Guide your own nutrition

by Abhishek

Diet plans can be overwhelming; putting yourself through a regime of omitting things you love is very difficult. Our mind revolts, and sooner than you can say "DIET" we are back to our old eating patterns. To brake, the power of habit one needs wisdom or knowledge. Willpower alone can take us so far, forcing ourselves into a controlled eating mode will last for a short while. However, our journey to eat rightly can start with an effortless yet efficient step. Start eating consciously. To change your diet, be aware of what you consume, and how it concerns you.

Ask the value of the food you are consuming; the answer need not be concerning calories or nutritional content alone. So, if you are about to have a bowl of ice cream, ask yourself what exactly it will do for you. The answer probably will be it will make you happy because of the flavours, texture and sweetness. So be it. Please make a note of it.

If you are consuming a random packet of biscuit, ask what value does it add to you? Not much, how good can a pack of biscuit be. I understand if it's a cookie you are enjoying with your coffee, but a random packet of biscuits probably has not much value in taste, and it's nutritionally empty. Make a note of this as well. You will feel better about yourself when you start omitting things that add no value in taste or nutrition.

The first step in your journey to eating better should be to eat mindfully. Be aware of what you are consuming - all day.

Mindful eating can start with the simple question of what value the food adds; once you start with this naturally, you may want to ask a few more questions.

Take your mind to the next big question – was I hungry when I eat? The answer should be an honest yes or a no. If you find yourself eating more often when you are not hungry, it's time to change eating patterns. 

Lastly, ask yourself how you felt after eating whatever you eat. Heavy, light, energetic, sleepy, acidic, bloated, agile, alert – answer could be any. Make a note.

Once answered throughout a few weeks, these three questions will enable you to make informed choices when to eat, how much to eat, and what to avoid. Asking these simple questions can help you start your transformation; make you, your own nutritionist.