17/01/2023
“All things by immortal power
Near or far
Hiddenly
To each other linked are
That thou cant not stir a flower
Without troubling of a star”.
-Francis Thompson
Yes, linked we are but each and every one of us is different. I prefer to use the word, ‘Unique’.
During my early morning walks on the beach I cannot help but be fascinated by the many diverse lifeforms and eco-systems that surround me, their ‘Uniqueness’ and what makes them survive and thrive. Apart from finding it everywhere in nature for instance in a flower or tree, a snowflake, a star, and each insect and animal, we also see it to a greater or lesser extent in our own Homo sapien (Latin: “wise human being”) species.
Our uniqueness defines us!
By this I refer to the way each of us look, walk, talk, think, feel, function (metabolise) and of course our inner ambitions, sense of purpose and passions. Here I ask the question:
Are Your Dietary Habits Serving You? Do you believe your dietary habits are working for you?
I have observed the truth of the phrase: ’It’s not only what you eat, but what you digest’. This plays more of a role in our continued wellbeing than most realise.
Very often, it may not be the food that is the problem but the inability for the person to fully ‘digest’ that food.
Biochemical individuality
Have you ever noticed some people are on what is considered ‘a healthy diet’ but still suffer from ongoing health problems or challenges with their weight while others with ‘not so well’ chosen eating habits, are relatively well in comparison?
Peter says, “The fact is, we are all individuals and as different inside the body as we are outside our body. Likewise our functionality and biological needs can differ widely beyond what is traditionally considered normal”.
For almost 20 years I was responsible for Nutritional Education at our Biological Rejuvenating Health Retreat. Some of our guests arrived following very strict dietary codes and although it had served them psychologically it did not appear to have always served some physiologically.
One size does not always fit all!
Many people are influenced by the advertisements on ‘diets’ and advice from various health gurus promoting products, foods and lifestyles that cater for the masses. A ‘one size fits all’ approach. Often in these times of greater awareness, we also see many changing their dietary habits to a more philosophical mode of eating to support their belief system and their moral code. This may work for many, but it is obvious it definitely does not work for everyone. This is where the persons ‘feeding plan’ needs to be ‘adjusted’ to their individual biochemical and functional needs (including digestion-wise) so they maximise the goodness they receive from the foods they consume.
In 2015 a comprehensive study was published on how people metabolise the same foods in different ways. 800 participants were asked to log into their phone App everything they ate and drank as well as their exercise sessions, bowel movements and sleeping patterns. Their blood sugar levels were measured every five minutes by a special device attached to their bodies. They also submitted stool samples to measure gut bacteria and blood samples. 46,898 meals were consumed and everyone ate the same breakfast.
The result showed that the participants responded very differently from each other and some surprising facts came to light such as how sushi caused one man’s blood sugar to spike higher than ice cream did. A similar result from a lady whose blood sugar spiked after eating tomatoes and another from eating fresh fruit but not from a glass of beer. Some people thrived on a ‘eat like a king breakfast’ while others felt better by having just a light breakfast or just a smoothie.
(pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26590418/)
The question I present for consideration is simply:
Is it possible that you are following a particular way of feeding yourself that is not actually giving your mind and body what they really need biochemically (nutritively)? The answer is found in the following question: does what you eat and drink serve you to feel good and function well and look your best self? If not, may I recommend you consider, ‘why not?'
The important message here is if you don’t consider you are functioning and feeling your best then find out what works for you!
I’m referring to; what makes you feel good, function well with plenty of energy and keeps you looking great because your diet and lifestyle works for YOU!
If you enjoyed this post please keep an eye out for the follow-up coming soon. And I must add here:
‘It is more than just your diet that keeps us well. It’s our Lifestyle (how we eat, think, drink) and what you do with your body that will, more than anything else, keep us well throughout our advancing years.’
Wishing you all a healthy, happy and vibrant 2023
Patricia
Patricia Edwards Vitality Living Kitchen
