We are all unique. One of a kind. Embrace it, friends! What makes us feel happy and healthy is specific to each of us. A food or supplement that miraculously clears a friend's illness or eliminates their eczema may or may not do the same for another. It worked for them. We need to find what will work for us, and the best way to do this is by trial and error.
Bio-individuality isn't just about what we eat and drink, it's much more than that. It's all our lifestyle. Health is complex and encompasses wonderful aspects of our lives: environment, social connections, relationships, exercise routine, career, spirituality and more. It's fluid and dynamic, changing with us on our healthful journeys - it's about finding what makes us happy at this stage in our lives and what makes us feel amazing now.
Our bio-individuality is why there are so many health trends and unique diets; generally, by well-intentioned people who've found amazing results with the lifestyle choices they've made, and they're excited to share with others. The issue is that it won't work for everyone and realistically speaking, won't work exactly for any two individuals. Experimenting with different diet and lifestyle choices is the way to find the magic potion that works wonderfully for each of us.
Tune in to the mind and body and listen for where to begin - a new fitness routine at home? A plant-based diet? More time outdoors? New social connections? Let's take a moment to consider that there is something constant in most diets and programs out there: the importance of movement and eating a diet filled with plant-based foods. Remember that we all start where we are now, and that's what matters... small changes will build on each other, resulting in long lasting positive habits.
While studying at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, I learned about the importance of primary food as well as secondary food when it comes to health and what makes us thrive as individuals. Primary food embodies the complexity in all of us and brings awareness to the bigger picture of health, really looking at lifestyle and environment. Secondary food is our fuel in the form of food- our diet. And it's really a full circle since what we eat is influenced by our lifestyle and environment... our primary food.
As you look to find what best supports your bio-individuality, consider both primary and secondary foods. Do you have a high stress job that leaves you exhausted at the end of the day, and craving comfort or snack foods, for instance. Or maybe you want to exercise regularly but haven't really considered your options - joining a gym is only one option and not everyone enjoys it. You need to find what movement you enjoy... that's when you'll be able to do it consistently.
Start with the basics and don't overwhelm yourself:
Crowd out foods you'd like to remove or limit by including more whole foods. Eat that vegetable soup or green salad first, you'll have less room for the other stuff ❤
Consume a rainbow of colors when it comes to fruits and vegetables ❤
Include movement- it can be a walk, housework, or a H.I.I.T workout - do what makes you happy ❤
Keep a journal to track your mood and feeling as you experiment with new things ❤
Set aside time to play and give yourself something to look forward to: walking outside, reading a book, meeting a friend at a coffeeshop ❤
With love and sparkles to beautiful, bio-individual YOU,
Senia
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