Holistic eating habits have a wide range of meanings generally centering on plant based with a emphasis on organic or natural foods. But can we realistically do this in our food relationships? Even on a budget? This holistic nutritionist with a love of doritos says you can.
What are Holistic Eating Habits?
- Plant Based
- Nature Based
- Ritual
- Blessed
- Individual
- Enjoyed
Plant and Nature Based For Your Food Relationship
Plant based is more than a trend. Simply, plant based means 90% of your food relationship is plants. Not so hard right? Then mass market gets ahold of it and throws a bunch of shit in there just to confuse us. Then we don’t know who should be in our relationship. You can purchase “plant based” in the drive thru, but is that really the best for you?
No. It’s okay for the occasional meal and not completely off the table. However, processed is processed. We need to be careful with any trend or packaging. Certain what-looks-like-processed foods isn’t always bad. Packaged beans or rice are processed plant based that we need. Without added stuff, frozen vegetables and fruit are perfectly acceptable. The goal is to purchase as close to what looks like the actual plant without stepping into a field. Unless you want too.
Ritual and Blessed
Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones- our relationships are highlighted with rituals. In rituals, we bless others and receiving blessings. Our food relationships are no different. On our own or with others, meal times are rituals we are to respect.
- Bless it
- No matter what you believe, blessing your food relationship is simply showing gratitude. Just a pause of a few seconds to be thankful for having food and more is crucial. This is the mindset you set for mental health and literal biological change you make in your body.
- Be present
- Don’t rush it. Savor your food and put the technology down. Engage with your though and/or the thoughts of others. Not sure what to think? Explore the senses of what you’re eating.
Individual and Enjoyed
When we are present in our food relationships, we are going several processes. Do we actually like this food? Do we like ourselves or I am eating emotions? Damn. Ouch. This is where holistic comes in and reveals our mental state. This isn’t to knock us down, it’s an opportunity to be real with grace.
Holistic health eating does not look the same for every one. Preferences in food such as a particular fruit or veggie, culture, allergies, or a favorite type of food (italian, Hispanic, American, etc). Healthy eating can fit into all fo these. Holistic nutrition practitioners should look at all of these factors with health goals in mind. one size does not fit all.
Part of enjoying your food relationship is cost. There are truths and misconceptions out there on healthy eating. The truth is, for most, healthy eating requires changing habits and often eating more at home. The myth is that it’s expensive. There are hacks to shopping on a budget and being healthy.
- Buy on sale
- Buy local
- Meatless is less $$
- Clearance items (you’d be surprised)
- Repeat a meal during the week and buy in bulk
Keep your food relationships whole. Minimize the processed and be wary of gimmicks. Be present and enjoy your food without it sinking your bank account.
