No way can we say that healthier eating or better diet
information isn’t out and talking to us loud and clear. You’ve got Dr. Hyman,
Dr. Weil, and the First Lady. So how does one really know which diet is the
best? Although this can be confusing for many people who aren’t trained in
nutrition or understanding scientific research, simple steps can help get you
on your way. I’ve written about some of these steps and foods in past articles,
but I want to reiterate a few points, as you might find yourself occasionally
becoming frustrated not knowing which diet to do: Paleo/Caveman, vegetarian,
vegan, Mediterranean, gluten-free, etc.
Of
all the scientific studies and research available, most agree on the following:
•
Refined processed sugar is bad
•
Processed, refined, unnatural foods are bad
•
Pesticides, additives, preservatives are bad
•
Non-pastured, processed soy and grain-fed animal meat is bad
•
High mercury levels in fish are bad
•
Cow milk/dairy is bad (with the exception of organic/fermented yogurts and
cheese for some)
•
Wheat—the gliadin and glutenin in today’s form of wheat is bad
You
can start to better your nutrition by first thinking—whole foods. Here
are some more tips to get you on your way:
•
Eat more fresh, green leafy vegetables (or just more vegetables in general) to
help change your brain chemistry to stop your sugar cravings
•
Don’t buy any white sugar, brown sugar, Agave (yes Agave!) but buy raw, organic
honey and use sparingly. I have many other tips for getting off sugar, but
that’s an entirely huge topic to include in this short column
•
Try your best to not buy anything in
a can, frozen (except vegetables/preferably organic), or box.
•
Buy organic, pasture-raised and finished meats (and eat less—way less/eat more
vegetables)
•
Buy only Wild Alaskan Salmon or Copper River Salmon (to try best to avoid
mercury levels)
•
Try almond milk instead of cow milk (make sure it does not have carrageenan in
it)
•
Try a variety of organic rice cakes in place of bread (make sure they aren’t
loaded with sugars)
I
realize that the above tips will not come easy for everyone. Tackle one at a
time. Keep a diet diary and write everything down that you eat. Also write down
how you feel—physical and emotional symptoms. You will find, over time, that
your brain and body will be experiencing changes. You may start to detox and
have flu-like symptoms, or you may just start feeling better right away.
Changing the way we eat takes time. So take time, and enjoy the journey to
better health.
Bonnie Crutcher is board certified by the American
Association of Drugless Practitioners as a holistic health coach. Bonnie has
created a weekly weight-loss program for women called, “A Regular Gal,” the
Smart & Healthy Families Challenge, conducts workshops on health, and
coaches clients one-on-one with her six-month program. Visit
www.bonniecrutcher.com.
Disclaimer:
The content of this column is not intended to be medical advice. Always seek the
advice of your medical doctor before engaging in any diet program or exercise
routine.
