People get so frustrated by nutritionists and RDs because of our ever-changing views on what is right and what is wrong. You have one nutritionist tell you to eat high fat, and another one will say to eat low carb. So, I am going to tell you what I feel is right (at this moment in time). This is what I
try to live by, but this is only me. I also feel that every individual needs something different, and it is extremely important to listen to your body and intuition!
What I Try to Eat
Diet Rich in:
- Whole Foods
- Healthy Fats (nuts, avocado, seeds, etc.)
- Nutrients and Phytochemicals (get the "most bang for your buck")
- Plant-based foods
Diet Low in:
- Sugars
- Heavily Processed items
- Trans fats
I also think exercise is very important, especially for bone health and cardiovascular health, but you can't out-exercise a bad diet!
I am actually vegetarian, and have been for about 1 1/2 years now. My lipid profile was getting out of control, and after becoming vegetarian my triglycerides and cholesterol levels dropped significantly. But that doesn't mean I feel that everyone should be vegetarian. I think meat is fine in moderation, just like most things.
I have always disliked the fact that people think vegetarians are supposed to be skinny. Body shaming in general bothers me. I could sit and eat chocolate cake and fries and milkshakes all day and still be vegetarian, but that wouldn't be what my body craved, and I would gain weight. It is actually really hard to eat vegetarian at a restaurant without eating tons of carby/sugary foods!
It is also possible to starve yourself and be fat. Nutrients are extremely important, and eating tons of high calorie, low nutrient dense foods is what is making America sick, fat, and unhealthy. We are literally starving our bodies of the nutrients we need while becoming obese and diseased.
Take care of your bodies, people! :)
