HEALTHY EATING IS NOT PUNISHMENT!

Let’s start from here; healthy eating is not jail term, nobody is arresting you for eating rice, no one is forcing you to survive on lettuce and vibes. If that’s what you think healthy eating is, please breathe.

Healthy eating is simply learning how to eat in a way that doesn’t leave you tired, bloated, cranky or questioning your life choices by 2 p.m. It’s not about cutting out all the good things. It’s about not letting one type of food bully the rest of your diet.

Healthy eating is about balance. If you’re eating carbohydrates, add protein, add vegetables, add something that isn’t just hunger. Your body likes variety, even if your cravings don’t.

Another lie we were told is that healthy eating must be expensive. Meanwhile, beans is right there, eggs are affordable, vegetables are minding their business in the market. You don’t need to break the bank; you just need to stop pretending instant noodles are a full personality.

Let’s talk about portions, because this one hurts. Just because the food is healthy doesn’t mean you should eat it like you’re preparing for hibernation. Healthy eating also means knowing when to stop, yes, even when the food is sweet.

Also, please drink water, no, tea is not water, malt is not water. Your body is begging quietly and you’re ignoring it. Sometimes you think you’re hungry, but you’re just dehydrated and dramatic.

Healthy eating is not about perfection, some days you’ll eat balanced meals, other days, life will happen and shawarma will win and that’s okay. The goal is consistency, not suffering. If you eat well most of the time, your body will forgive you for the occasional nonsense.

And finally, healthy eating should feel good, more energy, better sleep and fewer random body complaints. If your idea of healthy eating is making you miserable, you’re doing it wrong. Food is fuel, but it’s also joy. You’re allowed to enjoy both.

So no, healthy eating is not punishment. It’s just you choosing to take care of yourself, one plate at a time.