clinical dietitian at Glens Falls Hospital.
By Amanda Gustafson, MS, RD, CDN
Your health is an individual journey that should be personalized to your unique needs and circumstances. As a registered dietitian working at Glens Falls Hospital, I strive every day to support our patients where they are in their health journey.
Whether you’ve established healthy routines that work for you or are looking to make a change in your current routine, consider these tips for living a well-balanced, healthier lifestyle:
1. Rely on trusted sources of information for facts about nutrition.
With the influx of social media influencers and advertisements surrounding fad diets and trends, we are constantly bombarded with misleading or false information about what “healthy” means.
Without consulting a trusted source, it can be difficult to identify what type of lifestyle and diet is best for your particular needs. Our society’s diet culture also tends to promote restrictive eating habits, and a one-size-fits-all solution, which doesn’t guarantee weight loss or better health.
Reliable sources for facts about nutrition include a registered dietitian, your primary care physician, books and articles from qualified professionals, and websites from healthcare organizations.
2. Ditch the restrictive diets and consider practicing intuitive eating.
Before you turn to restrictive eating to reach your goals, consider practicing intuitive eating. This practice requires you to refrain from looking at food as good or bad and instead listen to your body’s needs, while prioritizing healthy foods, but also recognizing that it is okay to consume treats in moderation. This personalized approach takes the pressure away from counting calories or tracking data and instead focuses on becoming more in tune with your personal needs.
Do you feel sluggish after having too much sugar? Does dairy leave you feeling bloated? Do you need more carbs to fuel your workout? Are you eating due to an undealt with emotion and not because of hunger? Intuitive eating will help you establish a practice that works for you.
3. Make healthy habits a priority.
A common misconception about making healthier food choices is that it has to be expensive. Shopping for what’s in season and on sale, using coupons and buying store-brand items can make eating healthier a budget-friendly option. Consider giving up a different habit, like eating out or smoking, to make room in your budget for healthy, nutritious food options.
A healthier diet can also have a long-term impact on your overall health, which could potentially reduce your healthcare expenses.
4. Supplement diet with exercise.
A healthy diet should be paired with exercise for the best possible outcome. Making time in your busy schedule for physical activity can be challenging, but when you make it a priority, you’ll reap the benefits.
You don’t have to go from minimal or no physical activity in a day to becoming a professional athlete. Start small by incorporating things like a daily walk or using the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Any type of physical activity is a good place to start. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
5. Partner with someone who can help to hold you accountable to your goals.
Whether you’re working with a registered dietitian or getting healthier with a friend, it can be incredibly helpful to have a trusted partner to help keep you on track. When you work with a dietitian, you can expect an encouraging, friendly face to provide support and help guide you in your health journey.
Living a healthy life doesn’t have to be discouraging, expensive or restrictive and small steps can lead you to an incredible journey.