Create your own definition of healthy eating

I just received the latest issue of the Beyond Chocolate newsletter, which talks about losing the mentality that 'healthy eating' has anything to do with weight loss. It took me some time to gather that having a jacket potato with lettuce and low-fat cottage cheese for lunch on a regular basis did not exactly equate with healthy eating (and this is something I barely eat now - in fact, I NEVER buy low-fat cottage cheese anymore and haven't done for about 3 years).

The idea that "low-fat = healthy" again was something that I needed to change my perception of, having come to learn that women who spend years cutting fat out of their diets are likely to suffer any number of health problems, such as increased cancer risk, because of it. So, I did especially like the latest newsletter because it really helps to clarify this concept:

"What exactly is healthy eating? What is a healthy diet? How do we make sense of the mountain of information, evidence and guidelines? Before we can begin to have a healthy diet we need to be clear on exactly what it means. Defining what it means to you is the first step.

First and foremost, take weight loss out of the equation. Does your approach to weight loss impact your diet? Does it shift the focus from good health to the number on the scales? Defining healthy eating for yourself means being willing to stop thinking in terms of pounds and inches lost and to start thinking in terms of nourishment and health gained. By shifting your attention to the quality and quantity of food you are eating and by exploring your relationship with food you are likely not only to have a healthier more nourishing diet but to reach a healthy body size that's right for you without trying.

Create your own definition

Whether you believe in eating five a day, eating less of certain foods, or including protein in every meal... the important thing is that you know what it means to you to have healthy diet. Getting caught up in the fug of 'I need to be healthier' often leads to desperately clutching at the latest fad. Experiment and do some research. Decide what makes sense to you or find people who you trust who have done the research for you. There is no absolute right or wrong, nobody really knows.

For every health food claim that's made, sooner or later another will emerge claiming the opposite! Gather information, evaluate it to the best of your ability and sprinkle liberally with several pinches of salt (given most research and subsequent health claims are funded by organizations with a vested interest). Your definition of healthy eating may look nothing like ours. The important thing is that you work out a definition that makes sense to you, is doable and feels good. As you live it, it may well change, evolve and shift as your needs and lifestyle changes."