Foundational Principles of Health - Food

This is the most confusing for people. Our world is full of contradictions with what we should and shouldn’t be eating. Unfortunately, there is no specific diet for everyone. It depends on several factors: a history of what you’ve eaten in the past, number and severity of weight loss diets, amount of physical activity, drug and alcohol history, food intolerances, and other things.

Let’s look at the common factors applicable to most everyone:

Food Quality

As much as possible try to eat food that is unprocessed, organic, and from pastured animals. This includes eggs from pastured hens; and dairy from cows, goats and sheep grazing on grass (not grain). The reason is to reduce your intake of agrochemicals, hormone residues, and food additives. These toxic compounds, when accumulated in the body, can cause all sorts of health, vitality and weight issues. The nutritional density of pastured and organic food will be higher, and this satisfies the appestat, the part of your brain associated with hunger. So yes, pastured, organic, and unprocessed food is more expensive, but eventually, your quantity will reduce because you’ll be satisfied with less food.

Eating Speed

In general, most of us eat too fast. Slowing down is easier said than done. However, the benefits of chewing your food more thoroughly includes reduced gastro-intestinal upset, heartburn, and fatigue.  

Meal Timing

Skipping meals or inconsistent meal timing can lead to weight issues, fatigue, and mood swings. Skipping meals can also lead to overeating or binge eating. This is due to the blood sugar imbalances caused by skipping meals, not a willpower problem.

Beyond What and How You Eat

In many cases, your issues with food are symbolic of something deeper. The bigger issue must be addressed. Eat less and exercise more is a ridiculous commonly heard mantra. You can’t attack a problem where it isn’t. Something else could be driving your issues with food, such as poor sleep, inadequate hydration, or chronic stress. I’m here to help the good people of TCI. Sometimes you have to look deeper.