From Hating Veggies to Building Habits: Baby Steps to Better Health with Dietitian Andres Ayesta
f you’ve ever considered whether pre-workout counts as breakfast or if devouring an entire pizza qualifies as intuitive eating—welcome, you’re in the right place. This week on Nacho Fitness Coach, we’re joined by Andres Ayesta, a registered dietitian, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and host of the Nutrition Blueprint podcast. Andres specializes in breaking down complex nutrition topics into digestible nuggets (yes, pun fully intended).
In this episode, we dive into food fears, veggie trauma, keystone habits, and the myth that you have to change your entire life on a Monday to get healthy.
The Great Vegetable Struggle (Yes, It's Real)
Let’s get this out in the open: Co-host Caleigh has beef with veggies. Raised on canned green beans and corn, she never really met a raw carrot or fresh broccoli until adulthood—and even now, she’s still working through her issues. (Collard greens were a hard no, mushrooms nearly caused convulsions.)
Sound familiar?
According to Andres, that aversion might come from childhood exposure—or lack of it. And he’s not here to shame anyone. Instead, he emphasizes learning how to prepare vegetables in enjoyable ways and gradually introducing them into your meals. Think roasted Brussels sprouts, spinach in smoothies, or yes, even raw baby carrots without ranch.
Why Small Steps Win Every Time
Forget overhauling your entire life overnight. Andres encourages clients to start with one thing: hydration, sleep, movement—whatever feels most doable. His advice? Audit your habits and choose one action that will move the needle forward.
One client, a busy dad of four, started with just drinking more water. That’s it. Until that habit became consistent, nothing else changed. Why? Because change that sticks has to be built on sustainable foundations, not sheer willpower or overwhelm.
Keystone Habits: The Domino Effect of Change
Andres introduces the concept of a keystone habit—one action that naturally leads to improvements in other areas. For example, starting a morning walk or Couch to 5K program may also inspire earlier bedtimes, better breakfast choices, or more mindfulness around food.
The beauty of a keystone habit is its ripple effect: when you start improving one area, the rest often follows. This principle is more sustainable (and mentally healthier) than trying to go “all in” on everything at once.
Recipes Are Optional, Simplicity Isn’t
No time (or desire) to cook? You’re not alone. Andres and the crew agree: you don’t need fancy recipes or hours in the kitchen to eat better. A simple meal formula—protein, whole grain, color (fruit or veggie)—can be applied anywhere, from home to fast food.
Andres' go-to lunch: Trader Joe’s salad kit + shawarma chicken + frozen rice = done in under 10 minutes.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be elaborate. It just needs to be consistent.
Final Thoughts: Find Your First Step
Whether it’s baby carrots, drinking more water, or walking a country road before sunrise, your health journey should start with your life in mind—not someone else’s template. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are small, powerful choices you can make today that ripple into lasting change.
Take the pressure off. Start with one thing. Keep it simple. And if you eat a mushroom, we’re proud of you.
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