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I was talking with a dear friend this morning about how I view food on a continuum rather than on a ‘good list’ or a ‘bad list’. It got me thinking… how do others see things regarding health, wellness, nutrition, etc.?
Do you prefer to look at lists or boxes with food in them as either good or bad OR do you prefer to see foods ranging in quality from poor –> less healthy –> healthy –> moderately healthy –> optimally healthy?
In other words, some people like to be told this is:
ON PLAN or OFF PLAN with no grey areas to think about. Compliant or non-compliant. Good or bad. These types of words and this type of thinking. The problem is that this way of thinking and living takes money and can lead to disordered eating patterns or thoughts.
Looking back, I can see that there’s no way I could have raised my family (single income, struggling financially) eating the strict/purist/perfect way. There. I’ve said it. I’ll say it again.
As a one (sometimes with NO income) income family, struggling with 5 children, I could not have raised my family the strict and perfect foodie way. I could not have afforded it.
We were blessed beyond belief at certain times in our life to receive regular donations from the Church we were ministering at – these foods kept us alive otherwise we would have starved. It just so happens that it was a weekly delivery of fresh bakery items! So yes, we lived off pies, pasties, sausage rolls, danish rolls and the like (it’s hard being poor ~smile~). A perfectly clean eating fad would have been so unattainable for me, so unachievable for me at some points in my life. However, there is always room (in our thinking, our situation and our finances) to make just One Small Change.
As a coach, I often see other women who are in similar situations.
How then can we improve this situation? Some people are not in the mindset or the financial situation to be able to change everything at once – but they can change JUST ONE THING. Then another thing after that. Rinse and repeat.
It’s working out the best BANG for their BUCK at any given time that is important (and where I can come in and help). There is THE BEST of the best! And there is the worst of the worst. And I meet a few people who are living in the latter scenario. Suggesting a loaf of bread for $6 and wild caught salmon is utterly ridiculous for them! And they certainly don’t need a list of foods that only serve to make them feel less than, or feel guilty for not being able to provide it.
My aim, my desire, is to help you where you are at.
Health is a funny thing: it doesn’t revolve solely around one aspect (nutrition) rather it is more deeply entwined in our whole life.
For one family doing one thing better is grinding your own kernels to make fresh bread but for another family it might look like adding some salad to an other colourless plate.
NEVER let yourself feel less than for your food choices.
One person can afford wild caught salmon with fresh picked greens from their organically grown garden whereas another family might be working 100% just to organise some kind of regular bedtime routine for their child (which is essential for health) that includes some kind of leafy green salad with their sausage roll. And that is okay.
We’re aiming for progress, not perfection. Every little step counts. And BIG changes are made up of little baby steps which take T I M E.
Talk to me… wherever you are in your life, whatever your situation looks like. I can help you, I want to help you. There is always something to start with that doesn’t break the bank. You just have to know where to start – let me help you. 🦋
