Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat.

With nutrition, this is a very good motto to live by. It’s incredibly simple, however, the execution of this can be exceedingly difficult.

No matter where you are starting and how dissimilar or similar your diet is to the above statement, we do not suggest you overhaul your diet all in one go. Any change takes time. Especially changing something you have been doing everyday of your life. Allow yourself the time to change one small part of your nutrition per week, or even better, month. Do not move onto something new until you have mastered the “habit” you were trying to create. We also suggest adding, rather than subtracting when trying to learn a new habit. For example, add in vegetables rather than taking something out.

Just a heads up, there will always be someone doing some other “diet” that may sound too good to be true, but that’s always the case. It’s not a sustainable approach. Stick with your slow changes and you will set yourself up for success in the long-term.

Looking for a simple place to start? Below is a 6 week outline from the nutrition portion of our 2020 Verdant Wellness Challenge. If you’re successful each week, start trying to layer on the additional habits. If these habits seem too daunting, start smaller. If you do not eat anything green (except for the occasional mint leaf in your mojito) start with 1 cup of veggies instead of 3. We are all at different places in our nutrition journey. Meet yourself where you’re currently at.

Habit 1: Mindful eating – eat at table with no distractions.

Habit 2: Vegetables – eat 3 cups of vegetables per day.

Habit 3: Protein – eat 3 servings of protein per day.

Habit 4: Water – drink 8 glasses of water per day.

Habit 5: Alcohol – zero alcoholic beverages.

Habit 6: Log / track / measure daily food – use a journal or try an app like “My Fitness Pal”.

Verdant has many athletes and coaches that have been, or currently are in the exact same position as you. Make use of the knowledge at your disposal by simply asking the question: Here’s where I’m at, where should I start? What has/hasn’t worked for you? Or, if you simply need help being accountable, come on in to Verdant and tell your coach what your current habit is.