A "What can I add" mindset is a helpful tip to achieve a more balanced and nutritious diet while still allowing for occasional indulgences.

It encourages you to focus on enhancing your meals with nutrient-rich additions, which can satisfy cravings and make your diet more wholesome.

Here's a breakdown of how this mindset works:

Balancing Cravings: 

 When you have a craving for something indulgent, like chocolate or crackers, you don't have to eliminate them completely from your diet. Instead, you can reduce the amount of chocolate and add healthier options to your plate and balance the meal to meet your nutritional needs. 

Combining Flavors and Textures: 

By adding items like nuts, berries, ham, grapes, or hummus to your indulgent foods, you're not only increasing the nutritional value but also enhancing the overall eating experience. These additions bring a variety of flavours and textures to your meal.

Mindful Eating: 

The "What can I add" mindset promotes mindful eating, which means being conscious of the food you consume. It encourages you to make intentional choices and be aware of the nutritional content of your meals. Not all additions are created equal, so opt for options that provide a good balance of nutrition and flavour.

Moderation: 

Rather than completely eliminating "treat foods," this approach allows you to enjoy them in moderation. You can still have your desserts, but limiting them to once a week aligns with healthier eating habits.

Reducing Cravings: 

Adding nutritious elements to your meals can help satisfy your cravings more effectively. For example, adding a small portion of dark chocolate to a plate of berries and nuts might curb your sweet tooth while providing antioxidants and protein.

Demystifying Treat Foods: 

By not putting "treat foods" on a pedestal, you reduce the allure of these items. They become less of a forbidden fruit and more of an occasional indulgence.

Increasing Fruits and Vegetables: 

The "What can I add" mindset naturally encourages you to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. This increase in colourful, nutrient-rich foods can lead to a more balanced and nutritious overall diet.

Incorporating this mindset into your eating habits can make it easier to maintain a balanced diet without feeling deprived. It's a flexible approach that allows you to enjoy your favourite foods while prioritising nutrition.

However be aware this is a tool to help you follow a healthy diet and to use it taking into account that It's essential to choose nutrient-rich additions that align with your dietary needs and avoid potential allergens.

Overindulging in added items can still lead to excessive calorie intake, which may not align with weight management goals. Over Reliance on indulgent foods, even with healthy additions, may not provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. And if you have specific health concerns or conditions a dietitian or GP can provide personalised guidance to help you achieve your goals.

Remember that the "What can I add" mindset is not a magical solution to health and nutrition. It's a helpful strategy that may be suitable for some but should be part of a broader approach to diet and wellness.

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