There’s no shortage of advertisements or in your face social media posts about nutrition – and what you’re doing wrong and how their one-of-a-kind program (on sale now…..) is the secret fix. This is an enormous industry, playing on your emotions and making a profit by confusing the heck out of you.
It’s actually simple – choose whole foods first; supplement only what you’re missing – and yes, more protein. Whole foods not only better meet your vitamin and mineral needs, they also give you fiber, which helps keep you full and away from the snack drawer.
Whole foods is not just a grocery name; it’s the single ingredient, from the earth food. Shop farm stands or stick to the perimeter of the supermarket. If you’re looking for packaged food staples, less ingredients is more. Organic is good if that’s your goal, but non-GMO at a minimum should be your guiding principle when shopping. Genetically modified foods are just not utilized by your body the same and could potentially cause cellular level mutations, which who knows what that means for your future self!
Supplements are fantastic to support your overall function; but they’re just that – supplementing what you’re missing, which is very personal. Seasonality also comes into play, especially in the Northeast, where local fresh fruits and vegetables are just not a thing during the hard winter, or in the summer when our skin is working overtime to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Talk to someone regularly to evaluate what you’re taking and why.
Protein. Go ahead, roll your eyes! I promise NOT to talk about cottage cheese…although if you like it, keep it on hand, very versatile! Protein is the ultimate building block of every cellular function in the human body. If you’re looking to lose weight or maintain your current weight, the rule of thumb is gram per pound > goal weight is 135? Great, 135 grams of protein is your goal! Simple!
Lastly, focus on when you eat, what. Your day should start hearty and end lighter; eat protein first, fiber second carbs last, even when all on the same plate (stimulate natural GLP-1 action – more for another time). Try to eat what is locally, seasonally available, supplement conscientiously and give your body high quality fuel, for a high-quality life!
j.m.
