03/03/2025
What is a Healthy Diet?
Eating plenty of vegetables is a great start, but how we eat them matters. Plants have natural defense mechanisms that can affect digestion and nutrient absorption. Preparing them properly can help you get the most benefits while avoiding discomfort.
Key Considerations When Preparing Your Food:
🥬Oxalates: Found in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, oxalates bind to minerals like iron and zinc, reducing the body’s ability to absorb these essential minerals. Blanching, steaming, or cooking these greens reduces oxalates, making nutrients more available. I love tossing spinach into a pan before cooking my eggs—one of my favorite combos!
🫘 Lectins: Beans, legumes, grains, and some vegetables contain lectins, which may cause bloating and nutrient absorption issues in some people. Soaking them for several hours before cooking (discarding the soaking water) or choosing sprouted/fermented versions helps reduce lectins. I soak my beans overnight and use an Instant Pot to cook them quickly!
🥜 Phytic Acid: Beans, nuts, seeds and grains contain phytic acid that is also an anti-nutrient. Long term intake of these foods, without proper preparation and animal protein avoidance are at the greatest risk for nutrient deficiencies (eg. iron, zinc, calcium). Another easier solution is to soak nuts over night and dehydrating them (called sprouting) which removes the phytic acid and gives them a nice crunch! You don’t need a dehydrator, just use your oven on the lowest setting (150F for about 12hours or 175F at about 8 hours).
Does this mean I never eat raw kale? No! I still enjoy kale salads but stay mindful of balance. If I had low mineral levels or digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea, pain), I’d avoid raw greens and follow the preparation tips above.
Lastly, eat the rainbow 🌈😋 —and not the Skittle kind! Each vegetable colour provides unique nutrients for your body and gut health. Turn it into a fun daily challenge for the family!
Want to optimize your nutrition? Book an appointment, and let’s assess your diet, fill any gaps, and create a plan to help you thrive!