the 5 biggest health mistakes i used to make

I wish someone would have taught me these 5 things before starting my health journey. 

Alrighty, let's dive into the 5 BIGGEST HEALTH MISTAKES I used to make before becoming a health coach.  Seriously, I really wish someone would have taught me this stuff when I was in college---it would have saved me so much freakin' stress, shame and my health! 

1. Eating foods in isolation.

Our bodies absorb nutrients WAY better when we pair different types of foods together.  For example, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K have these crazy super powers when they are eaten all together. 

So the next time you make eggs, add in some spinach and your favorite cheese to get the best fuel out of your food!
 
Here’s a simple nutrient-bomb frittata recipe for you to whip up for brinner night or a leisurely breakfast with the fam.
 
2. Trying to keep EVERYTHING perfectly “clean”. 

Setting strict and rigid restrictions for your diet is not only unrealistic, but will most likely cause you guilt or shameful feelings when you do decide to indulge in something not typically healthy.

Give yourself GRACE my friend.
 
Create rhythms in your eating habits, like 80% home cooking and 20% fun indulges.  You’re not going to have a sustainable healthy diet if you’re constantly restricting yourself from those not so healthyish foods. We are all human, LIVE IT UP (in moderation)!
 
3. Doing all the work alone. 

Get your family involved in the kitchen! The only way you’re going to teach your family healthy habits is by including them in the process, because our kids definitely aren’t being taught nutrition in school. I should know, I’m a public school teacher.
 
Allow your family to have a say in the weekly dinner menu or lunch meal options. If you need a SIMPLE WEEKLY MEAL PLANNER, grab your copy right now! 

Ask them to help with simple prepping/cooking tasks, such as chopping veggies, stirring the sauce, or boiling noodles. My 20-month-old enjoys stirring things on the stove with parental supervision of course :). 
 
Involving your loved ones in the cooking department helps them learn your favorite recipes, so when you can’t be the “chef” a night, they will have the skills to take over and cook for you. Which is a phenomenal feeling, isn’t it?
 
4. Vegetable oil is healthy.   

I have seen so many of my clients’ kitchens stocked with canola and vegetable oil thinking that it’s healthy and “normal” to use when cooking. Our poor parents were all tricked into thinking these cooking oils were healthy for us.

BOY, IS THAT A FAT LIE! 
 
Do yourself a favor and throw away those garbage oils right now.  Invest in some quality cooking oils, such as avocado oil, cold-pressed olive oil, coconut oil, ghee or some organic butter.
 
5. There’s a healthy picture on this package which means it’s gotta be healthy. 

Never trust a food company by the front packaging.  Read the ingredients, because food companies are sneaky as hell.  Just because a mayonnaise container has a giant avocado on it, doesn’t mean it’s healthy.  Always read the ingredient labels. This is why I try to stick to real foods, versus packaged goods.
 
Here’s a list of some of My Favorite Healthy Packaged Foods if you need some ideas.

Anyways...

You are awesome!  I know you already have a lot on your plate #punintended, and your time is super precious. 

But, just know that I'm here for you, cheering you on!  

Life should never be too busy for your health. 


Always craving health & happiness, 

              Jillian  
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