What Does Healthy Eating Mean?

We need to clear the confusion around what healthy eating means. We often hear terms to describe healthy diets such as "clean" eating or "no processed foods" or "anti-inflammatory diets." The reality is that healthy eating can look different for each person. For example, one person can drastically improve their health by eating more fruits, veggies, nuts and beans. Another person on that same diet can notice a ton of digestion issues, bowel movement irregularities and general discomfort. 

For that reason, it's crucial to figure out not just what healthy eating looks like in general, but what it looks like for you. Do you feel better eating meat or limiting it entirely? Does gluten-containing products upset you or does it open up avenues to get in more fiber rich foods? 

Bottom line, healthy eating doesn't have 1 definition and the term healthy can be entirely subjective. Here are some general features of a healthy diet:

1. It's balanced including all 3 major macros: carbs, protein and fats

2. It has variety: you eat a variety of carbs (fruit, veggies, whole grains), protein (fish, meat, beans, tofu, eggs, cheese, yogurt) and fats (avocado, oil, nuts, seeds)

3. It is sufficient: you get in enough calories to properly fuel your day-to-day

4. It leaves you feeling satisfied: you include foods that taste good to you and are enjoyable