Surviving on Iced Coffee and One Meal A Day

I’ve become a more mindful about taking care of myself, but the current buzz about intermittent fasting never fails to amuse me. While many are just jumping on this bandwagon, I was a devoted passenger for most of my adult working life. You see, for some of us, it’s not just about a trendy diet; it’s been a survival strategy. In the chaos of modern life, having multiple iced coffees and a decent meal is all you have time and energy for.

Survival Mode

My daily routine was like a never-ending whirlwind of tasks and power struggles with my “three-nager.” Even after I prepared a nutritious meal for him, I’d find myself munching on scraps and sipping iced coffee. But here’s the thing – it’s a band-aid, not a solution. We know that maintaining good health comes down to a balance of exercise and nutrition. While coffee provides a momentary burst of energy, it’s not a sustainable source of nourishment. And as for having just one meal a day? That’s not so much a meal as it is a survival ritual, but it can have benefits.

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting may not be safe for everyone, but when done appropriately, it does have some science-backed benefits:

1. Improved Weight Management: By restricting your eating window, intermittent fasting can help control calorie intake, aiding in weight loss or maintenance.
2. Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity: Fasting periods may improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
3. Cellular Repair: Autophagy, a cellular cleansing process, is boosted during fasting, potentially reducing the risk of various diseases.
4. Simplicity and Time Savings: Fewer meals means less time spent cooking and cleaning up, leaving more time for other pursuits.

The Reality

While intermittent fasting offers some undeniable perks, it’s essential to acknowledge that a balanced diet is, in many ways, the gold standard for overall health. And truth be told, it’s the philosophy I wholeheartedly believe in. A balanced diet, rich in a variety of nutrients from different food groups, fuels our bodies with everything it needs to function at its best. The biggest challenge is just finding the time, energy, and motivation to maintain this balance in our fast-paced lives can be quite the challenge.

Tips for Eating Well Amidst the Chaos

So, how does one strike a balance between a balanced diet and…life? Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

1. Plan Ahead: Dedicate time to planning ahead and figure out what works for you. I like to batch cook and freeze ready made portions, but weekly meal preps are not for me. I just cannot eat the same thing for 3 days, that I made 3 days ago. Variety is the spice of life and I’m always feeling spicy! Anyway, I also like to keep an inventory list of all my perishable items like meats, fruits, and vegetables on the refrigerator. That way, I can see what I have, keep an eye on what might be going bad, and gauge what to make throughout the week. Winner winner chicken dinner! I’m always happy when I can mitigate food waste!
2. Snack Smart: Keep healthy snack options on hand. I get it, if you’re used to reaching for the Doritos, you’re definitely not gonna wanna replace it with a carrot. While it great to choose nutritious snacks like nuts, yogurt, fruits, or veggies, we don’t expect perfection here, just mindfulness. Unhealthy eating habits can alter our tastes in food so take baby steps if you need to.
3. Hydrate: If you don’t know how much water you’re drinking, it’s probably not enough. And if you’re like me, you need the occasional reminder. Water is essential for overall health, so keep a reusable bottle handy. We try to be eco-conscious here.
4. See A Doctor: Consult a healthcare professional to ensure you’re meeting your specific needs. Sometimes you need a trained professional to tell you stuff you needed to hear to get the gears going. After all, health is like money, you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone.
5. Flexibility: Be forgiving of yourself. Some days, life will get the best of your diet plans, and that’s okay. Aim for consistency, not perfection.

The Exception

Whether you’re into intermittent fasting or simply striving for balance, it’s crucial to remember that wellness is a journey. By embracing mindfulness and consistency, we can better prioritize our health. While surviving on iced coffee and one meal a day may be our reality at times, let’s aim to make it the exception rather than the rule. Our bodies deserve better than to be fueled solely by caffeine and convenience.