March is National Nutrition Month and what better time to spotlight ways to embrace healthier habits? We sat down with Katie Bryant, a holistic health practitioner and the force behind @freshfitkate, to get her insights on nutrition, wellness and setting your family up for a lifetime of health. Bryant’s approach is as inspiring as it is actionable, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, mindfulness and listening to your body.
Nutrition: It’s Personal
When it comes to nutrition, Bryant believes one size doesn’t fit all. “Learning what specific foods allow you to feel your best in all aspects is crucial,” she said. “Our bodies are really good at letting us know what works and what doesn’t.” She suggests a 30-day experiment: remove items like soda, ultra-processed sugars and artificial additives. “You’ll feel so much better by the end of it, you won’t want to go back.”
Bryant is also a strong advocate for fasting. “Even a simple 12-hour fast from dinner to breakfast can improve metabolic health, insulin sensitivity and cellular repair. Find what works for your body — I love the 16/8 fasting window.”
Tackling Misconceptions
Bryant acknowledged that social media can complicate nutrition. “There’s this myth that moderation is enough, but moderation means different things to different people. What we eat directly impacts our mental, physical and emotional health. It’s either helping us feel better or pulling us further from our goals.”
She also cautioned against “magical” solutions often promoted online. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I always recommend bloodwork to determine what your body actually needs instead of guessing based on trends.”
Busy Schedules, Balanced Plates
For families or individuals on the go, Bryant offered these practical tips to maintain healthy eating habits:
1. Double the recipe: “On weekends or less hectic nights, cook extra and freeze it for busy days. Having backup meals is a lifesaver.”
2. Grab-and-go: Stock your fridge with quick options like hard-boiled eggs, cooked shrimp and pre-washed fruits. Bryant also swears by prepped sweet potato slices as a versatile carb.
3. Plan ahead: “Winging it adds stress. Prep crockpot or sheet-pan meals for busy nights or rely on frozen meals you’ve prepared in advance.”
Her top advice? “Stick with it,” urged Bryant. “Meal prepping is trial and error; it takes time to find what works best for your family.”
Seasonal and Local Goodness
Bryant encouraged eating seasonally and locally. “Produce loses nutrients the longer it’s stored. Shopping at the farmers market ensures you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient-dense foods.”
For Mount Pleasant locals, Bryant recommended a visit to Local Jo’s Natural Foods for unique, healthy items or Tres Palmas Acai for sugar-conscious acai bowls. “Tres Palmas sweetens their bowls with bananas and honey instead of unnecessary sugars. My go-to is the choco bowl with organic peanut butter.”
Creating Healthy Habits for Kids
Raising healthy eaters starts with leading by example. “Kids watch what we do more than they listen to what we say,” Bryant explained. She suggests involving children in grocery shopping with apps like Yuka and EWG’s Healthy Living to make learning about nutrition interactive and fun.
“Another great tip is teaching kids how to make healthier versions of their favorite foods. It empowers them to make better choices on their own,” added Bryant.
Explore Healthy Options
For those looking to dive deeper into nutrition, Bryant recommends checking out Synchronicity wellness center’s events or attending a sourdough bread-making class. “Making sourdough at home has been such a gift for my family,” she said.
This Nutrition Month, take a cue from Bryant: focus on what makes your body feel its best, simplify where you can and lean into local resources to fuel your journey. After all, as Bryant reminds us, “So many of us have no idea how incredible God designed our bodies to feel.”
By Katie Finch
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