If you’ve been following a “named” diet these days, chances are you’re deficient in certain nutrients. People often ask me, “what’s the best diet?”
Here’s my answer. This is based on 25+ years of coaching, nutrition, owning a gym and working in the field with real stories!
It’s great to follow SOME Keto principals if you’d like to really cut back on carbs and sugar, and..it’s ok to follow SOME principals of Paleo.
The bottom line is we are deficient in plants.
Plant-based foods supply almost everything you need to ward off disease, live long and strong. This also gives you TONS of energy while eliminating what we don’t need.
But..that doesn’t mean you have to be ONLY plant-based!
Since most diets revolve around entire food groups to eliminate, it only makes sense that you’d be missing key vitamins and minerals.
So, What’s the best diet?
Your body needs the proper synergy of vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, protein, and essential fats to be able to function properly.
From hormone production to brainpower, the ability to have the energy or the ability to sleep well…our bodies can only survive with proper nutrients.
This is why I believe that One diet will NEVER fit all, for your entire life, through all of its phases.
So, you cannot follow Paleo, Vegetarian, Pescetarian, Atkins, Ketogenic or any other diet with a name forever without missing certain nutrients.
IF you are following a diet with a name that all your friends are following, be sure your doctor is aware of this.
Even if you feel good now, and have lost weight or feel energized…you need to have blood work done at least 2 X yearly.
This will help you adjust or at least feel comforted that your numbers are where they should be and what you are doing is actually beneficial for overall health and wellness.
Below are some keys to remember:
Athletes, children, those with autoimmune disorders, and those following trendy diets are usually deficient in the following…
*Water – Many people are in a state of dehydration, even if it’s slightly. Be sure you are drinking enough water that your urine is a pale yellow and clear. Cloudy or dark means you need more!
*Protein – Protein is the building block of muscle. If you are deficient in protein and are over 30, your muscles are wasting away. And..if you are not exercising, they are deteriorating even faster. This is causing your resting metabolic rate to slow down.
Furthermore, if you exercise and don’t take in enough protein, that’s worse. You could be setting yourself up for “burnout” or injury, fatigue. And…wasting your hard-earned workout since your muscles can’t grow without protein.
*EPA/DHA – These essential fats are missing in approximately 95% of the population according to Dr. John Berardi of Precision Nutrition.
*Vitamins- E, D, B12
Minerals – Zinc, Magnesium, Chromium, Calcium
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The best way to overcome dietary deficiencies is to add in foods and supplement when necessary.
Eat more vegetables – Add them to everything. Sautee, add to smoothies, roast or blend into soups and sauces. Nearly ALL of us need more veggies that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Eat more protein- From grass-fed and pasture-raised meats and eggs, to beans and nuts, seeds and again, more veggies.
Eat more essential fats- Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are great choices. Flax and chia seeds are loaded with Omega 3’s, the healthy fats and are a great addition to any smoothie. If you cannot find ways to get enough Omega 3’s into your diet, it is imperative that you supplement. Aim for a high-quality supplement. Look for 3rd party tested, Mercury-free, and wild-caught supplements at your local health food store.
I am challenging you to re-think your diet and your nutrient intake.
Instead of obsessing about “what you’re not allowed to eat” why not shift the way you think? Start adding in foods that you are missing the nutrients from.
If you cannot get all of these into a daily diet or at least 4-5 X weekly, then be sure to take supplements so that you can optimize your energy levels and ward off disease.
If you are lacking energy, getting sick often and can’t seem to get your “mojo” back…CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS TO THE ENERGY BLUEPRINT FREE ONLINE CLASS!
During the holidays, eat what you love, but be mindful of not overdoing it. Make wise choices now so that later on you don’t have to make that “New Years Resolution” that never seems to work!
Sharing ways for us to live long and strong in bodies we love, FOR LIFE!
Coach Dawn