We are NOT all created equal!

Over the last several months I have been on a personal food journey of sorts, learning what my body needs to run properly, what food gives me joy and energy and also what I need to eat for my body in order to either maintain my weight or lose weight. Up until this point I like so many people, specifically women struggled with my weight, fear of eating, fear of gaining and just a general all around anxiety despite all the knowledge I had about food and nutrition.
I came across this article from Joshua Rosenthal, the president of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC. It is exactly what I have been learning and what I have after so many years now completely embrace. I hope it is a help and encouragement to anyone else struggling.

We live in a world of modern nutrition. Today, almost everyone is on one diet or another. People dwell on proteins, carbs, calories, fats, restrictions and lists of good and bad foods. Each day we are hit with a new discovery, proclaiming the health benefits of a certain food or the best way to lose 10 pounds in a week. Diet books are best sellers. News programs feature stories about America's growing health crisis or the new wonder drug.It wasn't too long ago that humans existed without this media blitz, without expensive medications and without diet gurus telling them what to eat. People simply knew what to eat and how to prepare it. People naturally lived in harmony with the seasons and with their surroundings. They ate what was local and available and what gave them proper nutrients for their lives.Modern nutrition theories are all missing a huge part of what nutrition is really about: the individual. Most nutrition books tell you what to eat without any reference to age, constitution, gender, size or lifestyle.I take what I like to call a postmodern approach to nutrition by recognizing this bio-individuality. No perfect way of eating works for everybody. The food that works for your unique body, age and lifestyle may make another person gain weight and feel lethargic. Similarly, no perfect way of eating will work for you all the time. You may eat different foods on days when you are working outside than on a relaxing day spent reading. Foods you loved two years ago may not agree with you today. Bio-individuality is just one part of the postmodern approach of Integrative Nutrition. I invite you to pause for a moment and think about your own needs. Do you know the right fuel for your body? Remember, each of us is responsible for our own health and happiness. Start now!

"By listening to my body, I can discover what foods work best for me"