Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Nayely Gonzalez is a doctoral student at Indiana University Bloomington studying Counseling Psychology. Nayely graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Ripon College in 2016, double majoring in Psychology and English. Her research interests include human sexuality, Latinx mental health, sexual assault prevention strategies among college students, and clinical practice with LGBTQ populations.
In This Guide:
Making sure your body is getting the healthy foods it needs is a struggle for many people around the world. And if you're like most, changing bad eating habits is not easy when you're not used to having to watch what you put in your mouth. Here, you will find words of encouragement for those who have decided to better their health by improving their diet.
They Might Be Thinking:
- I’m eating healthy for me.
- I want to take better care of myself.
- I slipped up and ate something I shouldn’t have/ate too much. I’m such a failure.
- I feel great!
- I’m so glad I’m doing this for myself. I’m so excited!
- My body is looking, working and feeling better.
- I don’t know if I can do this. I just hate salads.
- I’ll juice cleanse tomorrow.
- It’s kind of hard making these changes alone.
- Sticking to healthy habits is hard, but I want to keep this going.
- Getting my loved ones on board with nutritious and healthy eating would make these changes a lot easier.
- I feel better and more energetic since I started eating healthier.
- I wish others would stop making comments about my eating habits and mind their own business. It’s so frustrating.
- I shouldn't have to explain to others what I do or don’t put in my mouth.
- Diabetes/heart disease, etc., runs in my family. I should really do something to protect myself from developing these conditions.
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- Wow, congrats! I can really see a difference in your energy since you’ve started eating healthy.
- What has this been like for you?
- [Have conversations about nutrition] I’m curious to know what you’ve learned throughout this process.
- Let’s meal prep together. It’ll be so much fun!
- Do you want to go grocery shopping together or go to the fresh produce market? That way we can keep each other accountable for what we buy.
- I admire your decision to live a healthier lifestyle.
- I heard you say this has been stressful for you. How can I support you?
- You have motivated me to want to eat healthier. Thank you.
- I have seen you persist despite setbacks. I am so proud of you.
- After hearing you speak, I can tell that you sound so much happier and more positive.
- I’m glad you’re doing what’s best for you and making these personal changes. It’s inspiring.
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- This is just a phase you’re going through. You'll be back to sitting on the couch eating junk food in no time.
- But you already have a great body!
- Let’s go to McDonald’s. My treat!
- What? You don’t like any of my food?
- Ugh! I can’t imagine just eating a salad for dinner.
- Are you on a diet or something?
- If we split dessert, we can split the calories.
- It’s about time. You should have been taking care of your health a long time ago.
- But, I made this just for you.
- Just eat it; it’s not going to kill you!
- I feel bad for you. How can you live without bacon?
- You’re so thin! How much do you weigh?
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