Negativity and fear are tactics used in many parts of our lives. Whether it is childrearing, politics or nutritional advice, everybody has their opinion on what NOT to do. This negative approach doesn’t sit well with me. I am an eternal optimist and I am always drinking from the 1/2 full cup of green tea. I would argue that, especially in the realm of nutrition, you are better off looking at ways to include the greatest amount of foods in your diet then worrying about foods to avoid. Variety is the spice of life, and this goes for your food intake too. Seek out a food you have never had before or even a different color. Purple cauliflower anyone? The internet is full of easily accessible recipes on how to prepare these novel foods. This variety will help you take in varied nutrients and phytochemicals. Also, tasting new foods helps you stay mindful and present about what you are putting in to your mouth. If everyday you are eating the same things for breakfast, lunch or dinner you may not actually be tasting what you are eating. Taste, savor and smile as you eat.
The downside of the internet is that everyone has their magic bullet to health and wellness. Many of these authors, doctors, dietitians, do have anecdotal case studies to support their claims, but others are spouting information in direct conflict with published, peer-reviewed studies. This is why it is so important to acknowledge your bio-individuality. This is the essence of functional nutrition. The evidence is an important starting point to lead the discussion and to really understand how you body functions as a whole being of interconnected systems and processes. Intuitively, I feel that eliminating an entire food group sets us up for more problems. As an example, to eliminate all grains from your diet seems to me to be a radical dietary restriction that most likely is not the solution. Is there something to be said for avoiding wheat flour or certain grains that your body does not tolerate? Yes, and once you identify that FOR YOU gluten or wheat (etc) triggers an autoimmune response or even just a sensitivity, then that specific food or food products can be removed from your diet. But to follow a diet that eliminates something completely also has you opting out of the nutrients that particular foods provides.
I recommend embracing and enjoying as many whole foods as your body tolerates. If you limit anything, decrease the amount of food and food products in your pantry. Items that are sold in boxes and bags are for the benefit of the manufacturer. Even a gluten-free cracker made from cauliflower is STILL a processed food product that should be eaten in moderation.
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