After reading many popular diet books, I have to say that there is some good information and a lot of bad information out there. When deciding on the best diet, I have come to a few conclusions. First, there is usually a little bit of truth in every diet book. Two, most nutrition advice is based partly on speculation and may change depending on current opinion, trends or politically-motivated propaganda from a group with commercial interests or an agenda. Three, much information is based on an evolutionary theory of how our bodies and brains have developed over millions of years and why certain foods are good and some are bad even though both may be natural. This confusion concerns me because unfortunately, we have been taught to believe that the medical establishment or a government committee know more about what we should be eating than we do. But I ask you, “Do you eat based on what you believe to be good for you even when you do not like it? Or do you gravitate towards those things that make you happy?”
The problem with any diet advice is that it does not take the individual person into consideration. Some people may do just fine on a vegetarian diet, but others may do better including meat. One food may be nourishing for one person but cause problems for another who is allergic or has an intolerance. So there is no one diet or way of eating that is right for everyone. However, there are some basic principles that I think we can all agree upon. These include:
- One, a healthy diet will include plenty of fresh organic fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors.
- Secondly, it will contain healthy fats and an appropriate amount of good protein. Adequate nutrients from food is important and will be affected by how food (or animals) are grown and prepared. Because our food has been modified from its natural state and may not be good for us in the processed form, does not mean that all carbs are bad, or all fat is bad.
- Thirdly, we must not overindulge in any type of food because excess calories are not our friend.
We must learn to separate hype from science and fiction from fact. However you choose to fuel your body, remember to include a little of each food group to get a variety of nutrients, choose foods in their whole (less processed) state and listen to your body. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as well. Your state of mind has a bearing on digestion which affects how food may affect you. Enjoy your food in a relaxed atmosphere with people you love and choose wisely. That could sum up any diet book nicely. To good health!
