What I Learned by Working with Wendy Wesley Nutrition
I interviewed a former client who shared with me her story of “re-wiring” her brain around food. Becky is 54 and in peri-menopause. She says she has found “food serenity” which is a concept I’ve talked about/around but never had the right words for until now. Here’s her interview:
What about counting calories:
“I learned NOT to count calories or try to stick to a restrictive eating plan. I feel like my brain has been re-wired in relation to food after a lifetime of various ‘diets’. I truly believe for any program to have full impact you have to ignore calories. Just focus on eating the good stuff and the rest will take care of itself.”
What about nutrition science:
“I learned that most of what we have been told about good nutrition in the past is wrong (years of low-fat this and low-calorie that -it’s all garbage, and mostly ultra-processed garbage too) if you follow the mantra of eating real food, mostly plants, and just as much of it as you need, then you can’t go wrong.”
What about ultra-processed foods:
“I learned that I don’t have to completely quit UPFs at first but I worked on adding unprocessed foods and those naturally pushed out the UPFs. It got to the point where I lost my tastebuds for UPFs. It happened slowly but it helped a lot with cravings for sugar and flour. It’s incredible that I don’t want those kinds for foods anymore. That gave me “food serenity” and helped me feel like I was in control.”
What about portions:
“I learned that I don’t actually need to eat that much. Sometimes two good nutritious meals a day are enough. Listen to your body and if you’re not hungry don’t eat just because the clock says you should. If you’ve had a good balanced breakfast with protein and good fats you might not need lunch. Or if you aren’t in the mood for breakfast you can push for a later lunch.”
What about real life:
“I learned that sometimes I can have cake, wine, an ice cream, a meal out, some chocolate, without worrying. As long as it’s not all the time. And most importantly I will enjoy it, not feel guilty. And not talk about wagons and falling off them because I’m not on one! I’m just living my healthy life. Forever. That feels like freedom to me.”
What about health:
All this plus, at age 54 I’ve lost around 30 pounds. My BP has gone down into the normal range. I have more energy, fewer aches and pains and better digestion. I just threw away a load of indigestion remedies because I don’t need them anymore. Strangely, my balance has improved. Only downside is my clothes don’t fit but I don’t need many clothes anyway.