When faced with a decision, especially a big one, most people take time to consider their options. That feels pretty normal,

very mature and adult-like even.

But what if... You get stuck in that process of weighing your options? Researching all the options makes you feel like you’re

on a treadmill that you can’t get off? You get so overwhelmed by the possibilities and you just can’t choose?

I don’t know about you, but, as a recovering perfectionist, this has happened to me a lot. And not only in the big, grown-up

decisions, but in the seemingly unimportant day to day stuff too. Apparently, there’s a name for this kind of overthinking.

It’s called “analysis paralysis”.

Making healthy food choices seems to be one of those things that triggers analysis paralysis for many people. I hear people

saying that they’re worried about choosing the right thing in the right amount, and the choices are so overwhelming they

end up with “forget it, it’s too hard. I can’t do this.” The thing is, healthy, tasty food doesn’t have to be fussy or fancy. It

doesn’t always require a long list of ingredients or yet another trip to the grocery store.

If I’m singing your song here, may I offer an alternative mindset. Rather than getting caught up in the “rules” and whether

you’re doing it right, think about choosing a few basic principles to guide you. So, this is where there is some decision

making involved. Choose what your focus is for now; what’s important for you right now. It might be eating more

vegetables, or eating homemade, packed lunches instead of going out. Think broad strokes, and don’t get too caught up in

the small details. Then, trust your gut and see where it takes you.

For me, healthy eating means making sure that I’m consuming mostly nutrient-dense whole foods and limiting my sugar

intake. That’s it. What that ends up looking like on any given day really depends on how my body feels. So, it requires me to

tune in, listen to the cues my body is giving me, and trust that it’s right without overthinking. I’ve come to appreciate that

what works now will almost certainly change over time. What I choose to eat also depends on what’s going on in my life. For

example, I know that pizza and ice cream are not what makes my body feel its best, but spending time out with my family

feeds my heart and soul. Is that the “right” choice? For that day? Yep.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off

the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain