53. Fueling the Body, Not Shrinking It: Nutrition, Cycles, and Breaking Free from Diet Culture with Paige Aberasturi
In this episode, we dive into the world of nutrition with registered dietitian Paige, who shares valuable insights on how women can better understand their relationship with food and health. Whether you're looking to improve your eating habits or just want to learn more about nutrition, this post is packed with actionable advice.
Paige is a registered dietitian and personal trainer with a unique journey into nutrition. Initially an actor, she became passionate about food and health while living in Los Angeles, where she sought to understand how nutrition and movement impact our bodies. This journey led her to help others navigate their nutrition effectively.
One of the biggest misconceptions in nutrition is the idea that simply eating less will lead to weight loss. Paige emphasizes that while it might seem straightforward, the reality is much more complex.
- Why This Matters: Many women, especially those aged 20-50, fall into the cycle of dieting, often focusing solely on the scale rather than overall health.
- What the Transcript Reveals: Paige points out that aiming for weight loss often neglects crucial factors like muscle and bone mass, which are essential for long-term health. As women age, losing muscle mass can lead to significant health issues.
- How to Apply It: Instead of focusing on weight loss, consider holistic health approaches that prioritize wellness over appearance.
According to Paige, a balanced approach to macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—is vital for optimal health.
- Foundational Concepts: Consistency in eating and understanding the proportions of macronutrients can lead to better health outcomes.
- Common Mistakes: Many individuals, particularly women, may prioritize one macronutrient over others, such as focusing solely on protein while neglecting carbs and fats.
- Practical Advice: Aim for three meals a day with appropriate snacks, ensuring a balanced intake of all macronutrients to avoid pitfalls like extreme hunger or fullness.
Paige highlights that consistency in meal timing and composition is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
- Eating Frequency: While three meals a day is a good baseline, incorporating snacks based on individual needs and activity levels can enhance energy and focus.
- Avoiding Hunger and Fullness Issues: It's crucial to listen to your body. If you find yourself overly hungry or lightheaded, it may be time to reassess your eating patterns.
Key Takeaways
- Holistic Health Over Weight Loss: Shift the focus from dieting and weight loss to overall well-being and body care.
- Balanced Macronutrients: Ensure that all macronutrients are included in your diet, rather than emphasizing one at the expense of others.
- Consistency is Key: Develop a routine around eating that aligns with your lifestyle and personal health goals.
In conclusion, understanding the complexities of nutrition can empower women to make informed choices that positively impact their health. By focusing on holistic well-being rather than restrictive diets, you can cultivate a healthier relationship with food.
Connect with Paige:
Coaching program (includes recorded and live aspects): https://www.startfuelingbetter.com/start-fueling-better-program/
1:1 nutrition counseling (often fully covered by insurance): https://www.startfuelingbetter.com/1-on-1-nutrition-counseling/
Emmamma Links: emmamma.com/links
The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Cyclical Doula Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Emma Goff or Emmamma LLC. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.