Ditch & Enrich

As a health coach, my objective is to create a framework for approaching food as nourishment, as life-giving, as healing and preventive, and as youth-enhancing. At the same time, I realise that none of us are perfect, and that we all have our little indulgences. Lord knows I love a good splurge!

My indulgences are (usually) guilt-free because in my day-to-day life I follow a 90/10 rule whereby I can honestly admit that about 90% of my diet provides my body and brain with optimal nutrients, enriching my health and brightening my outlook.

I imagine that most of us know that fast foods such as soft drinks, deep fried foods (take-away generally), potato chips, doughnuts, lollies, biscuits etc are not nutrient-rich. Right? These foods don’t belong in our regular routine. I would like to suggest that we aim to just ditch them.

Here are some of the reasons why:

• The calories in these items are super high, but the nutrition value is super low, which means they are lacking in important vitamins and minerals
• They contain high levels of bad saturated fats & trans fats
• Excess refined sugar is stored as fat, and is associated with obesity, premature ageing, addiction and more
• They often include excess amounts of processed salt which increases the risk of developing high blood pressure – a risk factor for heart disease, chronic kidney disease and stroke
• They contain preservatives & artificial colours which have been linked with conditions like ADHD, migraines, eczema, breathing difficulties, and even cancer
• And simply, each time we eat junk food, it’s a missed opportunity for our body to receive the nourishment it needs to function optimally

Instead, let’s enrich our lives by eating more from these healthful food groups (certified organic is preferable):

• Protein: grass fed meat, legumes & pulses, pastured eggs, wild fish, nuts & seeds (also good source of fat), quinoa (fantastic protein source for vegetarians)
• Vegetables: leafy greens (especially greens like kale, spinach, lettuce), sprouts and an array of colourful plants.
• Dairy: grass fed cheese/cream/yogurt & milk.
• Fruit: including berries and an assortment of fruits.
• Fats: healthy fats like grass fed butter, ghee, coconut oil and olive oil.
• Grains: whole oats, brown rice, ancient grains such as buckwheat, amaranth & quinoa (technically a seed, though treated like a grain)
• Herbs & spices: like cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano or turmeric these add flavour to dishes and also have lots of medicinal effects.

The overall benefits you and your family can expect from eating these incredibly enriching wholefoods include:

• an increase in energy, motivation and focus
• the ability to maintain your ideal weight with little effort
• a strong immune system, improved general health
• better sleeping patterns
• youthfulness & longevity
• and as a result, increased happiness

Sound tempting? Why not pick 2 or 3 of these nutritious foods and add them into your home-cooking repertoire this week?

Or if you are truly ready to create a healthier and happier life, touch base with me today.

Have a healthful day.

Bren x