How to improve your diet? (diving deep into the problems)

Today, I want to rewind the clock and share a part of my youth that many of you might resonate with—the struggle to upgrade my dietary habits. Flash forward to 2020, a year that marked a significant transformation in my approach to food, incorporating unique strategies that weren’t buzzing in mainstream health circles. Since then, I’ve not only maintained control over my food choices but also discovered an unexpected link between breath, healing, and a thriving diet.

The Locust-Like Snacking Chronicles

In my childhood and teenage years, my relationship with food resembled a locust swarm, constantly devouring random items from the back of the cupboard, often oblivious to their expiration dates. Grocery store decisions were battlegrounds, torn between two snacks as if choosing one would alter the course of my joy.

Enter 2020: The Year of Transformation

The game-changing strategies of 2020 involved two key elements that went beyond conventional advice.

1. Embracing Daily Meditation

I delved into a daily meditation practice, a seemingly unrelated aspect to diet but one that worked wonders. Meditation became the bridge between impulsive dietary deviations and thoughtful choices governed by the prefrontal cortex. The delayed response introduced a gap in my intellect, reshaping my decision-making process. Notably, meditation’s impact on expanding the prefrontal cortex enhanced capabilities related to societal norms, laws, regulations, goals, and values.

2. Confronting Childhood Trauma

Recognizing childhood trauma as a root cause of dietary struggles was a pivotal realization. Conventional tactics like calorie tracking and fitness guidance only scratched the surface. To overcome trauma, I turned to conscious breathing—a powerful tool. Mindful breathing, even during daily activities like tooth brushing, became transformative. It involved ensuring breath reached every part of the body, from the stomach to the chest, dispelling constricted energies associated with trauma.

The Healing Power of Breathing

By focusing on breathing and cultivating a deep, conscious inhalation and exhalation routine, I discovered a path to healing. This simple yet profound practice facilitated a shift from a perpetual state of fight or flight to a more balanced and thoughtful existence. The newfound energy and authenticity infused into various aspects of life, including diet, underscored the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

The Overlooked Foundation: Your Breath

Now, let’s talk about an often-overlooked foundational element—your breath. While the fitness world might bombard you with tracking macros and specific diets, the essence of life often gets sidelined. Imagine achieving the perfect physique but lacking the essence of being truly alive at the moment. A six-pack won’t bring fulfillment if you’re not engaging with life wholeheartedly.

Improving your diet goes beyond popular advice—it involves focusing on your breath. When faced with dietary temptations, taking a deep breath can provide serenity and mental clarity, aiding decision-making and enhancing overall well-being.

The Golden Rule: Limit Your Ingredients

Now, let’s dive into dietary focus without discussing specific meal plans. Here’s a principle often overlooked online: you can achieve health with various diets. The golden rule is to limit your ingredient list. Many struggle with conflicting dietary advice, trying numerous plans without sustainable success.

Here’s the unconventional truth: you can attain health with almost any diet by adhering to one golden rule—limit your ingredients. You’re on the right path if you can confidently list the ingredients you consume. Aim for simplicity—choose foods you can consume consistently for a lifetime and gradually make small improvements.

Don’t fall into the trap of constantly switching diets or attempting extreme restrictions. Strive for a sustainable approach, embracing simplicity and consistency. Evaluate your current eating habits, simplify your ingredient list, and aim for around 10 ingredients, including carb sources, protein sources, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and seasonings.

This approach allows you to experience the profound impact of individual ingredients on your body. It’s akin to the clarity gained by successful entrepreneurs who focus on refining a single business model. Simplify your diet, embrace the power of a concise ingredient list, and watch your health thrive.

If you’re ready to take yourself together and want to start working towards your highest goals, then you may find Andrew Huberman lab interesting where you can check out his personal daily routine and many more!

  Here’s to breathing, healing, and a thriving diet—may your journey be as enlightening as mine!