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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHere, at Carolina Total Wellness, we often recommend dietary adjustments to treat a wide variety of symptoms. Many of our patients come to us for guidance, asking \u2018What is the healthiest diet?\u2019 And the truth is, the \u2018healthiest diet\u2019 is unique to the person eating it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One patient may get itchy and congested when they eat and need to reduce or eliminate foods that may increase or contain histamines like leftovers and peanuts. Another patient may have intestinal permeability and need to eliminate identified sensitives to gluten, oats and eggs. Yet another may be concerned about their family history of Alzheimer\u2019s disease or cancer and need to make a variety of other adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of health status and dietary needs, most of us prefer sharing meals with our friends, family and coworkers over dining alone. Sometimes even a simple lunch can be a source of concern when a well-meaning aunt or friend asks about your \u2018crazy diet.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over and over again, patients tell me that eating with their families is a barrier to successfully making the adjustments necessary to improve their health. Here are some strategies to enjoy eating the food that nourishes your body with the people that nourish your soul (and even some people that don\u2019t):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Know your why. <\/strong>Get clear on why you are making the changes. And practice your responses ahead of time. When you know exactly what you are trying to accomplish with your food, it is easier to make good choices and much harder for someone else to convince you otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have a short \u2018elevator pitch\u2019 prepared. Something like, \u2018I wasn\u2019t feeling my best recently and, after talking to my doctor, I am focused on eating foods that nourish my body and soul like (name a few key foods you\u2019re enjoying eating.)\u2019 And then mention a positive outcome like. \u2018You wouldn\u2019t believe how much better I am sleeping!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have at least one person fully in your corner. <\/strong>As part of your preparation for making these changes, make sure you talk to a trusted friend or partner that will be your support-person when the going gets tough. No matter how committed you are to health changes, there will be days when you don\u2019t get enough rest or you have a bad day at the office. On these days, even strong-willed, prepared \u2018you\u2019 can have a tough time remembering your \u2018why\u2019 and the \u2018Can\u2019t you have just one bite?\u2019 question may be coming from inside your own head. On these days, call this person and tell them that you are considering deviating from your plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Project confidence.<\/strong> Add a big smile to your \u2018No thank you\u2019 and you\u2019re less likely to get pushback or hear \u2018Can\u2019t you have just one?\u2019 Know your restaurant order before you go and say it confidently. \u2018I\u2019ll have the burger, no bun, no cheese, extra lettuce and the spinach salad on the side, please.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGirl (or boy,) stop apologizing.\u201d <\/strong>Rachel Hollis made this phrase famous with her book by the same name. She was right, though. There is no need to apologize for doing what is right for your health and\/or sanity. Try replacing \u2018I\u2019m sorry\u2019 with \u2018Thank you.\u2019 For example, instead of \u2018I\u2019m sorry to inconvenience you,\u2019 try \u2018Thank you for accommodating for my gluten\/dairy\/egg\/sugar sensitivity.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boundaries. <\/strong>Some people have no trouble with the sentence \u2018no.\u2019 But for many, it is easier to please the people around you and silently suffer your own consequences later. This can be exhausting and lead to difficulty knowing what you wanted in the first place. Know where your line is and don\u2019t let anyone tempt you to cross it. Remember that everything you say \u2018yes\u2019 to is a \u2018no\u2019 to something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is okay to make inappropriate people uncomfortable.<\/strong> If, for example, someone makes a comment about your body composition or fertility, it is not only okay to make them uncomfortable, but also brave and good. Saying \u2018That\u2019s inappropriate\u2019 could keep them from bestowing their judgement on another undeserving person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The health coaches at Carolina Total Wellness are here to support you in your personalized health care journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Partner In Health,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Erica Nelson, MSPH, NBC-HWC<\/p>\n\n\n\n Erica Nelson, MSPH, NBC-HWC Here, at Carolina Total Wellness, we often recommend dietary adjustments to treat a wide variety of symptoms. Many of our patients come to us for guidance, asking \u2018What is the healthiest diet?\u2019 And the truth is, the \u2018healthiest diet\u2019 is unique to the person eating it. One patient may get itchy … <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/carolinatotalwellness.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Erica-681x1024.jpeg\"){kind=spacer}
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