A gradual process of healthifying

7 Mar 2011

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Healthy Living

by Anne

For some people, there’s a specific “a-ha” moment or big event that causes them to get healthy and stay that way. This might be a particular doctor’s visit, a really bad day, or a comment from a friend. But for others – myself included – the road to health is more gradual.

For me, learning to make healthy changes began with learning how to cook and how to be prepared. When I first graduated from college, I was exercising a good amount and eating somewhat healthfully, but had no idea how to cook anything that wasn’t super simple. For dinner, I often relied on frozen meals or dinners out, and while I packed lunch for work, I never packed enough and would often find myself hitting the office chocolate dish or vending machines hard in the afternoon. If I did pack a snack, it was often something packaged and processed that left me unsatisfied.

Slowly, I started reading food blogs and cookbooks, picking up tips, and being more adventurous in the kitchen. I lived in Prague from 2008-2009 teaching English, and that was when I really started getting into cooking for myself. I wasn’t a big fan of the restaurants there, so that really motivated me. I learned how to put together delicious, but very simple (and quick) meals, and since I couldn’t understand any of the Czech food labels at the store, I was mostly limited to fresh, whole foods!

I was surprised to find that not only was cooking easier than I’d thought, but it was fun, too. I especially grew to love  challenging myself to “healthify” typically calorie or fat-laden recipes, like muffins or chicken fingers. As I got more into cooking and healthy eating, I started having friends ask for my recipes – and thus, fANNEtastic food was born! I grew to love food and nutrition so much that I went back to school for my Masters of Public Health in Nutrition to become a Registered Dietitian! I never could have predicted where my life would take me – but I know I’m healthier (and happier) than ever.

Did you have a specific “a-ha” moment that motivated you to make healthy changes? Or was it more gradual, like with me?

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