Some thoughts and discussions from me.
The Best Diet Change I’ve Made for my Health
Good morning, friends 
Yesterday was my last day visiting my family. I woke up and joined my mom at her gym (except we parted ways upon entering; she got her cardio on, while I hit up the weight room) and then enjoyed a pretty leisurely day of packing and just sitting around until it was time to head to the airport. It’s been real, Illinois! On my last day in but it’s time to get back to the regular lifestyle – and back with my man 
Niko and I missed him so much! I’m now back home in Colorado (I almost typed Chicago, ha!) and am enjoying some breakfast and coffee before heading out to train my morning clients. My day looks like this today: morning clients->hike break->KIND work->evening clients. Hey, come back with a bang, and all that, right? 
Life-Changing Diet Changes
The other day I was emailing back and forth with an online client about what tweaks and additions she could make to her diet to better support her goals and training. It got me thinking about changes I’ve made to my diet that have really made a lasting impact:
- Buy only organic meats and dairy. My grandma said way back, before I was even born, that they should let the chickens eat what they’re supposed to eat – bugs and grass and whatnot. That whatever they’re feeding the chickens is what’s going to cause cancer eventually. I definitely think she was on to something.
- Buy only organic dirty dozen fruits and vegetables
- Switch over to BPA-free stuff, and all-glass tupperware items
- Try to eat vegetables with at least two meals of the day
- Try to stay away from genetically modified organisms and “fake food” in general (Quest bars = my weakness)
- Eating every 4 or so hours
And I’m sure there are more. However, my most recent modification, and one I’ve talked about a lot on here, has made the biggest impact on my health. It’s completely eliminated the dizzy spells, complete with shakiness, light-headedness, and sweating, that I used to have in the middle of a walk with Niko or a spin class. It’s helped regulate my cycles (to a T! Super duper regular) and help me sleep better. It’s also helped me eat more mindfully instead of just grabbing this or that. And it comes down to one simple guideline:
Eat a source of protein every single time I go to put something in my mouth.
This does not mean I’m eating a low-carb diet, it just means when I go to eat starchy carbs, I make sure that a protein source accompanies that carbohydrate.
Toast + potatoes (starchy carbs) with turkey sausage and two eggs (protein!) Bonus points for healthy fats in the avocado
No more grabbing a handful of sugary cookies at random, or eating a bowl of ice cream several hours after dinner by itself. In fact, if I do want dessert a few hours after dinner, is just what I said earlier – accompany it with a source of protein. Like last night, I really wanted some chocolate covered banana chips, which would make my blood sugar all sorts of wonky – especially no bueno right before bed. I still had them, but I also had some Greek yogurt along with them. (It’s kind of my loophole for when I want dessert, haha)
No more blood sugar crashes=regulated hormones=a happier, healthier Paige.
What’s the most important diet change you’ve made for your health?
I like the protein tip! I need to try it.
Jackie recently posted…Couch Potato
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Love this! I have tried eating more protein for my snacks and it helps to curb cravings and not overeating. Thanks for sharing!
Heather Murphy recently posted…My top 5 tips for avoiding fall/ winter weight gain.
I like these tips! One thing that I’ve been more mindful of is getting more fat. I used to shun all things fat-related, but, like you said, it helped me stay ‘regular,’ it gets rid of crazy cravings and I even feel more energized when I wake up in the morning. I always thought i’d gain a ton of weight by doing this, but it’s really only been a few pounds that I actually needed. It’s pretty crazy how small tweaks can make such a big difference. Great post!
lindsay recently posted…exploring florida: museums, boy bands, beaches & bike rides.
I am all about the protein packed meals and buying organic meat, while it might be more expensive it is sooo worth it! Plus reading the book skinny bitch will make you really think about what ur eating!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted…2013 March Of Dimes Signature Chef Auction
That’s a great change. Protein is SO key and it’s easy to not get enough. I recently went to all-glass vs plastic storage containers too. : )
Right now I am doing the 21 Day Sugar Detox and I am noticing so many changes in how I feel. It has made me remember to add protein into all my meals/snacks as well, makes a difference!
Adrienne Graves recently posted…21 Day Sugar Detox
I never understand people who don’t eat every 4 hours, I get hungry! It’s pretty rare for me to go 5 or more hours without needing a snack or another meal.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted…Who do you want to be?
I do the same thing now…if I’m eating anything, I make sure there is protein involved. Carbs are easy. Protein takes a little more thought for me especially since I don’t eat meat. I also don’t use supplements as a meal replacer, but as a meal enhancer. Chia, eggs, beans and nut butters are my best food friends.
I’m glad you had a great visit, but also glad you make it home safely! Have a great week!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted…Amazing Weekend With Friends and Family!
Great tips! I need to get better at buying organic – unfortunately student budget makes that a tad difficult. And I definitely need food at least every 3-4 hours – unless I’ve just eaten a huge meal, I’ll be ready to chew my arm off if I go 5 or more without.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…I Have a Perch.
I definitely need to do better about getting more protein. It’s my one diet weakness! I’m just always at a loss on how best to incorporate it.
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…MIMM: A PR And A Ride In The Clouds
How great that you’ve been able to get your body under control with eating adequate amounts of protein! What are your favorite sources of protein and how do you incorporate them in a meal/snack? (Post idea – hint hint. ;)) I ask because I’m always trying to get protein into my meals and snacks, but I don’t consume a ton of meat so it’s something I struggle with at times. I find myself consuming more protein powder than I’d like, so just wondering what some of your snacks/meals look like!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Back in the Gym: These Days {Part 2}
Cutting way back on dairy consumption. I used to eat yogurt a couple of times a day, cheese and milk in my oatmeal. When I gave that up I now longer had a constant nasal drip and biannual sinus infections. Huge improvement to my health.
Love it! The biggest help for me (so far) is having more fat in my diet! I need to work on the protein part!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…A Blast From the Past: Homemade Applesauce
Eating “REAL” foods (aka less processed, non-GMO) has been HUGE for me. Do I still eat other things from time to time? Yes, but if I’m constantly being more MINDFUL of what’s going into my body and knowing where it’s coming from, I’m putting myself in a better situation.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted…Lately
I do love to have protein with all my meals and nearly all my snacks (especially in the form of Greek yogurt). Healthy fats also keep me satiated for a longer time too.
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…Weekend Happenings {MIMM #8}
This is such a solid tip, Paige! I don’t think I’ve been getting enough protein lately (or maybe even eating enough in general?) as I’ve had some uncharacteristic shakiness and low energy. I was sick this weekend, so I keep thinking that’s what it is, but now I wonder if it’s actually my eating – I’m doing Janetha’s Holiday Hustle and I think the morning shake isn’t enough and the supplements (just switched onto some new ones at the half way mark) have not been good to my body as this is all relatively new…So tomorrow I’m back to eggs and oats in the morning and skipping my supplements to see if that helps! I’m always high energy and feeling good so this is unusual for me. Phew! Excited to see if the change helps.
At any rate, love that idea of protein in every bite – I’m on board and will keep this in mind when I take my next snack! Have a great day and enjoy being back home with your man! I think absence really does make the heart grow fonder. 😀
Bonnie recently posted…Half Way Reflections
Great tips! Those are a lot of changes (that probably didn’t happen overnight) – but have obviously made an impact on your health and well being! I really should buy organic and stop with the processed stuff….little steps lead to bigger ones, right??
-Sammy @ http://www.peaceandloveandicecream.com
Sammy @ Peace Love and Ice Cream recently posted…Some days I have an inner battle with myself
Interesting! I have protein with every meal, except dessert – maybe that’s what causing my breakouts again, because nothing else in my diet has changed. Grr.
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig recently posted…A pause in programming
Having my son forced me to look more at the foods we were eating and we’ve made the same changes in our house. I feel so much better about feeding my family good, healthy, clean food and while it can be a little more expensive it’s so worth it!
I have been bad lately, but I am trying to add more fruits and veggies to my diet.
That’s an interesting tweak. I think maybe I’ll try that. I need to be eating more protein in general ,I think anyway.
The most important thing I’ve ever changed (which wasn’t really recently) was to eat snacks between meals and always make sure I’m staying hydrated. I used to get awful headaches almost daily in the afternoon and since I drink enough water now, I rarely do. And I would get incredibly shaky or moody if I was just eating 3 squares a day, but once I started eating a snack in between each meal and smaller meals, it evened itself out. If my schedule gets thrown off (like on weekends when I don’t have the structure of work), I can always tell the difference!
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Oh Garmin, This Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship
it’s so great when you figure out the best diet for your body. not necessarily always what your tongue wants (i am so guilty of quest bars, too!) but definitely best for your bod. and luckily healthy food tastes great, too!
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