This Q&A series aims to explore personal perspectives and experiences related to weight, nutrition and overall well-being. Through candid conversations, we seek to understand individuals’ motivation to manage their weight, the evolution of their views over time, and the overall impact of weight-related journeys on different aspects of life.
Erin Palinski-Wade is a 4-time author, registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes educator, certified personal trainer, and widely respected diabetes and nutrition media expert. but that’s not all! Erin is also a busy mom of three who believes in progress, not perfection. and a MyFitnessPal Scientific Advisor,
After struggling with body image and the scales for years, Polinsky-Wade took a stand and chose health over perfection. In our conversation, Polinsky-Wade shares this transformational journey, and how saying goodbye to guilt and hello to optimal nutrition changed her life. Plus, she also shares some of her favorite recipes that make her feel good inside and out.
A Q&A with Erin Palinski-Wade-RD
Why do you care about your weight? For what reason do you want to manage it?
I try not to focus on any specific numbers, but more on feeling my best, having energy and strength. This not only contributes to my long-term health but also helps me be the best I can be for my family.
What are your current nutrition and/or weight-related goals?
My main goal is to stay as healthy and active as possible for my family. My goal is to establish a positive relationship with food for my children while emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and physical activity.
How has your thinking about your weight changed over the years? What caused those changes?
My mindset has shifted from focusing on a number to understanding the importance of body composition and nutrition. This transformation began with studying nutrition in college and experiencing pregnancy.
Have you had to overcome any body image expectations or dysfunctional mindset?
Yes, it took time and a lot of inner work to trust my body and improve my relationship with it, moving from a ‘skinny at all costs’ mentality to a ‘healthy, strong and feeling my best’ mentality. .
What have you learned and/or discovered about yourself during your weight-related journeys?
There is a link between a perfectionistic personality and weight gain. One has to make space for failures and shift from an all-or-nothing mentality to seeing failure as a teaching moment.
What improvements did you see along the way before reaching your weight goal?
Once I started paying more attention to how I felt instead of being a perfect weight, everything got better. My energy levels, mood and stress levels improved and my relationship with food became healthier.
How do you balance a body-positive attitude with achieving weight-related goals?
I focus not on just one number but on multiple measurements of total health, including body composition, waist circumference, energy levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, strength and fitness.
What lifestyle regimen do you currently follow?
I don’t follow any set ‘diet’, but instead focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, with an emphasis on fiber and protein.
What small changes or approaches to your daily routine make it easier to maintain healthy habits?
I focus on drinking enough water, eating enough fiber and getting enough protein every day. It simplifies my eating and allows me to meet all of my health/nutrition goals.
Have you discovered any great recipes or foods that help you feel good inside and out?
Yes, I love finding ways to make sweets more nutritious. some of my favorites are High Protein Cake Pops, Banana Chocolate Chip CookiesAnd Keto Peanut Brittle,
Fun facts: You can search and save over 2,000 recipes in MyFitnessPal app,
How do you handle tough times or when it feels like you’re not making progress on your weight goals?
When those times come, I focus my goals on aspects like body image, energy levels, nutrition and health. Small adjustments in these aspects usually also improve weight.
How do you handle it when you choose less healthy options or fall out of your routine?
Instead of beating myself up, I try to understand why it happened and learn from it.
What does nutrition for a day in your life look like?
My days vary, but I usually eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks. I start my day with a protein-rich breakfast and aim to include a fruit or vegetable and a low-fat protein at each meal.
Learn more about Palinski-Wade by meeting him Website or stalking him Instagram,
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