There are countless trending diets claiming to aid in losing weight, detoxing, feeling healthier, increasing metabolism, and so on. But what if I told you that ONE diet could do all of this? Well, unfortunately there isn't a solid miracle diet that everyone can do to reach their goals. But, there is a way! The best diet you can do, shouldn't even be a diet. It should be a lifestyle change- a lifestyle which is tailored to you as an individual. So here are the building blocks for creating a diet (and soon to be lifestyle) that will make you, the healthiest you. 

1. Eat whole foods

• What is a whole foods diet? A whole food can be best defined as a food that still looks like it did when it grew in nature (vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, whole grains, etc.). These foods are minimally processed, if at all, and are very nutrient dense. 
• The easiest way to shop for whole foods is to shop the outskirts of the grocery store and avoid the aisle's unless you are looking for specific items. This will keep you focused on produce, meats and eggs, and will keep the temptation of processed foods away. 

2. Make a goal

• Start with tangible goals for yourself. A lifestyle change doesn't have to be an all or nothing kind of deal. Often when people diet they make promises to themselves to only eat 1200 calories a day, or to only eat fruits and vegetables, they tend to fall off the diet within a few weeks to months. A more tangible goal would be to start with adding 1 serving of vegetables daily or to avoid foods that come in a can. 
  • Here are other great places to start:
    • Eat the rainbow (sorry, not skittles!)- challenge yourself to eat as many different colors as you can with one meal. Try your best to stick to whole foods. You will inevitably discover many new items!
    • Divide your plate- Challenge yourself to fill 1/2 your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal. 
    • Add, don't remove- Instead of removing foods from your diet you love, work on adding in new foods. For instance, you can have your cake (and eat too!), but also add 1 serving of vegetables a day. 
    • Create a diet diary- Write down everything you are eating and reflect on it before you go to bed. Where did you do well? Where could you have done better? Associating positive food choices with personal appraisal will help you make better choices in the future. 
  • Have your own idea and think it'll help someone else? Please comment it below!

3. Be accountable to someone

• Having someone holding you accountable for your lifestyle changes will help you stay on track. It can be a friend, a spouse, your doctor, your kids (they LOVE the "eat the rainbow" goal), an online support group, or anyone you can be in contact with! Challenge them to do it with you.

~Always remember~

Even if you fall away from your goal, it is never to late to pick up where you left off. One serving of vegetables in a week is better than none, right? You CAN do it. 

Here are some great links to help you on your journey

• Whole Foods Market (recipes)
• Whole Life Nutrition (cook books, support groups, recipes)
• World's Healthiest Foods (information, recipes, support)