5 Smart Shifts I Wish I Could've Shared With My Younger Self

If you're anything like me, you’ve probably looked back and thought, “Why didn’t I know this 10 years ago?” That’s exactly what today’s chat is about - my top five health game-changers I wish I had embraced earlier. Whether you’re 25 or 75, these insights can shift the needle in how you feel, look, and thrive. From nutrition tracking without guilt to finally getting that high-quality protein in, these tips aren’t about restriction - they’re about empowerment.

I’m opening up about what’s worked, what didn’t, and why strength training, ditching the processed stuff, and even allowing yourself to be hungry can be revolutionary. This one is packed with real-life examples, scientific backing, and simple steps to get started without getting overwhelmed.

What we're tackling:

• Track your food with intention, not shame.

• Ditch skinny, build strong with progressive overload.

• Prioritize protein without obsessing.

• Phase out processed foods gradually.

• Embrace hunger and stop snacking aimlessly.

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Podcast Produced by Virtually You!

Sources:

Tracking Nutrition

Burke, L. E., Wang, J., & Sevick, M. A. (2011). Self-monitoring in weight loss: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 111(1), 92–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2010.10.008

Raber, M., Patterson, M., & Jia, W. (2021). A systematic review of the use of dietary self-monitoring in behavioral weight-loss interventions: Current practices and future recommendations. Public Health Nutrition, 24(17), 5885–5913. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980021002381

Prioritizing High-Quality Protein

Holt, S. H. A., Brand Miller, J. C., Petocz, P., & Farmakalidis, E. (1995). A satiety index of common foods. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 49(9), 675–690.

Ortinau, L. C., Culp, J. M., & Hoertel, H. A. (2014). Effects of high-protein vs. high-fat snacks on appetite control, satiety, and eating initiation in healthy women. Nutrition Journal, 13, 97. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-97

Dhillon, J., Craig, B. A., Leidy, H. J., Amankwaah, A. F., Jacobs, A., Jones, B. L., & Jones, J. B. (2016). The effects of increased protein intake on fullness: A meta-analysis and its limitations. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(6), 968–983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2016.01.003

Zhu, R., et al. (2021). Effect of a high-protein, low-glycemic index diet on hunger and weight maintenance: Results from the PREVIEW study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 649928. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.649928

Strength Training vs. Cardio

Saeidifard, F., Medina-Inojosa, J. R., West, C. P., & Lopez-Jimenez, F. (2019). The role of resistance training in the prevention and management of chronic disease. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 26(5), 505–515. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487318822333

Momma, H., et al. (2022). Muscle-strengthening activities and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56(10), 755–763. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2021-105061

Cutting Ultra-Processed Foods

Monteiro, C. A., Cannon, G., Levy, R. B., Moubarac, J. C., Louzada, M. L., Rauber, F., ... & Jaime, P. C. (2019). Ultra-processed foods: What they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutrition, 22(5), 936–941. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980018003762

Srour, B., et al. (2019). Ultra-processed food intake and risk of cardiovascular disease: Prospective cohort study (NutriNet-Santé). BMJ, 365, l1451. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1451

Mindful Hunger / Fasting

Bruce, L. J., & Ricciardelli, L. A. (2016). A systematic review of the psychosocial correlates of intuitive eating among adult women. Appetite, 96, 454–472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.10.012

Longo, V. D., & Panda, S. (2016). Fasting, circadian rhythms, and time-restricted feeding in healthy lifespan. Cell Metabolism, 23(6), 1048–1059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2016.06.001