a way of eating that focuses on consuming unprocessed, minimally processed, or minimally refined foods. It is not an actual diet in the traditional sense, as it does not involve following a specific set of rules or restrictions. Instead, it is more of a lifestyle shift that emphasizes the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods as the main source of nutrition. This way of eating typically includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and protein sources, and limits or avoids the consumption of processed and refined foods. The goal of a whole foods diet is to nourish the body with high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, rather than simply counting calories or limiting certain food groups.
How To Start
Start by making one meal a day a whole foods meal: Rather than trying to overhaul your diet all at once, start by incorporating one whole foods meal into your day. This could be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Focus on incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources into this meal.
Gradually replace processed foods with whole foods: Rather than trying to eliminate all processed foods from your diet at once, try replacing them with whole food alternatives one at a time. For example, if you typically have a bagel for breakfast, try switching to a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit instead. Or, if you usually have frozen pizza for dinner, try making a homemade version with whole grain crust and plenty of vegetables.
Don't be afraid to experiment with new foods: One of the best things about eating a whole foods diet is that you have the opportunity to try new, healthy foods. Don't be afraid to branch out and try new things – you might discover some new favorites. I also love buying food that just looks gorgeous. Sometimes a little shift in appearance or color can have a big impact. Have you ever tried purple cauliflower? Or, purple tomatillos?
Involve your kids in the process: If you have kids, involve them in the process of transitioning to a whole foods diet. Take them grocery shopping and let them choose some new, healthy foods to try. Kids are often more open to trying new things when they feel like they have a say in the process.
Read a Book: Reading (& listening) to books about food has really helped me commit to a Whole Foods lifestyle. Once you read about the health effects of highly processed food you really can’t make the same choices anymore. For some recommended reads, check out my book reviews. One author I always recommend is Michael Pollan. I really can’t recommend this step enough, reading about how our food is produced in America will change the way you think about food. This made it easy for me to choose ‘healthy’ options (real food) because I no longer wanted to eat highly processed food. It’s not willpower that drives me to make healthy choices, it’s a deeply rooted belief that real food is better.
By taking slow and steady steps towards eating a whole foods diet, you can make the transition feel more manageable and less restrictive. Remember to be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to make mistakes – the journey towards better health is a marathon, not a sprint.