The Whole Enchilada

This has nothing to do with enchiladas. But it does have to do with food and the word 'whole' so it seemed a fitting title to me. At Prescribe Nutrition we are continually amazed by the intelligent, eager and motivated people we have on board with each new program. One of the questions we hear all the time is, "How do I know if I'm eating a balanced, whole meal?" Well, the answer could go on and on and on...

Please note I am not encouraging frequent enchilada ingestion.

First we have to talk about different ways of eating. Just think about all the different dietary regimens there: vegan, pescetarian, omnivore, paleo, low-carb, intermittent fasting, vegetarian, raw, fruitarian (true)...and on and on. There's many different schools of thought behind all of these ways of eating, but there is one truth that governs all: proper nutrition requires the digestion of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fats - all nutrients.
I'll repeat that first part: requires digestion. Breaking down the nutrients? This is how we get energy. This is how we live. The food we choose to eat is actually the detail that can make all the difference in the way we feel and the state of our overall health.

Healthy foods? Absolutely. Healthy for you? Only you can truly know. We simply help guide you.

I talk digestion all day. It's my jam. Subjects on the brain? Chewing, digestive enzymes, stomach acid...but also chronic problems like IBS, Crohn's & celiac disease...the list goes on. The common denominator with all things digestive? Everyone is different. What is crucial in one person's diet (for example, fiber from beans and whole grains) can ignite painful symptoms in another person. This is why diets don't work. You can't expect to pick up a book and follow what one person ate and achieve the same results. The key is to get to know your body and what works and what doesn't. It's the foundation of our programs: learning to know your body better.

Belly: "Please stop ignoring me."

So what's a well rounded meal? Well, we say focus on the veggies. Tons and tons of veggies. But guess what? A huge salad can cause a total belly ache for some people, while it's the one thing that keeps things 'moving' for other people. Some people need those veggies cooked. What about protein? Some people need animal protein...their bodies thrive with it or it can specifically help rebuild and heal. Others really do better eating plant based proteins. This list could go on and on, and frankly it starts to get controversial. The only real answer is this: eat whole foods. Stay away from packaged processed foods. Find protein, fat and fiber in each of your meals, and do so in the way that works for you (fiber and carbohydrates aren't only in beans! They're in chia seeds, kale, and even avocado!) Eat a plant based diet in the manner that works for YOU. At the end of the day it's about getting to know yourself better and giving your body what it is asking for.

But if it's telling you 'Oreos and milk' tell him to be quiet for a little bit while you fuel up on the good stuff.