We accept that charity starts in the home, but the same can be said for health and well-being, and we all know that abs are made in the kitchen. So what are the tricks and tips you can do in the comfort of your own home to improve the health of you and your family?
Before we jump into our workout gear and squat in the lounge, it’s important to recognise that your health can be determined largely from the foods you eat. Sure, a few squats and push-ups can take it to the next level, but even without working-up a sweat it’s possible to be healthy, lean and strong. We, as a species, are designed to be lean – it is our genotype or genetic blueprint. It’s the foods of the modern diet that have led us astray and caused a spike in obesity, diabetes and autoimmune conditions seen throughout Australia and the western world. So, if consuming certain foods causes ill-health, surely it’s as simple as avoiding these and embracing foods that promote health…correct?
Absolutely!
What is it about the modern-day foods that cause ill-health? Well, they all promote inflammation and we now know that inflammation is the cornerstone to disease. My two golden rules when I’m grocery shopping are:
#1 Could I have picked it?
#2 Could I have caught it?
This might seem redundant in an age of convenience (supermarkets and home delivery), but by sticking to this, your basket or trolley will be full of fresh produce – veggies, eggs, shellfish, fish, poultry, meat, fruit, nuts and seeds. A diet rich in these foods will help to minimise inflammation and help you strive towards optimal health. Foods to avoid, which are inflammatory to our system, include: grains, dairy and legumes. I acknowledge that within those food groups there are a number of caveats but that’s another topic for discussion but feel free to research yourself.
Once you’ve restricted those food groups and embraced, with open arms, the aforementioned foods, it’s very plausible to reverse some of the negative effects of inflammatory foods. Once your pantry and fridge is packed full of fresh food, you can take your health to the next level by consuming foods that foster good gut health, such as bone broth, fermented foods and insoluble fibre. Now, I’m not suggesting we make radical changes to the diet overnight, but by making small incremental changes over time it’s possible to be well on the way to your optimal weight and health without even breaking into a sweat…how good is that??!!
Lastly, as a parent, we have a privileged position to influence our child’s health through nutrition by encouraging REAL food at the dinner table and in their packed lunches, allowing them to thrive!!
PASSIONATELY ON YOUR EDUCATION OF FOOD AND HEALTH IN THE HOME FOR THAT WOMAN WHO WANTS TO LOOK AFTER HERSELF
