Whenever we have discussed larger health issues the same four tips have come up. They are the foundational four, which are diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. These aspects form the building blocks for overall health. You’ve heard you can’t outrun a bad diet so let’s start there. We are diving into why your diet matters and how to figure out what eating right for you means.
Why Your Diet Matters
I often say that you need to “eat right for you,” and that’s where it all begins. What does that even mean? Each of us is unique, or bio-individual – what works for one person may not work for another. Bio individuality highlights the importance of understanding which foods work best for us and our current health situation. By customizing our diets based on our bodies’ needs, we can achieve better overall health. Eliminating foods that cause inflammation or digestive issues is why your diet matters. So how do you know if you are reacting to a specific food?
Food, Mood, and Body Diary
Keeping a food, mood, and body diary for a minimum of two weeks(ideally longer), is one method I advise. Record everything you eat or drink, you don’t need to include portions, just the items. Take photos if that is easier. Then every day record your mood, and anything that is going on in your body, as well as energy levels and your sleep and stress levels.
We then dive through the journal and look for patterns. Recurring headaches, digestive issues ect anything that occurs a few times or more and we start looking for foods we ate that day and up to 3 days prior to see if there is a pattern to the food we ate. By observing patterns over time, you can pinpoint specific foods that may be causing adverse reactions.
The Elimination Diet
Another way to identify offending foods is through an elimination diet. This method involves removing most foods or certain groups of foods from your diet for a minimum of 14 days 30 is better, and reintroducing them one at a time with several days or a week in between each new food item. Then monitor your body’s reactions, and with those reactions you can identify offending foods.
Food Sensitivity Testing
While food sensitivity tests can be helpful, they are not always 100% accurate. These tests provide different levels of sensitivity and can suggest certain foods are a problem, even if the impact is not significant. To ensure accurate results, it is crucial to consume all the foods you normally eat (and want to be tested for) for about two to three weeks before undergoing testing.
Where to Start
I suggest starting by keeping a food, mood, and body diary. Play detective and look for a more extensive approach, try implementing an elimination diet. Elimination diets are harder during the give-everything-up phase, which is why I suggest the diary first. It might be beneficial to seek guidance from a qualified practitioner who can provide valuable insights and expedite the process. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or want further assistance on this journey toward improved metabolic health.
To Wrap it Up Why your Diet Matters
Understanding how different foods affect our bodies is crucial for improving metabolic health. By personalizing our diets based on our unique needs and identifying food sensitivities, we can make informed choices that support long-term health. Get started with a food diary or consider trying an elimination diet to unlock the power of personalized nutrition. With dedication and effort, you can pave the way to a healthier and happier lifestyle. This is why your diet matters!
