Nutrition+lifestyle, & how it all can go together

I just thought I’d make a post about my eating habits as of late. I’m doing a 40 day personal challenge where I’m trying to incorporate 75% raw and whole foods. I’m also documenting this with photos each day. Let me tell you, this time of year definitely makes it a challenge!

When I first became interested in raw, I started out with a “raw until dinner” approach. That way I knew at the end of the day I could have the cooked food I craved. For a while I upped it to 90% raw foods only, and then did about 50% raw foods, 50% regular foods until this challenge. That’s what I love about the raw food community. It doesn’t have to be this huge, all or nothing commitment. Even if you incorporate just a few raw ideas into your eating habits, you will see a positive change.

Although a high raw diet is ideal, let’s face it—we live in Iowa, with not-so-great produce during the winter. We also live in a society that revolves around food (helloo, every holiday). It’s how we tend to interact. I jokingly call myself a Polite-atarian. If someone took the time to make something for me or it’s at a social event, I generally eat it—maybe not all of it, but I do eat it. When I’m by myself I eat higher amounts of raw and whole foods (cough, tons of Brussels sprouts for dinner last night), but I don’t have any food allergies, and I’d rather spend time with my family and friends than worry about what I’m eating.

Now that I’ve been doing this for a while, my eating habits are second nature. I am by no means 100% all raw or vegan. Yes, I still have cooked, non-healthy food, but it’s in moderation. Some days are better than other, some WEEKS are better than other, but it’s all about persistence, not perfection. My labs are fantastic every year since I’ve been doing this, and I’m in the weight range I should be. I don’t count calories—I just focus on nutritionally rich foods, and try to incorporate those into my life as much as possible. I keep a food journal, which has helped me pinpoint what makes me feel great and what makes me feel awful. I know what my body can handle, and what it’s asking me for.

If you think you would love to try this lifestyle but can’t give up _____, don’t worry about it! Keep that in your diet, but in moderation. I love pizza, but did I have pizza every day even before eating healthier? I had it maybe once a week. So sure, eat well, and then have your treats once in a while. If it’s a daily thing, phase it out slowly. Your cravings for it will go away. Get started, even if it’s just by adding a daily bowl of fruit, or replacing one meal with raw or whole foods each day. If you need help, I’m here for you.

I hope that helps you all understand a bit more of where I’m coming from and what my goals are with Happy Avocado  as we go into the second part of this holiday season.

Much love,

Kelsey