How Carla Hall makes a healthy diet joyfully

Question: Carla, how did your approach to nutrition develop while moving in different stages of life?

Carla Hall: As I aging, I became more deliberately how I eat. I have always loved food, but now I look at it through the lens of longevity, endurance and brain health. When I was more you, the condescending dishes were just that, fun and filling. But now I wonder how food serves me and my health.

I still enjoy comfortable foods, but I learned to give them a functional twist. Instead of a beef burger, I will go to Turkey or Vege burger on whole grain bun with many vegetables. And instead of sugar milk shakes, I will make a puree with Greek yogurt, berries, spinach and protein powder. It’s all about finding the joy of nourishing and making smart swaps that still feel satisfying.

Q: What does the typical day of eating look like you now?

Carla Hall: My days are busy, so I eat to burn. I usually go for six smaller meals throughout the day to maintain my energy, especially when I am in production mode. I can start with spicy oats made with chia seeds, sunflower milk and nuts – I absolutely love oats! Lunch can be a bowl of whole grains with quinoa, roasted vegetables and turkey breasts. I have a breakfast of humus and carrots, especially between dessert tastings. Dinner can be something fast from the fryer or grill, paired with whole grains. At night, especially if I train, I will have a protein shake to help with recovery.

Q: How do you approach the planning and preparation of eating?

Carla Hall: I focus on simplicity and aroma. The use of whole ingredients allows me to control the content of salt, sugar and fat in my meals. I improve dishes with fresh herbs and citrus fruits to reduce sodium without sacrificing taste. This approach makes eating both healthy and enjoyable – and the new Myfitnesspal eating plan really helps. It was a fantastic addition to my cooking philosophy. The dining planner helps me to organize my diet for the week, ensuring that I get a good balance of nutrients, while still keeping things exciting in the kitchen.

Question: Have you made any specific dietary adjustments to support your health against obsolete?

Carla Hall: Absolutely. I became more focused on getting enough protein and fiber and began to pay more attention to how food affects my energy, mood and digestion. Learning, I carry a gene related to dementia, really displaced my perspective. This made me more careful about my overall well-being, including thinking more predominantly about foods that can help maintain overall brain health. I also mean portions and time. It’s about supporting my body for long distances – I plan to live up to 104!

Question: What advice would you give to others who want to adapt their eating habits for better health?

Carla Hall: Start by listening to your body. Don’t be afraid to develop your habits as your needs change. Food is fuel and Joy – it is neither/or. Use spices, herbs and citrus fruits to keep dishes exciting without relying on sugar or salt. And don’t forget to give yourself a grace. Tracking my mefitnesspal meals really opened my eyes to what my body needs.

Question: How did menopause affect your dietary choice and complete nutrition?

Carla Hall: Menopause has led to significant changes in my body, including digestive problems and changes in energy levels. To manage them, I focused on the inclusion of foods with thick nutrients such as leafy green, whole grains and slender proteins. I also paid attention to hydration and included foods rich in calcium and magnesium to support bone health.

Question: How to provide variety and excitement in your meals while focusing on health?

Carla Hall: Spices, herbs and seasonal ingredients are my Go-Tos. I like to play with aroma to keep things interesting without relying on added sugars or fats. And I often combine learning about the unexpected – this is a great way to make people try new things.

I use myfitnesspal from before the pandemic – back when I didn’t even know what a macronutrient was – and helped me focus on what my body needs. That is why I am excited to partner with MyFitnesspal in a collection of recipes for their planning meals.

In my experience as a cook, this is one of the most practical instruments there. With a planning meal, you can now plan your eating for the week based on your nutritional goals and dietary preferences and even generates a grocery list, which makes shopping easy. Whether you are a spicy chef or just start, it’s a great way to enjoy a variety of healthy dishes without spending hours, inventing all this.

For me, it’s about balancing creativity with nutrition – and this tool helps to make this balance feel achievable to everyone.

Question: What role plays attention in your eating habits?

Carla Hall: Carefulness is key. I pay great attention to how food makes me feel – both physically and emotionally. This awareness helps me make a choice that is aligned with my health goals while maintaining the joy of nutrition.

At 61, I learned that it was not just a calorie counting; It’s about focusing on the nutrients that our bodies really need with age. Calcium For strong bones, protein to maintain muscle mass, fiber for digestive health and Potassium For heart health. That is why tracking food intake with MyFitnesspal was so impactful.

For me, the attention is to honesty – to become your own defender and really understand what your body needs. Tracking the intake helps me to stay deliberately.

Everything is related to balance and setting. For me, tracking was a useful tool – not for mania, but for awareness. The food is designed to enjoy and with a little consciousness we can give our bodies the love and nutrition they deserve.

The publication of how Carla Hall makes healthy eating joyfully first appeared on the Myfitnesspal blog.

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