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5 Powerful Habits for Staying Healthy in a Junk Food World
How do you stick to healthy eating when there’s a fast-food restaurant on every corner and healthy options are hard to come by.
Brenda Workman knows the struggle — and she’s found a way through it. After decades of yo-yo dieting, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, she made a mindset shift that changed everything. Now she’s 60 pounds lighter, off her medications, and thriving on a plant-based diet… in one of the unhealthiest states in the U.S.
Brenda joins Chuck Carroll to share the five practical habits that helped her stay the course, even when surrounded by junk food and temptations.
You’ll learn:
- Brenda’s five go-to strategies for eating healthy in an unhealthy world
- Why focusing on health — not weight loss — is the key to real change
- How to fight cravings and ditch junk food for good
- Practical tips for starting, and sticking with, a plant-based lifestyle
- Brenda’s Wellness Weekend in West Virginia
This episode is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard and Brooke’s Balanced Blueprint.
Episode FAQ
Q: How can I eat healthy when I’m surrounded by junk food?
A: Brenda shares five practical strategies that helped her stay committed to healthy eating:
- Shift your mindset: Focus on health, not weight loss
- Educate yourself: Free resources, like the Exam Room podcast, offer a wealth of information
- Find a support system
- Be consistent: Show the people around you you're serious about going plant based
- Batch cook: Keep healthy, grab-and-go meals in your kitchen to avoid temptations
Q: What are the best plant-based foods to keep in my kitchen?
A: Brenda Workman recommends stocking up on whole grains like quinoa, farro, and oats, plus canned or dry beans, whole grain pasta and big fruit salads. These staples make it easier to throw together quick, healthy meals
Q: What’s the best way to start a plant-based diet as a beginner?
Begin with education. Podcasts, books, and documentaries can help you learn your “why” and the “how.” Then, start small with simple meals, and build a support system of people who respect your choices.
Q: How can I resist food cravings?
Brenda talks about reprogramming her mindset — seeing junk food as “not my food” — and always having healthy options ready to go. Planning ahead and reminding yourself why you're making the change can help you stay strong.
