WHAT SHOULD I EAT? PART 1

It is a very simple question; what should I eat? However it's a very complicated answer depending on what media outlet or dietitian you ask. Some say high carbs, no carbs, low fat, high fat, a lot of protein, then we were told it didn't matter it was all about the number of calories.  The real answer to the question is simple: EAT REAL FOOD. Despite what you may have learned it's not as simple as calories in calories out because not all calories are created equal. When you eat highly processed foods which lack macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) leaving your body unfulfilled and hungry for essential nutrients  When your diet is focused on fresh local produce, your body is satisfied and is able perform optimally.

While no two people should follow the same diet as we are all different, the best answer to the question is EAT REAL FOOD.  There are many different dietary philosophies including Paleo, vegan, vegetarian, raw food etc. While many people argue which diet is best, they all based on eating real unprocessed food and there is no question that it is better than the 'Standard American Diet. (SAD) The SAD which is largely a low fat, high carbohydrate diet which is focused on limiting the number of calories. Here are a few quick tips on how to make better decisions about what you eat.

Avoid:
1. Soybean/Corn Oil- (includes high fructose corn syrup)
2. All artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, dextrose )
3. MSG- monosodium glutamate

Healthy Alternatives:
1. Vegetables: broccoli, kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, garlic, bok choy, cucumbers, carrots.
2. Wild Caught Fish, sardines, anchovies
3. Moderate amounts of nuts (not peanut butter), fresh fruit (not fruit juice)
4. Eggs, full fat dairy (if your body tolerates it)

As a general rule, the less number of ingredients the better. Another rule is eat food your great grandmother ate. My best recommendation is finding the best way to eat as many vegetables as possible. My favorites are steamed green veggies loaded with butter and homemade vegetable smoothie/juices.

Look for Part 2 about Fat Phobia and why eating is good fit you,

This post is inspired by Gary Taubes article in the NY Times earlier this year which you can read here.