The 3 Myths About Healthy Eating (and what works instead)

Hey everyone, it’s Melissa Opie! If you haven’t read my interview with Lady Code, check it out here.

I’m very excited to share with you that I will be contributing to Lady Code starting today.

I am your health and wellness guru, plus your loving empowerment coach! I’m a certified holistic health coach and passionate ballerina. My bio will be coming soon! In the meantime, enjoy today’s article by yours truly about healthy eating.

by Melissa Opie

*freedom guide, health mentor, and purpose finder*

 

Hi sweet friends,

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words, “healthy eating?”

Do you think of words like death, tasteless, rules, boring, sacrifice, and restrictive?

Or do you think of words like vibrant, juicy, fit and thriving?

 

I’m here to show you that living healthy is NOT what you think.

 

Myth #1: Your life will consist of counting calories, deprivation, and drinking only skim milk.

Yes, there are some people who choose to live this way.

However, this way of life is not at all required to be healthy, and many studies are coming out showing that it’s actually unnecessary to count calories. The digestive system is so complex that limiting calories itself does not address the whole picture.

Another thing, this obsession with avoiding any fat in our food must come to an end. NOW. We have been mislead into thinking that all fat is evil. Studies are showing now that there are good fats and bad fats. So yes, please avoid the bad fats. But let yourself enjoy the good fats because much of our bodily functions depend on it. Plus, it’s good for your skin, keeping it soft, supple and nourished. My personal favorite fat? Avocados.

 

Myth #2: You must have relentless self-control and get a gym membership.

First off, we all have a desire to enjoy life. We are not robots, and we have this innate need to be free. The more we box ourselves in, we more we want to rebel. This can lead to secretive and destructive patterns. Secondly, the gym membership is cool, but only if you truly enjoy going and it brings you joy. There are many other options for working out that might actually be better for you long-term. Experiment with the type of movement that brings you the most joy. This way, it’s much easier to incorporate exercise to your daily life.

 

Myth #3: Being skinny = healthy.

Nope! There are healthy skinny people and unhealthy skinny people. Everyone’s healthiest weight is different and sometimes it depends on factors that we just can’t control.

What’s more important than being skinny?

Being healthy → Feeling confident →  Being able to shine the way you want to →  Making a difference in the world.

 

Here’s the most important takeaway from this article: There is no one-size-fits-all diet. There is no “right” way of living or eating. Do your own research, listen to your body, notice what’s true and right for you.

So, what does it really mean to eat healthy?

With all the contradicting information out there about the perfect diet, it’s no wonder that people are confused!

Is it this pill or that pill? More meat or less meat? High fat or low fat? Carbs are evil or carbs are good? Is gluten bad for everyone? Is being vegan just a trend?

 

Fundamentally, we all know that eating less processed food, eating less sugar, getting enough sleep, moving your body and eating more vegetables will help us feel better. And yet, how many of you are actually doing these things and feeling delicious and alive?

 

You cannot deny the link between what we feed our bodies and how we feel in our day-to-day lives.

-That chronic fatigue, the brain fog, the after-lunch coma… these are all preventable.

-You can even put an end your digestive woes, clear up your skin problems, balance your hormones, and raise your level of self-confidence!

-Anti-aging? Certain foods do that naturally, and it’s cheaper than botox!

-Weight loss? The right foods and lifestyle choices will help your body just let it all go easily, without the hard work and sacrifice.

-Tired of feeling tired? All that coffee just isn’t cutting it anymore? Give your poor adrenals a break! Your body is meant to function on natural energy. You can help your body out by eating to support it rather than deplete it.

As you can see, the topic of healthy eating is vast. There are so many things that I can go into specifically for each topic, but it would be too long for this article.

And we are so lucky to have magical ‘google’ at our fingertips. Type in a question about anything and boom, answers appear in seconds.

We definitely can’t blame lack of information for our problems.

 

Here’s the amazing thing: Your body knows how to heal itself. But you have to let it do its thing. You can do that by eating foods that nourish your body. Nutrient-dense foods, not just empty fillers to keep you satiated. Your body is totally equipped to handle a strawberry, but when it comes to those cheesy puffed snacks in a bag, it’s going to take a little bit more work for your body to break it down and digest it.

 

Our bodies are made out of cells, and it’s helpful to think about how our food affects those cells. Take a moment, close your eyes. Picture all the little cells that are working and thriving and dying in your body. Amazing, isn’t it? And all those bits and pieces that make up your anatomy are only part of the picture.

It’s you. YOU are the most important piece of the puzzle. You, and the depths of your dreams, your willingness to face obstacles and your commitment to making a difference in the world.

 

What is stopping us from making the choices that serve us?

Now that, my friend, is a great question.

The answer is found deep within yourself.

I encourage each of you to find a quiet moment in your daily hustle n’ bustle to tune into your heart.

Remember what’s important and express gratitude for all that you’re blessed with.

 

 

To your authentic radiance,

Melissa Opie

~ Your friendly freedom guide, health mentor, and purpose finder.

P.S. This is July, people. We are halfway through 2014, and it’s time to check-in with yourself. How are you doing on those goals for the year? Are you staying on task? Have you drifted off the road to find yourself watching too much TV and stalking your friends on Facebook? Instead of feeling like crap comparing yourself to others, own your life!

~ Dare to live the life that YOU design ~

For those of you who don’t want this year to end the same as every other year … If you’re ready for something different …. If  you’re fed-up with the yo-yo dieting …. If you want real results that stick …. If you’re ready to live aligned with your true purpose …. If you have a goal that seems ‘impossible,’ but you want to make it happen …. fill this out NOW → take the first step towards change!

(Having doubts about my ability to help your particular situation? TRY ME 🙂 I’m very good at what I do)