Years ago, when I started my whole foods journey, I was unaware that those little steps would lead me in a new path and ultimately change who I am today. I would never look at food the same way again. I would start a food blog, make all my meals from scratch, and consume whatever information I could on healthy living. I would end up switching to natural bath and body products. I would also end up switching to all natural house cleaners and laundry detergent. And that is where I am today! A little overboard? To some maybe.
I’ve had my fair share of people thinking I’m a health nut because I didn’t give my child Halloween candy when he was two. But I’m so happy with my choices. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions in life and lead the path they wish to take. I’m happy to say my children are flourishing. They are happy to eat a whole foods diet because I’ve tought them the importance of food and how it impacts their health, mood and immunity system. No one wants to be sick all the time, and the power of food to heal and protect is simply amazing. Also, homemade treats sweetened with real honey, void of enriched wheat while using healthy fats goes along way to making little kids happy. There’s no need for Twinkies here.
Pre-SimplyWholeFoods, I would have a muffin and a coffee for lunch every single day. Every single day. All that nutrient-void wheat and overdose of caffeine was what I was using for my fuel. I cringe a bit because I don’t think my breakfasts were any better. The wheat was bogging down my system and causing so much unneeded stress on my digestive system. Now I realize the importance of balanced meals. Today, my meal would include something along the lines of: healthy greens, some protein and a good amount of healthy fat.
I was afraid of fat back in the day. I would consume all things low-fat. Today, I have more knowledge and I’m all about healthy fats. Healthy fats are simply amazing for our bodies. I’ve seen first hand how grass-fed butter (combined with fermented cod-liver oil and a healthy diet) can work together to heal a compromised immune system. We were consuming all home-made meals with very little (if any) processed foods. Everything works together and slowly, over time your body starts to heal itself.
My body is starting to forgive me for eating foods that didn’t agree with it for so long. I’m so thankful that I started on my journey those years ago. I’m also thankful that I now have the knowledge to make informed decisions that benefit the health of myself and my family. I’m a happier person for it.
If you’re not where you want to be, I urge you not to fret. I was exactly where you may be today just a few years ago. At the beginning!
And even after you’re well into your personal journey there will be setbacks. You will still have days when you wonder why you are not a super star portrait of health from all your efforts. Don’t fret. The truth is that a healthy lifestyle is an ongoing effort that will carry on for the rest of you life. You will learn over time what foods work for you and what foods to avoid. You will have setbacks and days when your system feels blah. After all we are human and we all have those days.
It’s also extremely important to keep things in perspective. All the super healthy people you see on social media eating the best meals every second – they are showing you what they want you to see. When the camera is off, they are regular people with real struggles just like you and me. Compare your journey to no one else. Simply focus on your goals, and where you want your health to be.
If you’ve started your own health journey, don’t be dissuaded by what others may think. Only you have to carry the responsibility of your health and that of your families. So make your choices, smile and know you are doing what works for you. Being happy with your choices is all that matters – you will become a happier person knowing you are being true to you.
Wherever you are on your journey (or even if you just ate an unhealthy junk meal and you haven’t even started thinking about your health) know that is ok. All you need to do is make a choice and take that fist baby step and then see where that leads you.
If you want to start eating healthier but don’t know how or where to start, I hear you. If you’re confused with all the mixed low fat-high healthy fat mixed info out there, I hear you too. Please know that I am here and totally understand. I have gone through it ALL myself.
I’d love to hear all about you and where you are in your own unique journey. No two journeys are the same. I’m all about no judgement and encouragement. I hope you decide to think the same way when you evaluate your progress.
Please consider leaving a comment so we can all connect and share our unique journeys. You are also very welcome to email me at hollie@simplywholefoods.com
Sincerely,
Hollie
3 thoughts on “Are You Ready? It’s Time to Start Eating Better Every Day”
vanessa
What a great article Hollie! I’m so glad I started paying attention to what i was eating years ago as well, however I have only been a ‘part timer’ as I think of it…. lol Right now my body is so not happy and I KNOW i have to up my game and make healthy eating a priority and a full time committment. Your articles are always inspiring to me….as has been your commitment to your family’s health as well. Thanks for putting it out there for us!
v
Simply Hollie
Thanks so much Vanessa! I truly love comments like these-you’ve brought a smile to my face. It makes me so happy that my blog posts offer inspiration to you. In regards to your diet, give yourself credit because even part time is half way in the right direction! I think sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom or truly being bogged down with digestive issues before we’re willing to take the plunge. If you’re ready though, I think you could totally do it! 😊
Kellie
You are so inspiring Hollie and I love your attitude towards healthy eating and your children. I too believe it’s our jobs to feed our kids healthy and teach them how food truly can heal the body.