Let’s talk about food and the role it plays in feeling strong, energized and confident. For me, nutrition has always been a huge part of my lifestyle, and with time I realized that it’s truly about 80% of the results we want to see in our bodies. I’m not a doctor and I can’t recommend a specific diet to anyone, because we all have different needs, routines and bodies. But I can share the principles that help me stay consistent, feel good from the inside and maintain a balanced relationship with food.

The first rule I follow is eating often, but in small portions. This approach works the best for my metabolism. I don’t like the feeling of being too full, and at the same time I don’t like feeling hungry, so small meals throughout the day keep my energy level stable. On regular weekdays, I usually eat four to five times a day. It’s not something I force myself to do; it has become a natural rhythm for my body, and it helps me avoid overeating later in the day.

Another principle that has changed everything for me is balance. A balanced plate for me means having protein, good fats and complex carbohydrates in every meal. This combination not only keeps me full for longer but also supports my workouts, recovery and overall well-being. I learned that when I eat balanced meals, I don’t crave unhealthy snacks, and I don’t experience those sudden drops of energy that used to happen when I relied too much on quick carbs.

Over time, I also decided to avoid added sugar, fast food, fried fatty food and bakery. These products simply don’t make me feel good. They make me bloated, low on energy, and they don’t bring anything valuable to my body. It’s not about strict restrictions or fear of food; it’s about being honest about how my body reacts. When I choose whole, nutritious food, I feel lighter, stronger and more focused, so naturally I stay away from the things that don’t support my well-being.

One thing that made a huge difference for me was learning to read ingredients and nutrition labels. It sounds simple, but it completely changes the way you shop. I started noticing how many products contain hidden sugar, artificial ingredients or trans fats that my body doesn’t need at all. When you become more aware of what you’re actually eating, it becomes much easier to make better choices without feeling restricted.

And finally, weekends. I truly believe in balance, and that means allowing myself some flexibility. Weekends are the time when I can enjoy something more indulgent if I want to. If I crave something not very healthy, I wait until the weekend. This habit helps me stay consistent during the week and enjoy my treats without guilt or overthinking. Everything in life should have its balance, including food.

If you want to see what my daily meals look like, you can check my stories and the “Toned legs challenge Food” highlight. There I share a lot of examples, ideas and my real everyday meals.