How to Live The Fit Foodie Life
One of the main things that keep people from following a healthy lifestyle is the restriction they feel. That is why I adopted the fit foodie life. To be successful, I had to find balance in my daily routine and my desire to enjoy the foods I love. If you want to find a way to be healthy and still feel unrestricted, here are ten traits of a thriving fit foodie.
Balance
I enjoy my favorite foods like everyone else, but I know that it is only one small portion of my overall eating. To live the fit foodie lifestyle, finding balance is critical. That means following the 80/20 rule. The rule is simple, eat 80% of the time clean and healthy, and the other 20% indulgence in moderation. For me, I like to sprinkle the 20% out through the week or eat perfectly for the week and be a little relaxed on the weekend. It all depends on what my plans are.
Planning
This brings me to my next point, to be successful with the 80/20 rule of dieting, you must have a plan in place. If you do not feel comfortable or trust yourself yet eating freely, it is crucial to plan out the week. Keeping a food journal is essential to success when you are first starting. This helps you track exactly what you eat, and keeps you accountable! Plan out your meals with foods you like, and when you want to add in your 20%. Portion control is a critical factor for the fit foodie lifestyle. If you’re going to get a jumpstart in planning your goals, try this calculator by very well fit.
Here are the key points in planning your week:
- Decide what foods you will eat, plan out your meals.
- Add exercise
- Track what you’re eating and be mindful when your indulging
A note for planning: It is easy to get bored with the same foods. Try finding healthy recipes you enjoy eating.
Prepping
Now that you have a plan, it is time to prepare it. One of the critical things to a balanced lifestyle is the food choices you make. Your grocery trips are the first test you will have when changing your habits. One thing I always tell people, “Do not shop on an empty stomach.” Why? You will tend to buy more than you need. Here are my grocery store hacks:
Shop After You Have Eaten
You will set yourself up for success when you are not ravenously shopping. This will lead you to purchase all the things you do not need and tempt you with overeating.
Get the majority of food from the perimeter of the store.
If you notice in a grocery store, all of the whole, unprocessed foods are located on the outside edges. The fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, etc… are located there. These should be the base of your meals and 80% of your cart. When you already have the plan set up in hand at the grocery store, all you need to do is buy those items and be on your way.
Read Labels
Once you grab your items from the perimeter, you will want to grab the food from the inside. Make sure you read the labels for macronutrients that fit into your plan.
From FDA.gov
Moving
Exercise is key to the fit foodie lifestyle. Physical activity is an essential component of fitness and helps you manage your weight. Planning your physical activity out to things you enjoy will help you be consistent weekly. It is recommended you get a minimum of 150 minutes a week most days of the week. How will you spread out your activity? Plan it out and get moving.
Discipline
This is the hard part. Once you have your plan, food prepped, and exercise, you have to stick to it. When you’re just starting, try to set obtainable goals. It might be tempting to veer off of your plan but change your mindset. Here are some tips to stay disciplined:
Tell people your goals
Once you have decided to head toward the fit foodie lifestyle, tell others what you are doing. This puts it out into the universe for others to know and help keep you accountable. You may find likeminded individuals to join you on your journey of lasting health.
Crush Cravings
If you have a craving that may jeopardize your plan, wait 20 minutes, and decide if it is worth it. Are you craving because you want something, or is it an impulse that is a weak moment you can overcome? This is why it is essential to keep healthy snacks on hand to avoid getting off track.
Remember why you started.
Why is it essential for you to live the fit foodie life? Always leave reminders around for yourself to stay motivated. This can mean starting your day with positive affirmations or surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Remember, you are doing this for yourself to improve, and no one else.
Compromise
Let’s talk eating out. You can eat out with the fit foodie lifestyle. I look forward to my time of eating out and do so while still sticking to my 80%. This means ordering mindfully. Try ordering foods that are similar to what you prepare for yourself at home. Avoid huge portions, cut the meal in half, and save it for later. Besides, sometimes things pop up that involve food. It is okay to take part but make the right choice. It is also okay to say no to things. Do not feel pressured to eat off your plan or out because someone offers it to you.
Knowledge
Learn about yourself and your body. Everyone’s body works differently when it comes to weight loss and exercise. We all have different body types and genetics that respond to various environmental factors. Keep a journal or a mental note of how you react to the process and form a unique plan of success.
Openness
Be open to try new things. If you are adopting a healthier lifestyle, it is no longer an option to be picky. Be open to different food combinations and new ways of preparing meals. If you have a favorite recipe that is not necessarily good for you, try swapping ingredients for better ones. If you don’t like to exercise, learn to like it. Find an activity that gets you moving like dancing, playing volleyball, or kayaking.
Consistency
Be consistent with your plan. The more you execute your goals, the easier it becomes. After a while, you will no longer need to plan or track your meals physically. The fit foodie life will be second nature and a habit. This is not done overnight and takes active participation week after week.
Unapologetic
Be unapologetic about your goals. This can mean two things. First, if you decide you want to have this lifestyle, stick to it and be proud of it. Taking action for your health is your wealth. Finally, when it is time for your 20%, do so guilt-free! If you hit all your goals for the week, never feel guilty about taking a break. This is something you earned! Live your life.
If you liked this guide, this is just the beginning. Living the fit foodie lifestyle can often simplify your life in ways you couldn’t begin to understand. It takes a little bit of effort, some motivation, and a sincere want to change the way you live, move, and eat. If you have those attributes, replacing the old habits with the new will be simple.
