Eating for Wellness

I am happy to report that though most of what I planned to do in the first part of 2024 has been railroaded by a great many things - including a broken foot, I am finally getting things up and running. So here we go with a window into my thoughts about eating and health.  

Have you noticed the plethora of restrictive diets, promoted on the internet?  There are vegan, vegetarian, carnivorous, low carb, low fat, fasting patterns and more. People read or hear the hype and jump aboard, often with great short term results.  Some of the plans presented are good for a number of reasons, yet some of them are down right harmful.  Some of the content creators are qualified and many are not.  In addition the science of nutrition keeps changing the “rules” as we grow in our understanding of how our bodies metabolize food.  Nutrition is a relatively young science, so you can expect to see the changes continue as we grow in our understanding of how different patterns of eating affect our health over a lifetime.  

What has gotten my attention lately, however, is a fear of eating I am noticing in people I coach or talk with as they work to make changes in their eating habits.  Many have begun to approach food choices with a lot of apprehension (which adds stress and affects digestion).  Some, in order to avoid the fear factor, either just give up and eat whatever they want, yet others become compulsive about their eating.  Although there is truth in the saying “we are what we eat.”  It is also true that the ditches fear creates for us can result in a host of other health problems.  We want to find the sure path to feeding our bodies well.  Good health is the end goal and it is attainable, even with all of the misinformation out there.

I am not a dietician or doctor so I cannot and will not treat or diagnose anything.   With a degree in Home Economists, Precision Nutrition Coaching certification and 40+ years of experience I can, however, help you find a sure path forward with an eating plan you have chosen or a qualified individual has defined for you. (Please work with a qualified health professional for any eating plan to deal with specific health issues.)  I teach people how to choose food, how to prepare it, how to preserve it and how to integrate it into daily eating patterns to reach their goals.  Here are my basics for reasonably healthy individuals.  

Eat at home as often as you can, sitting in a space which feels peaceful.
Eat foods that are fresh and minimally prepared.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables with a variety of vibrant color.
Avoid food preservatives, additives and flavor enhancers.
Less sugar is always better.
Eat protein with every meal.
Real food instead of powders and pills is a better choice.
Eat slowly and intentionally with good portion control understanding.
Eat really well 80% of the time, relax 20% of the time.    
Avoid foods that you don’t feel well after eating.

This list is based on common sense and/or supported by science.  Unless you have a specific health issue, following them will empower you to eat for wellness without “dieting.”  They are lifestyle choices and all pretty simple concepts, yet can be challenging to implement with our fast paced lifestyle, desire for convenience and limitless food choices.  If you are struggling, I would love to help you find your way forward.  

Thank you for reading though my thoughts on eating for wellness!  It got a little long.

Eat well,

Pam

Copyright © *(2022)* *(Middle Rose Life)*, All rights reserved.