Lily Simpson, healthy chef, founder of The Detox Kitchen and author of The Detox Kitchen Bible (Bloomsbury Publishing) is not a fan of the word “diet” or “you can’t eat that”: her food philosophy is all about eating well to feel better, without deprivation – which is right up our alley! She credits simple changes in daily lifestyle for feeling and looking better. Get Lily’s top five nutrition and wellbeing tips for sustaining a new healthy lifestyle below.
- Set Achievable Goals – Remember that being healthy is a lifestyle; there is no quick fix. Ease yourself into a healthy transition and allow yourself realistic time frames to avoid disappointment. Focus on how you want to feel, rather than how you want to look.
- Count Nutrients Not Calories – When you compare 100 calories from a diet soda to 200 calories from a freshly pressed green juice – the juice always wins. Don’t obsess with counting calories; just ensure everything you eat is nutritiously dense.
- Eat Whole Foods – Nourish your body with whole, unprocessed foods and make sure that everyday your plate is filled with an abundance of fruit and vegetables.
- Treat Yourself – Deprivation only leads to binge eating down the line. Make sure to treat yourself and explore ways to turn your naughtiest treats into guilt-free pleasures. Try and avoid refined sugar because it sends your body into a frenzy. To keep your sweet tooth satisfied, you can substitute the white stuff for cinnamon, fruit or natural sweeteners like raw honey and maple syrup.
- Listen to your body – Your body has a miraculous way of communicating with you. Make sure to listen to it and give it the rest that it needs. If you are hungry, eat. If you are tired, rest. This will keep you happy and healthy in the long and short-term.
WHAT I’M EATING NOW: Lily Simpson of The Detox Kitchen
