Selecting the “BEST” diet can be challenging, but our trained professionals are here to help!
"This diet is better than that diet."
I've studied nutrition inside and out, forwards and backwards, for nearly 9 years.
I've seen and heard everything. Especially when it comes to the diet craze. Sometimes, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.
In Functional Nutrition, we take a deep dive into a person's personal health history as well as current health issues. Most health issues can be traced to inflammation, as well as a leaky gut.
Back in the day, fat was bad for us, so everyone jumped on the low-fat, fat-free train. Bad move. Our bodies operate much better, in so many ways, when we consume healthy fats (like raw nuts, avocados, olives and high quality avocado, coconut and olive oils).
There are and always have been those calorie counters. Health is not focusing on calories in and calories out. Good health includes a diet rich in a wide variety of nutrient dense foods.
Let's look at some of the more well known diets today. I recommend most, but not all, depending on the person's health issues.
The Paleo Diet
This diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, resembling those consumed by Paleolithic humans. It promotes weight loss, improved satiety, and reduced inflammation by focusing on lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds while excluding processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy.
The Ketogenic Diet
This diet (also known as keto) restricts carbohydrates, encouraging the body to enter ketosis and burn fat for fuel. It aids weight loss, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and may improve cognitive function, but requires careful monitoring of macronutrient intake to maintain ketosis. Some research shows that doing this long term can result in some negative side effects.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet, inspired by traditional dietary patterns of Mediterranean countries, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and moderate wine consumption. It promotes heart health, reduces inflammation, and supports weight management while offering flexibility and enjoyment in eating.
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet
This diet eliminates potentially inflammatory foods to manage autoimmune conditions. It focuses on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and high-quality proteins while avoiding grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, and nightshade vegetables. It may reduce autoimmune symptoms, support gut health, and improve overall well-being.
The Plant-Based/Vegetarian/Vegan Diet
A plant-based diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes while minimizing or excluding animal products. It offers some health benefits, but requires careful planning to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Each diet offers unique benefits, addressing various health concerns and preferences. Choosing the most suitable approach depends on individual health goals, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle factors, with guidance from healthcare professionals recommended for personalized dietary plans.
If you want help choosing a plan that suits your goals and your lifestyle, contact Wolfe Family Chiropractic for a Functional Nutrition consultation!