Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wise Words about What to Eat
We live in a world of modern nutrition. Today, almost everyone is on one diet or another. People dwell on proteins, carbs, calories, fats, restrictions and lists of good and bad foods. Each day we are hit with a new discovery, proclaiming the health benefits of a certain food or the best way to lose 10 pounds in a week. Diet books are best sellers. News programs feature stories about America's growing health crisis or the new wonder drug.
It wasn't too long ago that humans existed without this media blitz, without expensive medications and without diet gurus telling them what to eat. People simply knew what to eat and how to prepare it. People naturally lived in harmony with the seasons and with their surroundings. They ate what was local and available and what gave them proper nutrients for their lives.
Modern nutrition theories are all missing a huge part of what nutrition is really about: the individual. Most nutrition books tell you what to eat without any reference to age, constitution, gender, size or lifestyle. I take what I like to call a postmodern approach to nutrition by recognizing this bio-individuality. No perfect way of eating works for everybody. The food that works for your unique body, age and lifestyle may make another person gain weight and feel lethargic. Similarly, no perfect way of eating will work for you all the time. You may eat different foods on days when you are working outside than on a relaxing day spent reading. Foods you loved two years ago may not agree with you today.
I invite you to pause for a moment and think about your own needs. Do you know the right fuel for your body today? As the seasons start changing, you can revisit your own routine. Health counselors need to shake it up sometimes too. Have you been partying too much and need to get back to basics? Or maybe you've been too rigid and need to be more experimental. Wherever you are, remember we are each responsible for our own health and happiness. Only you know what works best for your body.
It wasn't too long ago that humans existed without this media blitz, without expensive medications and without diet gurus telling them what to eat. People simply knew what to eat and how to prepare it. People naturally lived in harmony with the seasons and with their surroundings. They ate what was local and available and what gave them proper nutrients for their lives.
Modern nutrition theories are all missing a huge part of what nutrition is really about: the individual. Most nutrition books tell you what to eat without any reference to age, constitution, gender, size or lifestyle. I take what I like to call a postmodern approach to nutrition by recognizing this bio-individuality. No perfect way of eating works for everybody. The food that works for your unique body, age and lifestyle may make another person gain weight and feel lethargic. Similarly, no perfect way of eating will work for you all the time. You may eat different foods on days when you are working outside than on a relaxing day spent reading. Foods you loved two years ago may not agree with you today.
I invite you to pause for a moment and think about your own needs. Do you know the right fuel for your body today? As the seasons start changing, you can revisit your own routine. Health counselors need to shake it up sometimes too. Have you been partying too much and need to get back to basics? Or maybe you've been too rigid and need to be more experimental. Wherever you are, remember we are each responsible for our own health and happiness. Only you know what works best for your body.
Labels: Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Joshua Rosenthal, Wise Words
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