Why is Nutrition So Stressful? (And How to Find Your Balance)

Good, Better, Best & Focusing on What You CAN Control

Okay, let's be honest, navigating the world of nutrition these days is anything but effortless and easy.

Just the other day, I was at Publix trying to find eggs. We rarely shop there, but I saw on Instacart they had organic pasture-raised eggs in stock. So off I ran! (Anyone else relate?)

Me being me, I decided to browse their “health food” section while there.

I stared wide-eyed at the endless rows of "healthy" foods, each with its own set of claims and counterclaims. Organic. Gluten-free. No added sugar. Fortified with this, free of that... Even I get overwhelmed with all of this misinformation and health-washing. (A marketing tactic where companies make products, particularly food and beverages, appear healthier than they actually are through misleading claims and labeling,)

Sound familiar? If you're nodding along, you're not alone. So many women I talk to feel overwhelmed and confused when it comes to nutrition.

We're bombarded with conflicting information, pressured to be "perfect," and constantly second-guessing our choices. Add to that the anxieties about the food supply itself (pesticides, GMOs, heavy metals...oh my!), the challenges of feeding picky eaters, and the ever-present pressure to do it all, and it's no wonder nutrition has become a major source of stress.

But here's the thing: stress itself is a stressor. When we're constantly stressed about food, it impacts our hormones, our digestion, our energy levels...basically, everything!

So, how do we find balance in this chaotic world of nutrition? How do we nourish ourselves and our families without losing our minds in the process?

Here's my take, based on years of navigating this myself (as a nutritionist and a busy mom, believe me, I get it!):

1. Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mentality

Here's the thing: Life is messy. We're busy women, juggling a million things, and sometimes, those perfectly portioned salads and green protein smoothies just aren't going to happen. And that's okay! Because perfection isn't the goal. Progress is.

Instead of getting caught in the all-or-nothing trap, I like to think in terms of "good, better, best." It's a more flexible and forgiving approach that allows for real life. Here's how it works:

• Good: This is your baseline. It's about making conscious choices most of the time. Choosing whole foods over processed ones whenever possible. Adding in those extra veggies. Cooking a simple, nourishing meal instead of ordering take-out. These are the foundational food choices that support your overall well-being.