To live a fulfilling life, we need to support our physical body so we can excel on all levels. It is important to distinguish between when we are just eating anything to fill the hole vs eating food that truly nourishes our bodies.
Eating to fill the hole often leads to fast-foods, giving into cravings, refined/processed ‘foods’ and not feeling so well soon after.
These so-called ‘foods’ are nutrient-depleted. If foods don’t have nutrients to offer, not only do they lack something to bring to the table, but they are quite literally robbing us. To digest and break down these ‘foods’, we must use vitamins and minerals in the metabolic process of producing energy for our cells. Our resources are used up and in the end, nothing is gained from this ‘food’. When we eat foods that lack nutritional value, it puts us at a deficit. A vitamin and mineral deficiency can result in an acidic state.
Being acidic for a long time leads to stealing vitamins and minerals from bones and vital organs. Due to the poor diet, these vital nutrients are not replaced. We begin to experience small symptoms of dysfunction which eventually snowballs into chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, fibromyalgia, etc.
Here are some foods that put us at a deficit (are acidifying):
- Alcohol
- Red meats
- Coffee
- Cheese
- White flour products
- Peanuts
- Milk
- Lard
- Corn oil
- Wheat
- Sugar
- Potatoes
*These foods must be kept at a minimum or avoided altogether in the diet.
Our focus should be to eat nutrient-packed, whole foods. They will put us ahead of the game with stored vitamins and minerals. The types of foods that will feed our bodies and produce a net gain are the following:
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Fermented veggies
- Carrots
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Apple
- Avocado
- Berries
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon
- Curry
- Ginger
- Sea vegetables
*(Any fruit, spice, vegetable…) These foods should make up the majority of our diet.
I propose that we bring consciousness to eating. Have that second thought about what you are about to put in your mouth – What’s the nutrient value? Has the preparation depleted nutrients? Will this food serve you or harm you? The best way to avoid the temptation of a quick fix is to be prepared! Keep that whole food bar in your purse. Bring fruit along just in case. Take a serving of nuts & seeds on the road with you. These small steps will ensure that you are feeding your body and not just filling the hole. Practising feeding the body long-term spells prevention of chronic disease.