Choosing what to eat isn’t just about counting calories or following the latest food trend — it’s a personal decision that shapes your energy, mood, productivity, and long-term health.
As your mentor, I want you to approach your food habits with the same mindset you would apply to your career or personal growth: with awareness, intention, and a willingness to listen to your body.
Let’s walk through a practical path to help you decide your food habits — one that is rooted in self-awareness, balance, and sustainability.
1. Know Your “Why”
Before you think about what to eat, ask yourself why you want to improve your food habits. Is it to:
- Feel more energetic throughout the day?
- Lose weight or gain muscle?
- Manage stress or anxiety?
- Improve digestion or skin?
- Prevent lifestyle diseases?
Your “why” will be your north star. It will help you stay committed when you’re tempted or confused by options.
2. Observe Your Body and Mind
Start noticing how you feel after different meals:
- Do you feel bloated or light?
- Are you sleepy or alert?
- Does your skin break out after certain foods?
- Do some foods lift your mood while others drag you down?
Your body gives you feedback — learn to listen. Keep a simple food journal for a week. It’s not about perfection, just observation.
3. Understand Your Lifestyle
Your food habits must align with your:
- Work schedule (Are you sedentary or active?)
- Sleep patterns
- Stress levels
- Cultural and regional preferences
For example, a night-shift worker needs a very different food rhythm than someone who starts their day at 6 AM. Respect your reality — not someone else’s Instagram diet.
4. Start with the Basics
You don’t need to jump into a fancy diet. Just build from the basics:
- Eat more real, unprocessed food (fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, nuts)
- Drink enough water
- Avoid mindless snacking and late-night bingeing
- Don’t skip meals or over-rely on caffeine
When you master the basics, you automatically reduce your dependency on junk and cravings.
5. Balance, Not Extremes
Avoid falling into the trap of extremes like “no carbs,” “only protein,” “zero sugar forever.”
Food should fuel your life, not become a source of fear or guilt. Practice:
- 80/20 Rule: Eat healthy 80% of the time, enjoy treats 20% of the time.
- Plate balance: Think of your plate like a pie chart — a mix of vegetables, carbs, proteins, and good fats.
6. Plan, But Stay Flexible
Meal prepping, grocery planning, and setting weekly menus can help you stay consistent. But leave space for spontaneity. A friend’s birthday or a festive meal is not a setback — it’s a celebration.