In lieu of my normal WIAW, I am doing a What I’m Thinking Wednesday about some thoughts I’ve had surrounding food lately..prompted by a lot of stuff I’ve been seeing in the blog world. But don’t worry…if you’re here for some fabulous food pics, I’ll have those for you tomorrow. So let’s just call this WIAW: Part 1…today you get the words, tomorrow you get the pics! I’ve got a lot of thoughts so please excuse any rambling, run-ons, or discombobulation that may follow.
I’ve always been fascinated by different diet choices, why people eat what they eat (or what they choose NOT to eat), and how all these factors affect their health, athletic performance, mental stability, and simple day to day living. You may remember my ‘Focus On‘ posting series last year where I featured a bunch of the most popular diet trends and food philosophy’s in a (as much as possible) unbiased way to shed a little light on what they’re all about, if there are any positives or negatives to follow them, and how they were created and gained popularity.
It was a very intriguing series and I learned a lot of stuff about eating trends and the in’s and out’s of certain diets that I had never known before. I’ve also read numerous books (Health Food Junkies, The China Study, Forks Over Knives, Fast Food Nation, Food Ink, etc.) about similar topics to get a better understanding of what people think the ‘best’ way to eat is. Although a lot of these books can be very persuasive in their arguments for a certain way of eating, what I’ve always come away with is that in the end balance is best, eliminating whole food groups is unnecessary, our bodies really aren’t as ‘sensitive’ as we think they are, and eating moderately from ALL food groups is the best way to ensure you’re getting adequate nutrients, variety, and enjoyment from food. Sure, I’ve adopted some principles from all of the different research I’ve done, but I am always hesitant to adopt or label myself with just one style of eating because I feel it boxes me and creates food rules for what I can or should be eating. I’d rather be able to be flexible, spontaneous, and easily adapt to situations where my preferred foods aren’t available. I never want to be in a situation where I feel I “can’t eat anything”. Believe me, traveling abroad would pretty much be impossible if this were the case and day to day life would just be unecessarily stressed filled.
With all of that said, I understand the necessity of some people having to change their diets or eat a certain way do to health reasons. It totally makes sense. I’ve said it before and even though it’s cliche, it is true….we are all different.
However (also something I’ve mentioned before), the popularity of ‘elimination style’ diets right now (paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc.) is a bit confusing to me. I think people have almost developed a hyper awareness of their bodies ‘sensitivity’ to certain foods. Up until about ten years ago, no one really focused on food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to the extent they do now. Most people ate without much thought (and granted this isn’t the best way to eat either)…but with less awareness and worry about every specific morsel that went into their mouths. It was a more moderate, less defined way of eating that meant moderation from each of the food groups.
But all of the sudden people began thinking of food in a negative light in my opinion. Thinking of it as the cause of tons of problems instead a necessary and viable source for tons of different nutrients. Whole food groups began being written off as ‘evil’ and symptom causing….most times without the advisement or even involvement of a doctor, just by self diagnoses and experimenting. I certainly think that what you put in your body can affect the way you feel, but I think focusing on whole foods is enough. Cutting out entire food groups seems excessive in most cases to me…and also potentially unhealthy because certain foods are truly the best source for getting certain nutrients into your diet. Sure there are other sources, at a certain point, the real thing in it’s natural form is best.
A lot of people who go on these ‘elimination style’ diets claim to have amazing results, symptom reduction, and overall improved state of well being. But not without experiencing horrible side effects at first, fatigue, cravings, and the like. Our bodies are amazing things…they can really adapt to anything. So isn’t it possible that you’re not necessarily feeling better but just experiencing your bodies adaptation to the new lack of nutrients it’s experiencing. Basically you could just be feeling better than you did when you first cut stuff out, not truly better overall. And who’s to say there isn’t something very specific causing your problems to begin with? Like one specific food rather than a whole food group? But most people never figure this out because they don’t consult a doctor! (I know some people do have the input of doctors and I see their choices as a little bit more justified since they are getting guidance and advice from a medical professional).
Just like a body can adapt to eating less calories or more calories and then learn to survive in that state, it can learn to survive in a state of deprivation from the certain nutrients that you aren’t getting by cutting out food groups. Notice how I said survive….but are you really thriving?
All these ideas make me think of an article I once read about a women who went through the process of cutting foods from her diet to in an attempt to cure some physical ailments. But she went way too far and against the advice of medical professionals and ended up becoming fairly obsessed with attaining the ‘perfect diet’ and discovering the ‘right’ way of eating. Like this woman, with enough focus and obsession on finding out how each and every food affects us, ANY food can be found to be harmful in some way. And it doesn’t help that you are bound to find some bogus study or claim that backs up these thoughts by doing a simple google search.
Another thing all these studies and claims leads to is people eliminating things just because they think they should! Not even because they are having issues. Foods that they ENJOY eating…that don’t even make them ‘”feel bad”. What’s the point?!
This is a notion I definitely came across in all the research I’ve done on different diet trends. Pretty much they ALL contradict each other. What one claims as the guaranteed way to stay healthy, another claims as the worst possible way to eat.
So of course you have to find out what diet makes you feel your best, but I guess my thought on the matter is that it doesn’t have to be as complicated and restrictive as people have made it seem in the last decade or so. Simplicity and going back to basics I think could work for a lot more people if they gave it a chance and dropped the whole “my body is special/sensitive/a temple” mentality. For most of human history people have eaten the same basic food groups. Aside from the addition of processed foods in the last couple centuries , our original instincts seem to have worked pretty well. And for those of you that will say…”humans mostly ate Paleo in ancient times”… this may be true but they certainly weren’t making paleo pancakes, buying special meat products (BACON!), and only eating fruits and vegetables for snacks. They ate whatever was available to them and adapted to situations based on that. They didn’t uphold specific diet rules in spite of other things were available…like grains, dairy, LEGUMES! That last one irks me to no end….since when are beans and legumes bad for us!
But enough of this before I begin to rant. I don’t want to act like my way of eating is best or that anyone really knows the ‘right’ way of eating. I simply needed to get some thoughts out and since this is a blog I thought this was the perfect forum to do that in. I’ll leave you with this last question to think about…
Is it possible that we say ‘works for us’ is really just what we make our minds believe…but not really what our bodies need?
Just some thoughts that have come up in my mind lately and I’d love to hear some your opinions on all of this. I know it’s kind of a sensitive topic for some. Especially if you’re undertaking diet changes like this right now (which I know a lot of you are!)! Know that this is not an attack on you or an attempt to criticize you. People are always going to question other people’s choices no matter what they are…and as blogger’s we are even more subjected to others peoples comments and opinions because we put more information out there for people to judge. Honestly, the way someone chooses to eat doesn’t affect how I think of them as person….it’s just one small aspect of who they are. But it does certainly bring up some issues worth discussing. I think as long as it can be done in a respectful and fair way than it definitely should be done.
Oookay. The end. See you tomorrow for some food pics.
Kaila
Subscribe on the side. Follow me on Twitter. Ask me on Formspring. Follow me on Pinterest. Like me on Facebook.Follow me on Instagram.
Today’s Healthy Help: Agreed to try some products from a friend’s new company!
47 responses to “WITW: What Works for You?”
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I 100% agree with this. My biggest pet peeve is when people cut out carbs. I get that some people need to cut back due to allergies or intolerances but there are a lot of people who just have decided they’re bad so they no longer eat them. I’m a picky eater but I always have been. I’m not one to try these crazy diets out there. Maybe they really do work for some people, but I know they aren’t for me.
Thank you Sarah! There is DEFINITELY a difference between being picky and just flat out eliminating foods regardless of like or dislike of them. I totally get just not liking certain foods!
I have eliminated an entire food group, meat. Not because of any dietary or health goal, but because I choose not to eat animals. All my food choices are based on that decision, but it is certainly possible to eat healthfully without harming other living beings.
If people could simply choose whole foods over processed, eat less, and skip the sugar, they would see some amazing benefits to their health. It is simple, yet so hard to do.
I understand (and respect) a choice to not eat meat because of ethical and personal reason, but what I am confused about is when people make a decision like that just because its trendy or popular at the time. I like your food philosophy a lot! I think a lot of people would benefit with eating similarly to that! Simple and efficient.
Saw this link pop up on my twitter feed from Lindsay at LGB! I really enjoyed this read. In my last blog post, I rambled about making the best choices for living a healthy lifestyle (and how difficult it can be sometimes), and touched on some of the things you wrote about here.
I just wanted to say that I COMPLETELY agree with you. About everything 🙂 Looking forward to bookmarking your blog, Kaila!
Glad you stopped by to read and comment! I’d love to read your post on the subject!
This may very well be my favorite post that you’ve ever written. Seriously. It’s extremely well thought out and opinionated while still maintaining a level of respect.
As far as elimination diets go, I completely agree with you. I’ve been there and done that and I can honestly say that those types of extremes were NOT good for my health. I’m much better off eating the things I crave and not restricting myself to a set of food “rules”. The only elimination I’ll never change is my choice not to eat meat- I’ve never liked it, stopped eating it when I was 9, and have absolutely no desire to add it into my diet. That’s what works best for me!
Again, amazing post! <3
WOW! Thank you so much Emily! I really appreciate that comment. You are so sweet!
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately mostly because I’ve been toying with the idea of trying to eliminate/limit certain food groups because of certain physical symptoms I’m trying to figure out. For me, it’s more about figuring out the effect of certain food groups on me and my body. I don’t believe in fully eliminating any one food group but I do believe that we should and need to be aware of how our own bodies function and react to different foods and from there we can make educated decisions. Not just eliminate a food group because it’s cool and trendy and someone else lost a bunch of weight following a certain diet, you know?
That last sentence is EXACTLY what I’m saying! I feel like a lot of peoples motives to eliminate some from an unhealthy place.
This was a good read. Thank you. I tried Paleo for two keeps and felt horrible. People told me that my body was geting used to it and it will get better, but I put an end to that.
I still struggle with finding the right way to eat. Never has been easy for me.
It’s definitely a life long challenge and learning process! Exactly why I try not to peg myself with just one eating style! I’m constantly evolving and adapting.
This is really well-written, and I agree with what you said here! I feel like kind of a hypocrite, saying that I don’t think people should do full-blown elimination diets unless they have medical reasons to do so, but then I’m a vegan who leans towards gluten free eating. However, I eat this way due to health benefits I’ve seen from this and my ethical stance. But I don’t think people should jump on the latest elimination diet just because it’s a trend or because someone else saw benefits from it. And honestly, a lot of these elimination diets have rabid followers who call out anyone who disagrees–not so good. I personally believe everyone needs to eat the way that works for them, don’t push it on anyone else and focus more on whole foods from a variety of food groups!
I think an ethical stance makes more sense than just cutting out a food group just because, so I understand your dietary choices. What I don’t get is when people cut out multiple food groups at a time and then claim that ALL those food groups cause them issues. There’s really no way of knowing.
This is such a well-written post and it has some serious truth in it. I get exhausted just thinking about all the so-called “right” and “wrong” ways to eat. Health concerns are certainly a huge factor in determining what foods work for someone, but I feel like so often those choices are dictated more my the influence of others. Loved your thoughts on the subject!
Thank you! And I definitely think you’re right about others choices being influenced by outside factors…we are a very impressionable society.
I think your title says it all – what wotrks for you. Not the current trend. I eat what I want and don’t put a label on it. Whole foods that are the least processed works for me!
I’m with ya! Whole foods rule!
You’re right that much of the information contradicts itself, but I do think some things work better for some people than others (dairy and gluten) – there are some real intolerances. Beyond that, there are also a lot of people cutting out food groups who definitely don’t need to be, and you’re right, it can become an unhealthy obsession!
I definitely agree that there are real intolerances! I think when a doctor diagnoses you then you have totally justified reasons for tailoring your diet and making changes. But like you said, a lot of people just seem to be cutting food groups without really consulting professionals and for non-health related reasons!
They are getting incredibly popular, and I cringe at some of the long lists of things people are eliminating but moreso WHY they’re eliminating them.
However, I find that most of the bloggers I read who are doing this *have* seen a professional about it, and that one of the reasons why these diets are so popular is because of the rise in popularity of holistic doctors/naturopaths/etc.
I did the whole eliminating gluten thing to help cure an ailment of my own. Sure, I felt fine without it – but I didn’t notice any difference in my ailment. Turns out, when I relaxed a little, ate whatever I wanted, and quit stressing, that ailment did get better. But now, because I went without gluten for months, my stomach does get pissed at me when I have it (but I’m slowly starting to add it back into my diet…the opposite of an elimination diet, ha! Because life without beer, I mean gluten, just isn’t the same 😉
/endnovel
*I am NOT saying this would be the case for everyone – just the case for me! As I know gluten really does affect some to the point of needing to quit eating it.
Yes! Definitely those that have been diagnosed with Celiacs have a legitimate need to not eat gluten!
“Turns out, when I relaxed a little, ate whatever I wanted, and quit stressing, that ailment did get better.” LOVE what you said here! I feel like most people’s issues arise from an increase of stress they are putting on themselves physically and mentally to attain perfection! Spikes in cortisol can cause a lot of the symptoms that most people who take on elimination diets report. Maybe becoming more easy going and spontaneous with our diets could be a simple fix to some of the issues people seem to be facing lately. And I am happy you have been able to figure out what your triggers are and that beer…(I mean gluten!!! haha) can be apart of your life! 🙂
We are all so different and therefore what we eat and how our bodies react and thrive from is all so very different from one person to the next. I’m not into fad diets…just a believer in the what works for you and your body approach 🙂
Very true Kierston!
Great read!
I’ve had very similar conversations with my husband lately. When it comes down to it, like your title says, it’s what works for you. I’ve been searching, for lack of better words, for optimal nutrition with clean eating and then the different types of vegetarian diets. I’ve found what works best for me and with the help of my doctor I have made sure it truly is what is best for me inside and out. I undoubtedly will think about your post during my run today and I think I have an idea for a blog post 🙂
Thank you Jill! Glad you got an idea for blog post! And I applaud you for working with a doctor to figure out what works for you in a healthy way!
I think a lot of the same things you do, however I have some food for thought. I truly believe for the most part kids and parents are less active now then they were 40, 30 and even 20 years ago. In the blogging bubble I think it is a bit different because most of us with kids LOVE being active, but I wonder what the general population is like. So while 20 years ago we didn’t worry about carbs, we also didn’t worry about our kids exercising…
Thank you for bringing this up Kelly! It’s definitely a factor to consider. Our world has changed a lot throughout time and that’s why I think our diets should have room for change as well..not rigidly defined standards that box us in and restrict us. Thanks for sharing your input!
very interesting. you’re right – food affects people all differently and in so many different ways. itz best to find what works for YOU!
Thanks for reading Linz!
Well said! I agree that this is a tricky topic, largely because there are always going to be people who take it too far. In a lot of cases, limitation is probably all your body really wants/needs, rather than total elimination. I do think, though, that the hyperawareness of our bodies is a positive thing–the fact that we weren’t doing that 10 years ago could just mean that we were writing off symptoms as “normal” rather than considering the possibility that they could be treatable. Also, I like that people are feeling empowered to turn to diet changes instead of pills.
As the mother of a son with 7+ serious food allergies, I’m confident that real food allergies are legitimately on the rise, too–it’s not just that we’re noticing them more. Something is happening, maybe in our environment, maybe in our food system, that’s making our bodies see foods as enemies more than before. I’m not sure how that applies to food sensitivities, but I’m not willing to say all the people that claim to have found relief in elimination diets are just nuts. 🙂
Anyway, great post, and so well written–thanks so much for sharing!
You bring up a great point here Kim! I definitely agree that food is much better medicine than turning to potentially harmful drugs! And I agree that food allergies are legitimate. But what I have a problem with is when people claim to have them without ever being diagnosed and then go about changing their diet drastically without any real purpose or reason to. But like you, I definitely don’t think that all people who’ve taken on these type of diets are nuts! Like anything, when you take it too far however, that’s where problems can arise! Thank you so much for the sweet compliment and for adding your two cents to the discussion! I really appreciate it.
I love that you wrote this and have looked at all the “diets” that seem to be “in” right now and always cringed. And I agree with you, how can beans be bad?!
But life took a turn and after two months of stomach problems, multiple tests coming out clean (that is good), and more tests on the schedule I started tracking my tummy issue with food. Was there a trigger? Am I doing something different? Is it the new protein powder? I had my “final” test last Friday and I also decided, I don’t want to continue taking medicine to keep my stomach happy. Drugs for pain free? Nope. The final test came out clean. I started dairy free since I did notice at least a congestion issue with it. My stomach is fine but perhaps, it was already through what ever upset it and its improvement has nothing to do with no dairy. The thing is, the past three days I woke up able to breath through my nose. I haven’t been able to do that since I was pregnant! Before pregnancy, I woke up stuffy every day too. My daughter is 5 so it is nice. I am still working closely with my doctor and we may do a blood test to confirm things but right now, we are tracking and monitoring.
So yes, if anyone wants to do anything drastic I am a strong believer of working with your doctor mainly because, they can help you do what is best, their knowledge can ensure you don’t overlook something, and perhaps I may find it is just some dairy foods not all.
It definitely sounds like you’ve taken the right approach. Working with a professional is great way of making sure you’re removing the right things and looking at specific trigger instead of just removing whole food groups that can reap benefits that we actually need! I am sending positive thoughts your way that you’re able to figure out what’s causing your stomach issues!
I think everyone should do their own research and eat what they want based on their own beliefs and needs… and if you read some books about PRIMAL or PALEO eating, you would know why beans and legumes are bad. There is so much conflicting information around and I think it is silly to make judgments about what other people eat.
Live and let live, is my motto.
Very true. I haven’t read any books that solely focus on Paleo eating but I have read books that touch on the subject and plenty of articles on the eating style too. I guess I just tend to favor the science that supports beans and legumes being healthy and nutrient dense foods rather than the paleo logic that says they are not. But it all just depends on what appeals to you and what arguments you choose to believe.
This topic confuses me sooo much, I have done a lot of research and I dont think that any sort of elimination is really my style because I like all the food. I think that labeling certain foods as “bad foods” in the first place leads to a negative view on healthy eating.
Right! Any food can be eaten but when you overdo or under-do any one type of food, that’s where you get issues.
amen! it’s one reason i stopped working with nutrients clients for awhile. I was sick of it. Hyper aware, yes. I am guilty of falling for that trap too. We need to focus on what makes us feel good, not OVER FOCUS on what makes us feel bad or anxious
Well said! I agree with you!
[…] I promised you food and food is what you shall get! But first, one final comment on yesterday’s post. […]
[…] other news, this post about elimination diets and finding what “works” for you really got me thinking yesterday. If I had to sum up Kaila’s argument, I’d say it’s something […]
LOVE this post. You’ve done it again: just like your post on intuitive eating, you make a balanced argument in an incredibly well-thought-out manner.
I’m working on a post about my veganism (and it’s many incarnations….currently I’m going with ‘vegan in transition’), why I stayed vegan so long, and why I’m not restricting myself any more. [No meat yet, but I have some ethical issues behind that one, not food sensitivity or diet-related.]
I call myself dairy-wary at the moment, because sometimes lactose causes me ills and sometimes it doesn’t. Yet, I don’t want to give up ice cream completely. So I won’t. 🙂
Anyways, I could go on, but I’ll save it for my blog. At some point. When I get around to it. Maybe when I finally dive headfirst into the pulled pork at Whole Foods. I swear, it’s going to be a pig that turns me back into an omnivore.
[…] of some #healthyhelp this week too! Thank you to all those who shared, tweeted, and linked to my post from Wednesday! I really appreciate the love and support and it’s a great feeling when posts you work hard […]
[…] This article on recent diet trends and why they really don’t work! (goes very well with my post from this past week!) […]