Far removed from the days of food policing, modern nutritionists spend their days counseling clients toward lifestyle changes, creating balance, bettering health, eating for disease prevention or management, and healing fragile relationships with food.<\/p>\n
So in the spirit of National Nutrition Month<\/a>, we asked nutritionists to share the one health habit they can’t live without.<\/p>\n Listen to your body<\/strong> Give yourself grace<\/strong> Give back<\/strong> Practice gratitude<\/strong> Plan ahead<\/strong> Manage mental health<\/strong> Commit to your workout<\/strong> Eat breakfast<\/strong> Take intentional breaks<\/strong> Emphasize sleep<\/strong> Supplement appropriately<\/strong> Practice self-care<\/strong>
\nAs intuitive eating<\/a> continues to gain momentum, we\u2019re bringing the focus back to our bodies. \u201cI’m big on listening to what my body needs at that particular moment,\u201d says dietitian Chloe Schweinshaut<\/a>. \u201cThere are times that I feel like I need more meat and other times when I feel like eating more plants. Some days may be more carb heavy for me than others. Just like there isn’t one perfect diet for everyone, I recognize that there isn’t just one way of eating for me as my needs can be ever-changing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBeating ourselves up for cheating on our diet or getting off track is falling out of style. Alyssa Ashmore<\/a>, a dietitian specializing in sports nutrition, says, \u201chealth means being able to be flexible with our goals and how they fit into our lives. I\u2019ve learned to not beat myself up over the small things and to look forward to the next meal or the next day as another opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nOften believers in holistic balance, many nutritionists invest in their own health by paying it forward. \u201cI volunteer at my local community garden. It is a great way to utilize my interests in food as a dietitian, connect with others in a social setting, and feel good about giving back,\u201d says dietitian Heather Steele<\/a>. Dietitian Stephanie Van’t Zelfden<\/a> practices what she preaches by coaching her daughter to care for herself. She explains, \u201cI show her how to listen to her body, nourish herself with delicious and healthful foods, and also enjoy treats without self-judgment. I’ve found that by focusing on how I can help her develop happy and healthy habits, it helps me be mindful of my own health in ways that I wasn’t before I had a child.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThinking of all the things I am grateful for helps\u00a0put things into perspective. It helps decrease negative thoughts and shift me into a more positive mindset,”\u00a0says dietitian Jeanette Kimszal<\/a>. “It also helps to keep anxiety and stress at bay. I try to think of three things I am grateful for each day.”<\/p>\n
\nKeeping stress at bay can take some serious practice. Integrative and functional nutritionist\u00a0Adrienne Raimo<\/a> says, \u201cI’ve found planning for the week (menu-planning and prep) to be instrumental for helping me eat well, move my body, engage in self-care, build in breaks, as well as keep up with business and personal life. The Sunday morning 30-minute organization habit is a low investment for a high reward in my total well-being.”<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s no secret that mental well-being is an integral part of our overall health. \u201cBeing a naturally anxious and over analyzing person, worry can literally spin my physical health into a negative spot,\u201d says dietitian Chelsea Cross<\/a>. \u201cDaily morning reading that teaches me ways to help my thought processes can start my day on a positive and content place ready to tackle my tasks. You can eat the best diet, but if your mind is not well nourished and loved, your body will never be fully at peace.”<\/p>\n
\nThis might seem like an obvious step to living healthily, but it really is so<\/em> important! \u201cI schedule my workouts like an appointment and say no to anything that competed with the time commitment,\u201d says dietitian Jen Barr.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI always make time for a good, slow breakfast. I try and take 20 minutes to enjoy my breakfast and have a cup of coffee while I have quiet time without any phone or devices in front of me,\u201d says dietitian and chef Whitney Reist<\/a>. She says starting her day with a calm, collected breakfast sets her up to be positive and productive in what could otherwise be lazy morning hours.<\/p>\n
\nIn school or work, constant tasks can quickly wear us down, but taking the time for regular breaks can bring a bit of calm back to the chaos. Dietitian and author Katey Davidson<\/a> finds that active or social breaks can pay off over time. “When you return to your project or task, you come in with a clear mind and this can significantly decrease the time needed to finish it,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\nIt turns out beauty sleep can be health sleep too. Samara Abbott<\/a>, a licensed dietitian nutritionist, says that getting plenty of sleep allows her to, \u201chave great energy to be able to concentrate at work and get in some body movement during the day. Bad sleep hygiene can also contribute to poor hormone balance, which in turn can confuse hunger and fullness signals.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThrough careful research, finding the right supplements can help us fill our complete nutrient needs. Dietitian Stephanie Wagner<\/a> says, \u201cI add a fiber supplement, like acacia fiber, to my morning coffee. The supplement helps bridge any gaps in my diet. Adequate fiber intake plays a key role in our health. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar, while insoluble fiber keeps you regular. Both help us feel full and satisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNo matter how hard we work, there is no substitute for quality rest. \u201cI meditate at least once a day,\u201d says Maria Zamarripa<\/a>, a registered dietitian. She adds, \u201cthe everyday stresses of life can build up and lead to unwanted symptoms like high blood pressure, weight gain, poor energy, and more. A short, daily meditation routine can help lower stress levels, reduce sugar cravings, and boost your energy.” Fellow dietitian Clara Nosek<\/a> agrees, \u201cI make sure to take time for myself every day, whether it\u2019s a workout, a quiet cup of coffee, or a nap. I truly believe health starts from the inside out.\u201d<\/p>\n