Transitioning to a Healthier Diet

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.