3 Ways Know What Foods are Good for YOU

Hello All!

As a both a foodie and an almost health guru, I've done a lot of research related to diet and general health. There is so much conflicting information out there. One blog or TV show will tell us dairy is unhealthy, another will tell us is it is beneficial to overall health. Just yesterday I was speaking to a group of ladies about the confusion surrounding nutrition. Someone in the group asked me whether I think coffee is damaging or beneficial to health, because everyone has differing opinions. 

Does the journey to nutrition feel like this sometimes? (Photo Credit)

My answer is that there is no answer. I told her a story about how I was trying to find healthy meatless sources of protein. I was confused about whether or not I should consume soy products. Some sources said it wasn't good for our bodies, others said the way soy products are produced makes them unhealthy. So for a while I didn't eat anything  with soy. However, I once I felt the symptoms of protein deficiency in my body (weakness, fatigue) I decided to try eating tofu to see how it felt. I had a tofu wrap from a restaurant and I was all cramped up, my stomach hurt and I was uncomfortable for hours afterwards. So, needless to say, I quit with the tofu for a while. 

After a couple months of having difficulties in maintaining my protein levels, I decided to try tofu again, however, this time I bought organic tofu and I prepared it at home. I cooked my meal with care and love. And guess what. No cramps, no digestive issues, and I was satisfied. This week I decided to purchase organic soy milk because it has a lot of protein and is fortified with vitamins and minerals--no harm occurred with this product either.

What did I learn from this experience? That it is all about becoming in tune with our bodies. Its not just about what food tastes like, its about how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally after you consume it. Here are 3 considerations that will help you determine whether you should completely removed something for your diet, or whether you should reconsider the brand/type of product you bought.

1. Listen to your body: How do you feel after eating/drinking? Do you have a headache or stomachache? Do you feel sluggish and slow? Did your blood pressure or insulin levels dramatically change? Are you agitated or depressed?
2. Recall how you purchased your food: Where did you buy the food? Was it a low-quality brand? Was is made with many chemicals, sugars, salts, or food dyes?
3. Think about who might have made your food: If it was from a restaurant, was is a low-quality restaurant? It is the type of place where the cooks take pride and enjoy preparing food? If a friend or relative made it: Were they stressed out or aggravated when they prepared the food? Was the food made with love?

All of these things contribute to how you will feel after eating. I have another story. Prior to changing my diet I was always bloated, especially after my fried meals like tender and fries, or a bacon-cheese burger and onion rings, and other meals like that. Because I wasn't in tune with my body, I just thought that being bloated was natural. Some seltzer water, Tums or Pepto-Bismol and I would be good right? WRONG. I was listening more to the psychological satisfaction of eating those rich foods all the time instead of my digestion system who was asking for a break and some loving care. Listen to your bodies people!

To be sure you are consuming the food your body will love, take note of the following:

1. If it is a food that popular nutritionists and websites have differing opinions on like coffee, diary, or soy, consider opting for an organic brand. Eating organic often removes the risk of ingesting something your body will not like. 
2. Don't cook if your angry/upset. Step out of the kitchen, and if you are hungry, sooth your stomach with come hot tea until you are in a more positive mood.
3. Save money for a high-quality restaurant as opposed to going to a bunch of low-quality restaurants. Cooks, chefs and waiters who are getting paid well and better treatment are more likely to enjoy their work, which will give you a great eating experience. 

The most important thing to remember is to become more in tune with your whole body. not just your taste buds!

Photo Credit 

Happy Eating!!