I have tried every type of diet out there--from vegan to carnivore, low-fat, high-fat, paleo, keto, etc., and here's what I've discovered: every body is different, our bodies are different at different times in our lives, and if you just cut out the processed crap you are doing your body a world of good right there.
Here's what works best for me, as a 50 year-old, pre-menopausal woman:
1. No sugars: 200 years ago the average person ate two pounds of sugar a year. Today the average is about three pounds per week! Sugar consumption is linked to diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, and many other health conditions. The biggest thing I noticed when I cut back on sugar was that I was able to get off the blood sugar roller coaster and stabilize my mood, energy levels, and tummy troubles. I didn't feel hungry all the time, I didn't feel comatose every afternoon around 1:00, and my brain just seemed to function better. These days when I indulge in a sweet treat I can feel it instantly light up my brain, followed by a crash soon after, followed by the urge to turn the fridge on its side, looking for something to balance my brain sugar again.
2. No grains: Most grains turn into sugars pretty quickly in your body--especially the refined ones found in bread, pasta, and cereals, and it's not enough just to go gluten-free. Whenever I have grains I find that my face, feet, and hands get puffy, my joints start to ache, my nose gets stuffy, and my hormones start to go haywire. Since I've cut out the grains my gut is a lot happier, I don't get PMS like I used to, my brain fog has lifted, and I don't end up with a sinus infection every winter.
3. Lots of healthy fats: Every cell in your body is made of cholesterol and needs cholesterol to function at its best (especially your brain!) Just make sure it's the the right kind. Your body doesn't know what to do with margarine, highly refined seed oils like corn, soy, and canola, and hydrogenated oils found in most processed baked goods. It does, however, thrive on fats found in avocados, nuts, olives, coconuts, and grass-fed butter. Fats also help you feel full and satisfied, which ultimately means you aren't snacking and craving sugar all day.
4. 2-3 cups of green leafy vegetables and/or cruciferous veggies each day: My favorite vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, preferably roasted, with lots of olive oil, salt, and pepper. The bonus is that these cruciferous vegetables are the best ones for detoxifying your body, and provide lots of vitamins and fiber. My other favorites are peppers, cucumbers, and celery, which I cut up and put out on the table for just about every meal. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals, too--especially calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
5. Lots of healthy protein: Just like fats, protein keeps you satiated and helps you build and maintain muscle. Go for the highest quality, keeping in mind the treatment of the animals and what they would or would not normally eat if given the choice. Look for grass-fed, grass-finished organic beef, pasture raised chicken and eggs (they like to eat bugs, not grain), and wild-caught fish. If your body does ok with dairy products, make sure you opt for high-quality organic products. And by the way, eggs are one of Nature's most perfect proteins, so if you don't like the idea of eating meat, at least eat some eggs--and don't skip the yolks--that's where the best stuff is!
So there you have it--my personal food rules, developed and researched over many years by a busy mom, marathoner, and recovering sugar addict. Let me know what's worked with you.
Cheers, friends!
I'd love to talk to you about the program, so book a free consultation with me by clicking the Calendly button. I look forward to talking to you!
Comments
Post a Comment