THE D-I-E-T!

Once again, another one streams through the news feeds. It seems anyone can place the word “diet” in a news story and so many eyes and ears turn! I got your attention with my title didn’t I? I had the opportunity to speak with CTV News Channel on January 17^th about the new Planetary Health Diet, being described as a flexitarian approach to eating. Research from the EAT-Lancet Commission, a group of 37 scientists from around the world with expert knowledge in nutrition, agriculture, sustainability, and health, has brought attention to how we feed the billions of people to stay healthy, while preserving the planet. The research brings together 5 working groups seeking research, guidelines and best practices in the following categories:

1. What is a healthy Diet?
2. What is a sustainable food system?
3. What are the trends shaping diets today?
4. How can we achieve healthy diets from a sustainable food system?
5. What solutions and policies can be applied?

The main target involves working groups 1 and 2 (above) but my question is this working group #3 which looks at trends. Maybe that’s where we can use working group #5 to stop all of the bullying and celebrity diets, food shaming, and false marketing (especially to kids) to name just a few non-scientific ways food becomes trendy this day in age. Food is not supposed to be trendy, but rather simple (in each individual’s own way). So many in society become overwhelmed and confused about what to put in their mouths because of the so-called non-science claims that exist (mainly from non-credible sources that is backed by someone who is trying to make a dollar off of you). And that’s why I do like this Planetary diet. NOT because it is a big focus on plants, but because it doesn’t eliminate foods left right and centre. It still allows you to consume some red meat, but there is a focus on other protein sources, as well as dairy, fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, olive oils, and guess what….even a consideration for sugar!

Food is not an all-or-nothing approach (ok, it’s not how I educate, and yes I do factor in severe allergies people may have). It’s about looking at your own lifestyle and figuring out what foods your body performs best with, how you can enjoy foods with others and overall how you can enjoy life. Food choices should allow you to be flexible when you need to, and not have to question or feel guilty about everything you put on your plate.

I know there are so many out there who do still struggle with their food choices, restrictions or feelings of guilt. I know you may go 1, 2 or even 5 days feeling great with the choices YOU make and then read something that makes you doubt yourself, your intuition and your thought patterns. I was there too. BUT it is doable. It is possible to live a life where food is there as a means to fuel, enjoy with pleasure, create and pass along. Trust Me!

Stay connected with me for more tips, recipes and my Friday Facebook Live events happening on the last Friday of every month to support you, your goals and the burning questions you have.