3 Healthy Habits I Learned from My Mom

I often think healthy habits are like the home Dorothy was searching for in The Wiz. After all the ups and downs, twists and turns, and long journey, what she needed was inside her all the time.

When I think back over my life, there were times when I ate more cheeseburgers than chia seeds, and more pizza than peas. But when I really think about it, there were some things that were instilled in me as a child by my mom – and they’ve served me well as I’ve worked toward better health as an adult.

1) Eat a “Square Meal”

When I was growing up, the concept of the “square meal” was a big deal. A protein, a vegetable, and a starch all needed to be in attendance on your plate.

The protein may not have been super lean, and the starch may have been mashed potatoes from a box, but they had the right idea.

I use a very similar formula to help clients create balanced meals now. I now choose lean proteins and whole food sources of starches (aka smart carbs), and I add healthy fats to the mix, but the concept is still the same.

Thanks mom.

2) Don’t eat after 8pm

When I was very young, my family ate dinner at the table at a set time every day.

After dinner, we sometimes had dessert. This was around 6pm. After this time, it was understood that the kitchen was closed. There was no such thing as eating in front of the TV or late night snacks.

I’ve realized over the years that this was a form of intermittent fasting, and it was built into the culture of many families at the time.

We naturally fasted from dinner to breakfast the next morning – and got all the benefits of that – on a daily basis. No special effort or diet required.

3) Drink (Diluted) Apple Cider Vinegar

I remember my mom mixing up apple cider vinegar and honey into what she called her “tonic” whenever she was feeling off.

She used it as an all around elixir to reset her system when needed. Studies have now shown that apple cider vinegar may help manage blood sugar, balance hormones, and help with weight loss.

My mom was ahead of the game, and I now use apple cider vinegar regularly in my cooking. I can be found sipping on it here and there too.

While we often chase the latest trends in healthy eating, there’s a lot that previous generations can teach us when it comes to wellness.

Have you learned any healthy habits from elders?