Many Spaniards, like people in other countries, face a common problem: the desire for a healthy lifestyle often runs aground on the reefs of daily life. Renowned dietitian and nutritionist Carlos Ríos, the driving force behind the ‘real food’ movement, is convinced that setbacks in this area are rarely due to a lack of willpower. More often, we simply fall into familiar traps — but there are concrete ways to avoid them.
The first group of obstacles is tied to our social environment and the hectic pace of life. Parties, gatherings with friends at bars and restaurants inevitably tempt us to stray from our plans. The expert recommends being proactive: eat something healthy before going out to avoid binging on high-calorie snacks, and alternate alcoholic beverages with water during the event. Another common issue is a chronic lack of time. After a long workday, the idea of cooking dinner can feel unbearable, making it all too easy to reach for your phone and order takeout. The solution lies in planning. Just set aside a couple of hours on the weekend to prepare a few basic dishes and staples. This practice, known as ‘batch cooking,’ frees up weeknight evenings and helps protect against impulsive, unhealthy choices.
Equally significant barriers are internal and psychological. Stress and anxiety often drive us to seek comfort in food, typically choosing items high in sugar and fat. Rios highlights the importance of addressing emotional well-being and ensuring quality sleep, as chronic fatigue fuels cravings for unhealthy foods. At the same time, it’s essential to overcome dependence on ultra-processed products. This should not be done through strict bans, which can lead to relapses, but by gradually replacing them. As a first step, simply stop buying such foods for the home and instead keep healthy alternatives on hand—nuts, fruits, and plain yogurt.
There are also purely practical challenges. For instance, it is widely believed that healthy eating is expensive. However, buying seasonal vegetables and fruits, grains, and legumes allows you to create a balanced yet budget-friendly diet. The key is to avoid food waste and plan your meals. A busy work schedule also has its impact. Here, pre-prepared lunch containers and healthy snacks in your desk drawer can be a lifesaver. Finally, a lack of understanding from family or a partner can become a serious challenge. Instead of confrontation, nutritionists advise leading by example, seeking compromises, and involving loved ones in preparing healthy meals. And when you feel discouraged due to laziness or lack of motivation, it’s important to remember your initial goal and start with small, achievable steps. After all, as the expert emphasizes, consistency is far more valuable than fleeting perfection.
