Enhance your health and wellbeing with these foundational Nutrition principles
Did you know that the first diet book was written in 1558 and is still relevant today? Luigi Cornaro’s “The Art of Living Long” advised readers to limit their daily intake to 12 oz (approx. 340g) of food and 14 oz (approx. 415ml) of wine. While this may seem extreme, it highlights the long-standing fascination with nutrition and its impact on our health.
Nutrition is one of the fundamental building blocks of health and longevity. What we put into our bodies has a profound psychological, physical, and physiological impact, making it essential to decipher the signs and signals that our bodies give us.
There are some key foundational elements to understand to end the never-ending diet cycle, and find the optimal nutrients for your body.
Food source
To understand the foundations of nutrition, let’s start with the fact that all nutrition begins in the soil. Just like plants need nutrient-rich soil to thrive, our bodies require high-quality nutrients for optimal vitality. If the soil lacks essential nutrients, the food it produces will also be devoid of these vital elements. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise nutrient-dense soil and foods that nourish your body.
Additionally, consider the principle of “you are what you eat eats.” The quality of the food you consume depends on what the source ate. If the food you consume is laden with chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides, these harmful substances can accumulate in your system. Consequently, your body expends valuable energy processing these foreign substances instead of efficiently digesting and utilising nutrients. By consciously choosing organic, pesticide-free options, you prioritise your body’s wellbeing and conserve energy for the activities you love.
Balance
Embrace the 80/20 rule as a sustainable approach to nutrition. Focus on consuming the highest quality ingredients and nutrient-rich foods 80% of the time. This allows for flexibility and freedom in your diet, giving you the opportunity to indulge occasionally without guilt or restriction.
Eating consciously is another essential principle to consider. Each bite of food represents an exchange of energy and information. By mindfully engaging with your meals, free from distractions like phones or television, you can fully appreciate the nourishment in front of you. Reflect on the journey the food has taken, from its growth and cultivation to its preparation before reaching your plate. This conscious approach not only enhances your digestion but also fosters gratitude for the nourishment your body receives.
Discover more
These foundational principles are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding nutrition and transforming your relationship with food. If you’re eager to dive deeper and gain actionable knowledge, we hold regular Nutrition Foundations Workshops, led by renowned expert Jo Rushton. In this workshop, you’ll:
- Understand the foundational principles of nutrition that support your unique physiology, regardless of your body type
- Learn to listen to your body’s signals and symptoms for imbalances in macronutrients
- Gain the skills to decipher food labels beyond basic nutritional information
- Break free from the never-ending dieting cycle and discover a sustainable approach to nourishing your body.
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