Centennial, CO
You have heard of Paleo, Keto, Vegan, Whole 30, Atkins, Body Type, Blood Type, Master Cleanse, Cabbage Soup… and the list goes on and on, but which diet IS the Perfect Diet?
People are always searching and reading about this diet or that diet. Sorry, it just isn’t that simple. If there were a perfect diet, we would all be eating it. It is confusing because diets contradict each other. One is high fat low carb, the other low carb and high fat. The truth is that our bodies are complex and everyone is so different. What may work for you may not work for your friend. Differences in anatomy, metabolism, body composition, genetics, cell structure, activity level, period of life, influences our overall health and the foods you need to feel your best. You need to listen to your body and determine what works.
Signs that you need to change your diet include:
- Poor digestion including gas, bloating, any pain along the digestive tract, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation
- Physical discomforts including arthritis, fatigue, poor muscle mass, etc.
- Excess weight or weight loss
- Blocks to your health, activity, or ability to work
- Mood Imbalances such as being hangry, irritable, fatigue, or any mood changes
- A diet that causes you guilt, worry, or confusion
Common factors in all healthy “diets” include:
- Fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals plus FIBER! Eating more fruits and vegetables decrease your risk of chronic disease.
- Whether you are eating if from vegetables, legumes, or animals, protein is essential for human life and help us build and maintain muscles.
- Although the amounts may vary from diet to diet, every cell in our body is covered in a fatty lipid layer. In addition, our brain is 60% fat.
- Decreasing sugar. If you think back in time to the hunter and gatherer days, sugar was only really available one time of year… in the summer. Our brain is trained to keep eating sugar even when you are full. Have you ever been eating and feel full and then try dessert and all of a sudden you can eat again?
- Decreasing processed foods.
- Optimizing digestion and nutritional absorption.
- Nutrient density is essential for good health. Our body needs nutrients in order to function. The amounts of each nutrient that each person may need will vary and will change throughout life.
I have many clients that have had success with the Whole 30 diet. It consists of 30 days of eliminating all inflammatory foods while focusing on a whole foods diet. A lot of people can follow that plan effectively with great results. It is so important to do whatever “diet” you can do long term since it is a lifestyle change. We are starting an online group support today. Find us on Facebook under LHH Whole 30 and ask to join, it’s free.
Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to try and experiment. You have to find YOUR perfect diet. It will take work, but remember you are worth it! And please know I am here to support you.
In health and happiness,
Maddie
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20329590
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/perfect-health-diet/201201/is-there-perfect-diet