Spring into Healthy Habits with Expert Guidance
As we welcome the new season, it’s the perfect time to refresh our approach to healthy living. We’re shining the spotlight on May Zhu, a Chicago-based media dietitian and founder of Nutrition Happens, who shares her valuable insights on building sustainable eating habits.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
May highlights the most common myths people have about adopting a healthier lifestyle. Many believe it’s time-consuming, expensive, or solely focused on weight loss. However, May emphasizes that a foundational knowledge of healthy eating is key, and it’s not about quick fixes or trendy products. By focusing on budget-friendly and convenient foods, individuals can create a lifestyle that yields benefits beyond weight loss, such as improved energy, digestion, confidence, and mood.
From Passion to Profession
May’s journey into dietetics began with her own quest for knowledge, sparked by training for a half-marathon in college. She soon discovered the importance of credible sources and pursued a degree in food science, nutrition, and dietetics. May’s goal is to help people simplify nutrition science and find their unique path to healthy living.
Customizing Your Health Journey
May stresses the importance of recognizing that each person’s path to health is different. She helps clients clear the clutter of misinformation and develop a manageable approach to healthy eating. By evaluating their current nutrition knowledge and eating patterns, May pinpoints areas for improvement and guides individuals towards their goals.
Starting from Scratch
For those new to healthy eating, May recommends starting small. Begin by replacing one meal with a balanced option that includes vegetables, fiber, and protein. Gradually build new habits, focusing on one change at a time. This approach helps prevent overwhelm and increases the likelihood of sustainable lifestyle changes.
The Power of Diet and Nutrition
May believes that diet and nutrition play a significant role in overall mood, mindset, and lifestyle, ranking it a 7 out of 10. A healthy diet helps regulate energy and digestion, which are closely linked to mood regulation. By fueling our bodies with nutrient-dense foods, we can boost confidence and overall well-being.
Essential Grocery Staples
May shares her capsule grocery list, featuring six must-haves:
- Eggs: A budget-friendly protein option for any meal
- Leafy greens: Easy to add nutrients to any dish
- Cruciferous vegetables: Packed with fiber and nutrients
- Fresh or frozen fruit: Diversify your nutrient intake with a variety of options
- Greek yogurt: High-protein snack or lunch option
- Salad dressing: A convenient finishing touch for salads
Join the Conversation
Tune in to our Spring Refresh event on April 11 to hear more from May and our expert panelists. Get your tickets now and start building a healthier, happier you!
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