🍽️ You Don’t Need a Diet. You Need a Rhythm 🎶

Courtney G. Jackson
May 15
2 min read

By JaNyCoIs Building Community – Health & Wellness Pillar

Let’s be honest: Most nutrition advice sounds like it's written by people who only shop at Whole Foods with unlimited budgets and time. But if you’ve ever had to make a meal out of eggs, frozen veggies, and vibes — this is for you.

Because real wellness? It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency, culture, and common sense.

Let’s break down the actual keys to a sound plate — and how you can eat well without losing your mind or your money.

🥩 1. Build Every Plate Like a Playlist

Just like music, your plate needs balance.

Think of it like this:

🎵 Protein = the bass (builds you up)

🥗 Veggies = the lyrics (good for your soul)

🍚 Healthy Carbs = the rhythm (energy)

🥑 Healthy Fats = the vibe (keeps it smooth)

Simple formula:👉🏾 Half plate = veggies, palm-size protein, fist of carbs, thumb of fat.

No scale needed. Just eat like you respect your body.

⏰ 2. Eat to Live, Don’t Live to Scroll

Mindless eating while bingeing Netflix or doom-scrolling? We’ve all done it.

But your body thrives when you’re present.Try this: one meal a day with no phone, no rush, no stress — just you and your plate. Listen to your fullness cues like you listen to your favorite playlist.

🛒 3. Your Grocery List = Your Success Plan

You don’t need a gourmet haul. You need go-to staples.

✔️ Rotisserie chicken

✔️Eggs

✔️Frozen veggies

✔️Brown rice or oats

✔️Greek yogurt or tofu

✔️Seasonings that make you happy

If it’s in your fridge, it’s in your future. Stock smart.

💧 4. Drink Water Like It’s Your Side Hustle

Tired? Drink water. Craving sugar? Drink water. Skin acting up? You already know — water.

Start your day with a glass before coffee. Keep a bottle on you like it's your best friend.

Flavor it with lemon, cucumber, or mint if that helps.

🧠 5. Food = Culture. Not Guilt.

Soul food. Family dinners. Sunday plates.

Your culture is not the problem — it’s the portion, preparation, and frequency that matter. Fried doesn’t have to mean every day. Mac and cheese doesn’t cancel your health goals — balance does.

Make your plate make sense for you. You’re allowed to love your food and take care of your body.