Become a food detective!

Erin Vanderkooy

50plus Magazine

 

The volume and variety of wellness information available at the click of a button or in print these days is incredible. Perhaps you’ve heard that a vegan diet is the best way to eat, or that intermittent fasting is the number-one thing you can do for your health. Or that a Keto diet is the only way to go! The truth is, we are all as unique as our fingerprints, so what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for the next. While research and information are fantastic resources, doesn’t this also feel a little confusing?

 

So, how the heck do you figure out what works for you? One way functional nutrition approaches health is with curiosity, utilizing trial and error. Tracking, assessing and making tiny incremental changes allows for progress on the journey to optimum health. We start with trying something out for two weeks, taking note of any changes and how you feel during this time.

 

Ever wondered what it would feel like to eat a plant-based diet? Try it for two weeks. I always say you can do anything for two weeks! If your symptoms disappear or you notice improvements like improved sleep or more consistent mood you might decide to stick with it.

 

If you suspect there might be a food or food group causing you physical distress like gluten or dairy, try cutting it out for two weeks and pay attention to how you feel. Then reintroduce the food and see if any symptoms return. If it doesn’t make any difference, hooray! If you see positive improvements, also hooray. You now have the information you need to decide whether to limit a food item, remove it altogether, or continue the investigation for your individual optimal health.

 

Another helpful practice: keeping a health journal! In it you can note how you are feeling overall, how different foods make you feel, and a Yes, No and Maybe list of foods or food groups.

 

Understanding what nourishes you and what depletes you can feel both empowering and overwhelming. We’ll explore common trigger foods and the gift of working from a place of empowerment rather than deprivation in
future articles.

 

For now, put your detective hat on, and become your own health investigator. It’s a great way to find out what best supports your unique mind, body and soul.

 

Erin welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. Contact her at erin@erinvanderkooy.com.