I started the Keto diet back in July and I stayed pretty strict to it for about 6 or 7 months. Three months ago I would have told you that carbs are the devil. I definitely judged people who I saw eating sandwiches and mac ‘n cheese without guilt. Well, guess what? Carbs are not the devil – something YOU probably already knew. I started to realize that restricting the foods I ate was only backfiring. Trying to be as thin as possible and working out three times a day was not worth sacrificing my friendships and mental health. So, after a lot of self-reflection, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be friends with my body and treat it as well as I could, while still enjoying some foods I love that may be considered less nutritious. But the thing is, eating clean, nutrient-rich foods makes my body feel so strong. I have noticed that I am stronger in my workouts and have more energy throughout the day. I don’t feel so lethargic I have to squeeze in power naps between classes. My body has begun to thank me for fueling it properly and treating it with respect.
Food is exactly that: fuel. Making “healthy choices” doesn’t have to be a sacrifice; in fact, it should be something exciting. The grocery store shouldn’t be stressful – it should be fun! Planning meals and picking out new fruits and vegetables to try is so much fun and so doable on a weekly or monthly budget. Providing your body with adequate nutrients will only benefit your overall health. You don’t have to eat salads every day to be healthy; there are so many other foods that can provide your body with essential nutrients and salads aren’t always the healthiest (depending on the toppings you get and dressing OMG the dressing).
Now, I love carbs. Avo toast is a go-to and don’t even get me started on pita pizzas with vegan cheese (HELLO YUM). Being afraid of food is no way to live life. It is ok to treat yourself to the free chips and salsa at your favorite Mexican restaurant on Friday night (we all know the guac is the real move though). It is ok to splurge a little on a Halo Top occasionally (the vanilla is my favorite!) We only have one life to live and there is no use wasting it being afraid of food or planning our days around what we can and can’t eat.
It’s so important to remember that we are college students. A lot of times we are on the go and don’t have time to make a full meal. We’re on budgets – sometimes a quick Cliff bar from the refuel stations are all we can do. THAT’S OK! It is essential to forgive yourself and remove the guilt aspect from food. Treating your body with kindness and fueling it properly will change the way you function in your daily life.
Eat carbs now and then, eat vegetables, eat fruit, eat protein. Screw the unattainable diet plans that make eating a chore. Live life to the fullest and embrace every bite. Bring the joy back to eating and make your body your best friend.