“Do your best. When you know better, do better.” These wise words from Maya Angelou are timeless, offering us guidance in many aspects of life. But have you ever thought about how they apply to your diet and well-being? Today, I want to suggest that you raise the bar on your diet by focusing on how you can find peace with your current eating habits while striving for the best diet to suit your life—which I call your ideal “dietstyle” for your lifestyle.
The Grace of Self-Awareness
We make choices about what we eat every day. Some of those choices may align with our health goals, while others might leave us feeling guilty or frustrated. It’s important to recognize that it’s okay to not have a perfect diet. What’s most valuable is your self-awareness around food and how it impacts your body and mind.
If you’re not making the best choices today, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you have an opportunity to raise the bar on your diet. Give yourself grace as you reflect on where you are now, but also acknowledge that growth is a continual process. When you know better, you can do better.
(For more on this concept of non-judgmental self-awareness, check out my previous post: Non-Judgmental Self-Awareness: Discovering Your Food Story.)
Raise the Bar on Your Diet: The “Dietstyle” Approach
Your dietstyle is more than just a temporary diet or a collection of restrictive rules. It’s about creating the ideal diet that fits your lifestyle and helps you become the greatest version of yourself. Think of it as the best way to eat for you—nourishing your body, satisfying your taste buds, and supporting your health goals.
If you’ve ever felt confused about what to eat or overwhelmed by conflicting information, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with this. I’ve talked about these challenges in my blog: Why Are We So Confused About What to Eat?.
To raise the bar in your diet, the key is to set your intentions with diligence and focus. By identifying your specific needs and goals, you can make more mindful dietary choices that suit your life, even when external pressures or temptations arise. It’s about being consistent and patient with yourself as you journey, with intention and diligence, towards a dietstyle that nourishes you – body, mind, and soul.
(For insights on setting and achieving goals with diligence, this article might help: Achieving Your Goals Through Diligence.)
Grace and Growth: The Journey to Better Choices
It’s tempting to compare your progress with others or to beat yourself up over a “bad” food choice. But that is a backward step. I want to be clear: your dietstyle is not about perfection; it’s about growth. With grace, self-reflection, and a strong sense of purpose, you can gradually raise your standards and improve your relationship with food.
In moments of doubt, remind yourself of what Maya Angelou said: “When you know better, do better.” This doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start small, experiment with new foods, listen within, and stay committed to becoming the best version of yourself.
(If you’re looking to explore more about nourishing your body and finding the joy in food, you might enjoy this post: Loving Your Food Matters.)
Setting Your Intentions for a Better Dietstyle
To take the next step in raising the bar on your dietstyle, begin by reflecting on the following questions:
- What foods energize you, and which ones leave you feeling sluggish?
- How do your food choices affect your mood and mental clarity?
- What are the small, manageable changes you can make to better align with your health goals?
Once you identify these, set a plan that allows for flexibility and grace. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet, which is why finding your own ideal dietstyle is so empowering.
As you continue to refine your relationship with food, remember: each step forward is progress, even if it’s just one small change at a time. Raising the bar doesn’t happen overnight, but with diligent intention, you can move toward a healthier, more balanced way of living.
(For inspiration on living a longer, healthier life, explore this article: How Long Do You Want to Live?. For insight on your eating style as part of your journey to create your own ‘dietstyle’ for your lifestyle, click here. It’s free.)
Conclusion: Do Better, Allow Yourself Grace
Ultimately, doing better in our diets, our health, and our lives starts with knowing better—and knowing better comes from reflection and self-awareness. Set your sights on the best version of yourself, but be kind to yourself along the way. The road to better health cannot be paved with guilt or self-criticism. Let grace and diligence guide you toward your ideal dietstyle.
If you’re ready to take this step, I encourage you to start today—because when you know better, you can do better.
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