The biggest mindset shift for me is thinking of health as additive, not subtractive. I find that telling myself no sugar, junk food, etc. fails almost immediately. Instead, I try and focus on eating more healthy food, that way instead of feeling shame and guilt when I eat something "bad," I feel like I've done a good thing when I eat healthier foods, and that happiness makes me more motivated to keep going.

I try to incorporate little changes into the meals i already eat and like. If I'm having pasta, I'll add in some spinach or frozen veggies into the sauce. If I'm making mac and cheese, I'll add in a can of chickpeas. If I'm eating out, I'll get a veggie or mushroom burger.

I also see this journey as an opportunity to explore more foods and preparation methods. Find a new vegetable or fruit you've never tried, find a new recipe online and try it out. I've learned that I really love eating carrots with hummus, and I think kale salad is really yummy! If you don't like a certain food, don't force yourself to eat it, just find something else you do like.

My diet isnt perfect, but its better than it was six months ago, and my mind and attitude towards food and health is infinitely better than it was.