Laura Cipullo, RD | Positive Nutrition Philosophy

Laura Cipullo’s lifestyle approach, ‘Positive Nutrition’ is based on five pillars described in the best selling book (Laura’s third book), Women’s Health Body Clock Diet (Rodale, 2015). Eating is not about deprivation rather eating all foods consistent with your body and mind’s needs. Laura’s approach redefines the word ‘diet’ to it’s original definition found in Webster’s dictionary, “habitual nourishment.” And when you hear pillar, envision a structure that supports! The “Five Pillars to Positive Nutrition” support you on your journey to health and self-esteem.

The 5 Pillars of Positive Nutrition are about changing your “Fooditude” (attitude plus gratitude) towards food and body.

Pillar 1: Adopt an All Foods Fit Philosophy

Every food fits, as all foods provide nutrition — albeit in different ways. The key to making the all foods fit philosophy work for you is to exercise moderation. Eat many types of foods in sensible amounts, until you are full. Be aware of what foods satisfy you and what leaves you hungry. (More on that in Step 3.)

Pillar 2: Use Neutral Food Language

Clean eating is the latest trend, but I have a problem with the phrase. If you ask me, food isn’t clean or dirty — and really, isn’t clean or dirty just another way to say good or bad? Once you label food as bad it leads to guilt. Remember food is just food and doesn’t deserve value judgments. It all nourishes us one way or the other. Change your language around food, and you’ll change your relationship with it, to one that’s far more positive.

Pillar 3: Be an Honorable Eater

Did you have a “bad” food day? Did you binge on cookies or cakes? Stop feeling guilty about it. Stop telling yourself you are “bad” because of it. Your worth is not based on calories eaten or a random number on a scale. You are beautiful and worthy right now. Instead of focusing on how you “cheated,” let the idea of honoring your body inform your eating. What this means: Pay attention to when you are hungry and when you are full, and respect your body’s signals telling you that you are satisfied. Staying mindful during meals can help you achieve this goal. Check out more on mindfulness on my site right here.

Step 4: Don’t “Treat” Yourself Like a Dog

Another word I have a problem with is treats. Treats are for dogs, not humans. Don’t reward yourself with a treat for a day of healthy eating. From now on, think of food as fuel not as reward. If you want to treat yourself, make it a non-food item, like a bath or a movie.

Step 5: Love Fat. It’s Not Your Foe.

Stop thinking of fat as something negative. We need fat in our bodies and in our food. Don’t be afraid to eat fat. It definitely has a place in a well-balanced diet. And learn to love your body, even your fat. Talking negatively about yourself will only lessen your self-esteem.