I started paying closer attention to how my body responds to the foods I eat, so I decided to eat less for pleasure (foods that taste good with less health benefits) and more for maintenance (foods that I have no pleasure eating with high health benefits).
I try not to eat ultra processed foods (high salt, sugar, fat) where possible and there have been times when I have left the supermarket with an empty basket because most food items are processed in one way or another.
To eat, I keep it simple with fruits like berries which are high in vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, increase my vegetable intake with a variety such as spinach that supports the immune system and limit snacks as much as possible. I also use simple recipes when cooking to maintain a balanced diet.
A healthy diet may seem boring, but it is rewarding in the long run and less expensive than ill health. The foods we eat not only affect our energy and physical health, but it also supports how organs function. I will be applying the 80/20 pareto concept to my eating habits – healthy foods 80% of the time and enjoy other foods for the remaining 20% or for every 4 healthy meal choices I might have 1 treat.