Find the Right Foods for You

You know what it’s like to create a pump-up playlist, right?

You compile a list of songs that—when they come on—make you say: “Yes, I feel like Rocky!”

And then your feet start to move and groove, and you are a force to be reckoned with.

Feels good, right?

Well, what if I told you that you could do this with food?

A traffic light eating method can help you create your own personal power-food list, one that—just like a good playlist—gives you energy, and makes you want to get out there and dance with life. 

Answer the questions below to create your own.

🟢 What foods make you feel awesome?

These are your green light foods.

These foods make you feel good—physically and emotionally.

You digest them well, you like the taste, and you have a healthy relationship with them. (Read: You can count on them for regular nourishment; you’re not just calling them up when you’re lonely or sad.)

🟡 What foods work for you, but only sometimes?

These are your yellow light foods.

You might like these foods, but when you eat them regularly or in larger portions, you just don’t feel great. For example, a small portion of lentils feels good, but a big bowl of them makes you feel bloated–like one of those big balloons in the Macy’s Day Parade. Yikes!

Alcohol and certain “junk foods” might wind up in this category, but so could kale.

🔴 What foods make you want to crawl into a hole after you eat them?

These are your red light foods.

These foods aren’t inherently “bad,” but they sure make YOU feel bad. (Think: They cause allergic reactions, indigestion, or make you feel out-of-control.)

Ultra-processed foods often fall into this category since many people find that, once they start eating them, they can’t stop. Cheetos, chips, M&M’s, ice cream—you get the idea.

At the same time, so-called “healthy” foods can be red-light-listed too. For example, if eggs give you hives, they’re red.

Everyone’s lists will be different.

While many nutrition coaching programs and health coaches use the traffic light method, they tend to resemble “eat this, not that” lists: Some foods are allowed and others are forbidden.

And the list is the same for everyone. Well, as you know, not everyone is the same.

With this traffic light approach, no foods are glorified or demonized.

And each person’s list is unique.

Nutrient quality is just ONE consideration.

Consider how foods make you feel—holistically:

🤔 Does this food feel good in my body?

🤔 Does this food align with my culture and values if that’s important to me?

🤔 Do I like how I behave when I’m around these foods?

When you make choices considering the questions above, you’ll probably tend to eat healthier. But more importantly, you’ll likely feel a greater sense of autonomy, flexibility and enjoyment when you eat.

Need help customizing your best holistic plan? Have a goal in mind that you could use coaching with? 

As your health coach, I don’t tell you what to do, I listen and support what you need to do.

Make this YOUR “Rocky” year. He had a coach. Shoot me an email and we’ll plan 2024 to be your best. 

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“The toughest opponent you’re ever going to have to face is in the mirror.” – Rocky Balboa