Back to Basics

I am a nutrition nut (I think I heard my wife shout AMEN from the other room!) I fully admit it.

I’ve studied more, read more books, listened to more podcasts, and experimented on myself more than you would believe.

I consider myself a veteran healthy eater.

Here’s why I say this...and no, it’s not to sound arrogant, although I’m walking on thin ice here.

I say this because recently I spent two weeks practicing perhaps the most rudimentary habit I know.

Eating slowly.

Why? Mainly because I was eating like Lightning McQueen hopped up on Mountain Dew. Seriously, I was in danger of passing out at the end of my meal, because I hadn’t bothered to stop and breathe.

Which brings us to the purpose of today’s post. I don’t care how long we have been traveling on this nutrition road, chances are we could brush up on some basic skills.

I liken it to faith. I could have a doctorate in Biblical Studies (I don’t by the way). But if I am not reading the Bible consistently, if I am not praying regularly, if I am not attending church each weekend...my relationship with God will surely struggle.

I have 4 common nutrition basics for you to check in on today:

Eating Slowly

Do you chew your food carefully, tasting each bite fully?

Do you savor it and thank God and those who made it possible for you?

Eating to 80% Full

Do you stop eating when you are 80% full, allowing your brain time to tell your body you are full?

Meal Portions

Do you portion your veggies, proteins, carbs, and healthy fats well?

Check out this post for some guidance.

Whole Foods

This may not be the most basic skill in today’s day and age, but it certainly is powerful.

Are you eating primarily whole, unprocessed foods?

Check in on these 4 basics before you start getting too concerned about more advanced skills like meal frequency and timing, intermittent fasting, strict diet plans, supplementation, or any other strategy.

Look, we all want to feel like we’re in the big leagues. But even the pros practice their fundamentals daily. In fact, that’s probably why they are pros in the first place!

So today, let’s get back to basics...one minute at a time.