It really is. Forget about fad diets, counting every calorie and macro, and obsessing over food. Sit back and relax. I've got you covered.
I'm going to tell you what actually matters.
Micronutrients
Those little things are your life force. When it comes down to it, they are what determines true health. You could be hitting your macronutrients but be deficient in several micronutrients. They are required for normal growth and development. And when you lack micronutrients, your immune system weakens. This can cause serious problems.
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) there is abundant evidence that suggests eliminating animal products, which are mostly devoid of micronutrients, while including large amounts of fruits and vegetable, are the most healthful diets and a powerful step in disease prevention.
But there are so many more benefits to this way of living than just disease prevention. We all want to live as long as we can without diseases hindering our quality of life but we also want to be full of energy, and be at our ideal weight, all without having to starve ourselves or count endless calories. Well, this is the answer!
Calorie restriction is not the answer. Fad diets that are difficult to maintain are not the answer. Portion control is not the answer. And it's not weak will power, it's addiction. It's depravation that results in food cravings. BUT with the right foods, your body can heal itself.
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. —Hippocrates, father of medicine, 431 B.C.
Optimize Your Health
I love this simple equation from Dr. Fuhrman, a well known plant-based doctor.
Health = Nutrients / Calories (H = N / C)
Let me break it down for you. You want to have the most nutrients per calories. This means items that are nutrient dense but not calorie dense.
First off, what is nutrient density? Nutrient density refers to the proportion of nutrients in food compared to their calories. Consuming the most nutrients without excessive calories is the key to optimal health. This means adequate consumption of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
See? It's THAT simple.
Okay, so which foods are nutrient dense? Check out the diagram below to help explain. You can also check out this page from Dr. Fuhrman's site explaining how he scores nutrient density.
Focusing on these foods that are high in nutrient density and low in calories is the key to optimum health. These should be the center of our diet. The more nutrient dense foods you eat, the less low-nutrient food you desire. You can eat in abundance and reach your ideal weight. You can break the food addiction and reclaim your health and wellbeing. No more traps and vicious cycles of yo-yo dieting.
I used to be in that cycle, I used to feel owned by the food I ate and couldn't push a craving out of my mind until I had it. I was addicted. I had no self control. If it was in the house I HAD to eat it.
But with this newfound knowledge I've opened up a whole new world of opportunity. I finally feel IN CONTROL of my diet and life, and I'm healthier and happier than I've been in a LONG time.
And you can too! I have a FREE easy to follow, delicious meal plan that shows you exactly what I eat feel my best and get all of my micronutrients in without breaking the bank.
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xo Rachel
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