Strategic Eating

More and more people I encounter have a myriad of health issues. These include autoimmune disorders, digestive complications, anxiety, diabetes, cancer, etc. Inevitably, they want to explore a healthier lifestyle when it comes to their food choices. However, many of them fall into the common traps such as:

• ‘Picking a lane’ prematurely
• Following a cleanse or detox prematurely
• Self-diagnosing food sensitivities

My recommendation for many is to first employ a phrase I’ve coined – Strategic Eating.  Here’s what it means. Assess your current daily food intake and start to look at ways in which you can improve your choices.

Example 1 – Fermented Foods

If you know you have digestive issues and need to take more probiotic rich foods, then you need to asses your current eating patterns throughout the day and make strategic eating switches.

For example, you might be eating industrial yogurt in the morning thinking you’re doing something great for your gut. You might want to rethink your choice.  That yogurt is generally filled with sugar and the dairy is all industrial. You’re thinking is on the right track. It’s the execution that is wrong.  The better strategic eating switch is to look for a coconut-based yogurt with live human probiotic strains. For example, the Coconut Cult.

In the afternoon, you might want to enjoy a bottle of kombucha or a shot of kefir. If you know that you usually have a handful of nuts for a snack then make the better strategic eating switch. Try switching to snacks with probiotics, such as options from Sunbiotics.

For dinner, add a fork full of probiotic rich sauerkraut along side your favorite protein and vegetables.  If you’re lucky enough to be in the San Diego / Temecula area, gobble up the most delicious probiotic ‘cheese’ spreads from Cultured Provisions and Jules Brie.

Example 2 – Coffee

If you start your day off with a cup of coffee, think about the coffee you currently drink and where it might fit on the ‘What are you buying’ pyramid.  Do you have a ~$6 / day Starbucks (fill-in with your favorite coffee shop) habit?  Chances are the coffee you’re drinking is industrial.

The problem is not caffeine per se, it’s the mold and mycotoxins in the coffee. These are found in both industrial and industrial organic options.  Some say the toxin load is low, and therefore shouldn’t be a concern. However, if you want to minimize the tens of thousands of chemicals we’re exposed to on a daily basis then you are wise to seek out brands that test for mold and mycotoxins!

A few great coffee choices are Bulletproof, Purity, Onnit, Caveman, and Four Sigmatic.  If you plan on adding industrial creamers and industrial sugar or artificial sugar alternatives, then you’re defeating the purpose. Consider ghee, coconut oil (or butter), or pasture dairy. Try coconut palm sugar, birch xylitol, monk fruit, date syrup, or honey. These will make your morning coffee ritual delicious and healthy.

Example 3 – Sugar

If you’re trying to slay your sugar dragon, or kill your salt monster, then you definitely need to employ better strategic eating switches. If you know that at 3:00 you’ll want something sweet, then make sure you have your switches in place. Say good-bye to industrial chocolate and familiarize yourself with brands that tell you about the cacao (not cocoa) and sugars they are using.  Don’t just buy based on the percentage of chocolate. Read the ingredients, because a lot of those choices still have cane sugar! Reward companies such as Coracao, Raaka (with Yacon syrup), and Hu.  They all make chocolate that tastes phenomenal and are proud of their sourcing.

Start to think about your habits throughout the day. Then begin to make the appropriate strategic eating switches, You will start to notice better overall health function. You control fork to mouth, you’re worth it!

Are you ready to do your part to change the world?  it just might be the best decision you’ve ever made. Leave me a comment!

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Further Resources.

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