You hear a lot about this diet and that diet – some people stick to three square meals a day, and others who look and seem just as healthy recommend five or six smaller meals. Some eating styles insist on mixing proteins, carbohydrates and fats, while others recommend eating these food groups separately. Some people eat a wide variety of foods, and some prefer fewer choices. Some eat meat, while others are vegetarian.
Who is right?
The good news is that there are many right ways to eat. All of these eating styles have their place, and some people can bounce between several eating styles and it works for them. Rather than falling into the trap of thinking there a “best” way to eat, instead take into account that, just as each of us has a different fingerprint, each of us has a slightly different body that processes food somewhat differently.
While you may have unique preferences, let’s look at some of the common sense principles behind making good dietary decisions.
- Eat clean, natural, whole foods, organic whenever possible.
- Eat enough but not too much. Stop when you’re 80% full, and wait to see if you are really still hungry – if not, stop eating.
- Limit or avoid processed foods, especially those with chemical additives and preservatives.
- Drink lots of water, up to a half ounce for every pound of body weight – for example, if you weigh 128 pounds, drink 64 ounces, or 8 eight-ounce glasses per day. Coffee isn’t water, tea isn’t water, soft drinks aren’t water, juices aren’t water. Even if you drink other stuff, drink enough water.
- Eat breakfast every day, and pick wholesome foods, but not sugary sweet foods.
- Don’t eat late at night before bed. Let your body rest while you sleep.
- Eat fresh, live, water-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, every day. Eat local produce when you can get it.
- Limit or avoid the “whites,” like salt, sugar, white flour, or artificial sweeteners.
- Eat a variety of foods, not too much or too little of anything. Practice moderation.
However you decide to eat, be grateful for your “daily bread” and choose carefully – you are putting fuel into a high-performance machine, and you want to provide the best energy possible!