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Q: Carla, how has your approach to eating evolved as you’ve navigated different life stages?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more intentional about how I eat. I\u2019ve always loved food, but now I look at it through the lens of longevity, stamina, and brain health. When I was younger, indulgent meals were just that, fun and filling. But now, I ask myself how the food serves me and my health. <\/p>\n I still enjoy comfort foods, but I\u2019ve learned to give them a functional twist. Instead of a beef burger, I\u2019ll go for turkey or a veggie burger on a whole-grain bun with lots of veggies. And instead of sugary milkshakes, I\u2019ll make a smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, spinach, and protein powder. It\u2019s all about finding joy in nourishment and making smart swaps that still feel satisfying. <\/p>\n Q: What does a typical day of eating look like for you now?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> My days are busy, so I eat to fuel up. I usually go for six smaller meals throughout the day to keep my energy up, especially when I\u2019m in production mode. I might start with savory oats made with chia seeds, sunflower milk, and nuts\u2013\u2013I absolutely love oats! Lunch could be a whole-grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and turkey breast. I snack on hummus and carrots, especially between dessert tastings. Dinner might be something quick from the air fryer or grill, paired with whole grains. At night, especially if I\u2019m training, I\u2019ll have a protein shake to help with recovery.<\/p>\n Q: How do you approach meal planning and preparation?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> I focus on simplicity and flavor. Using whole ingredients allows me to control the salt, sugar, and fat content in my meals. I enhance dishes with fresh herbs and citrus to reduce sodium without sacrificing taste. This approach makes meal preparation both healthful and enjoyable\u2014and MyFitnessPal\u2019s new Meal Planner really helps. It’s been a fantastic complement to my cooking philosophy. Meal Planner helps me organize my meals for the week, ensuring I’m getting a good balance of nutrients while still keeping things exciting in the kitchen.<\/p>\n Q: Have you made any specific dietary adjustments to support your health as you’ve aged?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> Absolutely. I\u2019ve become more focused on getting enough protein and fiber, and I\u2019ve started paying closer attention to how food affects my energy, mood, and digestion. Learning I carry a gene linked to dementia really shifted my perspective. It made me more mindful about my overall well-being, including thinking more intentionally about foods that can help support general brain health. I\u2019m also mindful about portions and timing. It\u2019s about supporting my body for the long haul\u2014I plan to live to 104!<\/p>\n Q: What advice would you give to others looking to adapt their eating habits for better health?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> Start by listening to your body. Don\u2019t be afraid to evolve your habits as your needs change. Food is fuel and<\/em> joy\u2014it\u2019s not either\/or. Use spices, herbs, and citrus to keep meals exciting without relying on sugar or salt. And don\u2019t forget to give yourself grace. Tracking my meals with MyFitnessPal has really opened my eyes to what my body needs. <\/p>\n Q: How has menopause influenced your dietary choices and overall nutrition?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> Menopause brought about significant changes in my body, including digestive issues and shifts in energy levels. To manage these, I focused on incorporating nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins. I also paid attention to hydration and included foods rich in calcium<\/a> and magnesium<\/a> to support bone health.<\/p>\n Q: How do you ensure variety and excitement in your meals while focusing on health?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> Spices, herbs, and seasonal ingredients are my go-tos. I love playing with flavor to keep things interesting without relying on added sugars or fats. And I often combine the familiar with the unexpected\u2014it\u2019s a great way to ease people into trying new things.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been using MyFitnessPal since before the pandemic\u2014back when I didn\u2019t even know what a macronutrient was\u2014and it helped me stay focused on what my body needs. That\u2019s why I\u2019m excited to partner with MyFitnessPal on a recipe collection for their Meal Planner.<\/p>\n In my experience as a chef, this is one of the most practical tools out there. With Meal Planner you can now plan your meals for the week based on your nutritional goals and dietary preferences, and it even generates a grocery list, making shopping easy. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned cook or just starting out, it\u2019s a great way to enjoy varied, healthy meals without spending hours figuring it all out.<\/p>\n For me, it\u2019s about balancing creativity with nutrition\u2014and this tool helps make that balance feel achievable for everyone.<\/p>\n Q: What role does mindfulness play in your eating habits?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carla Hall:<\/strong> Mindfulness is key. I pay close attention to how food makes me feel\u2014both physically and emotionally. This awareness helps me make choices that align with my health goals while keeping the joy in eating.<\/p>\n At 61, I\u2019ve learned that it\u2019s not just about counting calories; it\u2019s about focusing on the nutrients our bodies truly need as we age. Calcium<\/a> for strong bones, protein<\/a> to maintain muscle mass, fiber for digestive health<\/a>, and potassium<\/a> for heart health. That’s why tracking my food intake with MyFitnessPal has been so impactful. <\/p>\n For me, mindfulness is about honesty\u2014being your own advocate and truly understanding what your body needs. Tracking my intake helps me stay intentional.<\/p>\n It\u2019s all about balance and tuning in. To me, tracking has been a helpful tool\u2014not for obsession, but for awareness. Food is meant to be enjoyed, and with a little mindfulness, we can give our bodies the love and nutrition they deserve.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The post How Carla Hall Makes Healthy Eating Joyful<\/a> appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Q: Carla, how has your approach to eating evolved as you’ve navigated different life stages? Carla Hall: As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more intentional about how I eat. 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