My Approach to Nutrition
Fuel <-> Enjoyment
The word “nutrition” evokes many different feelings and ideas, depending on unique experiences and beliefs. For me, I consider the most important facets to be the dichotomy between FUEL and ENJOYMENT. I hold the belief that most of the time I should eat with the priority of fueling my body properly. If I’m able to do this most of the time, there should be room in the diet for occasionally eating solely for enjoyment as well. But it’s a beautiful thing when you discover how tasty real food can be. You can have your fuel, and eat it, too.
Well then, which “real” foods?
Intuition and Plants
We all have an intuition for what our bodies need. But we also get hit with cravings for junk. This intuition is developed when we mindfully observe how our body responds to various foods. Generally, we should be eating an energizing variety of (mostly) whole-food fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. On the other hand, highly-processed foods often leave you feeling more tired than before.
Animal-based Foods?
In my humble opinion, I don’t believe that eating animal-based foods is essential for proper nutrition and good health. I have been vegan / plant-based for 11+ years, and I’m feeling pretty good so far! Another compounding factor to consider, along with the lack of nutritional necessity, is the ethical dilemma in participating in the commercial, animal-based food systems we currently have in place. That being said, I don’t judge or force my omnivore clients to conform to a strict way of eating, but rather suggest an extra emphasis on nourishing, plant-based foods.
Take it or leave it
Those are my beliefs. Take them with a grain of Himalayan salt. If you believe this way of eating (whole-food plant-based, 80%+ of the time) would be good for you, but you don’t quite know how to accomplish this on your own, I can help you:
Get to a healthier body weight
Reduce inflammation and digestive stress
Learn new cooking and baking techniques
Incorporate new flavors into the routine
Enjoy colorful, nutritious food
Feel nourished!
