What to eat?  Wow can that be an overwhelming topic.  You wanna know the truth?  There is no one way to eat that is the “right” way.  Each person is genetically very different and has very different needs to function optimally.  What is good for one person may not be good for another.

There is so much information out on nutrition. There is study after study coming out with claims for this or that and shelves full of books on different peoples opinions and what works for them.

But is that right for you and how do you know? Here is my opinion and what makes sense to me.  It is all about finding your perfect formula and that comes from listening to your body. I think that if you look at all of the different styles of eating, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, Mediterranean etc.  there is a common thread that should link them all and that common thread is what I find to be the most important. Fresh, real food.  I don’t think we will ever go wrong with eating a fresh, real, whole food diet, one based on fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fresh dairy products and meats, fish, eggs etc. that were raised sustain-ably and consciously. It is more about the quality of our food in the end.

So here is my recommendation. Eat as fresh and real as possible (staying away from processed, packaged foods),  try on different styles of eating and ask yourself “how do I feel?”  Do I have more energy? Sleep better? Have better digestion? Think more clearly? etc.  Don’t get stuck in one particular style of eating but stay open to blending bits of this and bits of that. Unless of course that one style feels right and really works for you. Stay open to understanding that sometimes even certain “healthy” foods won’t feel good to your particular body.  Just because it is supposed to feel good doesn’t mean it will. Listen and trust your body to guide you.

I also think it is important to stay open to the changing needs of your body.  What worked for your body 10 years ago may no longer feel good. Our body is constantly changing as we age and so are our needs so stay tuned in and listen to what your body is telling you. For example if you were vegetarian for the last 5 years but all of the sudden your body is craving meat then you may want to look more deeply into that.  Our bodies are so wise and they will tell us so much if we just listen.

And finally, finding your perfect formula should be fun and inspiring.  Eating to best support yourself should not feel restrictive, like you are being deprived or stressful. Make it fun, go on an adventure, learn, play and most importantly enjoy what you eat.

I would love to hear about YOUR perfect formula and remember when you are feeling confused about what to eat ask yourself…”Is it fresh? Is it real? How does it make me feel?” and you will be on your way to feeling great and being a healthy happy you!