Hello family and friends! This week I have been thinking a lot about the things I've been eating and how they affect me. From Bratwursts made of spring black bear meat, to cake from a friend's birthday party, everything I eat affects how I feel. In turn, the food affects how I perform at work and play. Today I am going to dive into a few of the things I do regarding my diet to keep my body healthy.
Full disclosure
I love food. My love of food has driven my love of cooking to help satisfy the love I have for food and flavor. In my family and friend groups, I have never been known as one to sacrifice flavor for health. As I grow a bit older and a bit more health-conscious I realize that my life choices now will affect how I will experience my life in the future. I decided that it may be better to skip a doughnut, or 6, (my previous go-to number for Krispy Kremes was half a dozen) with the reward of a better functioning body and mind. I used to think that healthy food meant that I would have to suffer through salads, bland chicken and forget about dessert. Now I argue that healthy food can and should be delicious.
What diet should I try?
This is a common question, Before I recommend any diet to a practice member I decided I would try the diet. My two favorite diets thus far are the Whole 30 Diet by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig, and The Plant Paradox diet, by Dr. Gundry MD. Currently, my diet consists of a modified version of the plant paradox diet. I have seen great success with it. I feel healthy, I have a clearer mind, I never feel bloated or heavy, and I have lost weight. Both the aforementioned diets are strict when compared to the Standard American Diet (SAD) but the reward is far greater than what seems to be sacrificed at the beginning of these diets. What I recommend is that individuals do a little personal research behind these diets because they are tough to follow. A truly successful diet will turn into a lifestyle, not just a fad.
A little change goes a long way
As you start on a new lifestyle concerning your food I think the biggest thing you can do is become aware of what you're eating. Read the labels on everything you consume, You will be surprised at the amount of sugar and highly inflammatory ingredients that are added to nearly everything we buy.
Listen to your body
One of the best pieces of advice I have gotten when it comes to diet is to listen to the body. So that is what I do. I started on the plant paradox diet and followed it strictly for a few months. This diet cuts out nearly all foods that commonly cause diet-related health issues. After removing all the foods I wasn't sure about, I let my body come into a better-balanced state. Then I started experimenting with foods that I had cut out to see if they would affect me.
Sugar
We're all likely eating too much and we already know that so I'm not going to lecture on this topic. Moderation is key, today we have more access to sugar now than we have at any other point in this world's history so be wary.
Fat
Fat got a bad wrap. I am here to tell you that not all fat is bad, we need fat. Many structures within the body are made of fat and we need to eat fat to build those structures. And guess what, Fat doesn't make you fat. The Trick with fats is that you have to get your ratios right. Having an ideal ratio of Omega 3 fats to Omega 6 fats is the key. By incorporating more omega 3 fats into the diet you can change your ratio. This is important because eating fat (always in moderation) can make you happier. Omega 3 fatty acids are utilized in the serotonin pathway which is the brain chemical pathway that allows you to experience contentment.
Moderation in all things
Lastly, it is important to practice moderation. Deserts are a treat that our bodies are designed to crave because of the amount of energy available in sugar. In today's world, we have constant access to that sugar and it becomes unhealthy in excess. So do your body a favor and practice moderation in all things.
How is diet related to chiropractic?
Chiropractic works with the body to restore health. When I adjust a practice member, put simply, I am helping restore communication with the brain and the body so that the body can heal itself. By improving diet, an individual gives his or her body the building blocks it needs to heal, without those building blocks the chiropractic adjustment will be in vain. Juneau Alaska chiropractors, and medical doctors, face known common nutritional deficiencies in many patients such as vitamin D deficiency simply because of the special location we call home.
When you sit down to dinner tonight look at your food, Do you know where it came from? Do you know what it is made of? Ponder those questions, then over the next 24 hours after the meal pay attention to how you feel. Your body will tell you what it wants and doesn't want, it is highly intelligent, just listen. Eating healthy is hard now, Eating poor is hard later, choose your hard.
