Who Do You Trust for Nutritional Advice?

My life pretty much revolves around food.  Making it, growing it, shopping for it, sharing it.  I'm planning lunch and dinner before I even eat breakfast. And more and more, I find myself talking about food - all the time, everywhere.  At the gym, swim practice, library, copy shop, farmer's market, parties; name the place, and there I am, talking about food.

I'm down with all the food talk.  I enjoy talking about food almost as much as I enjoy eating it, and I've recently come to appreciate that this is my role within my family and community.  I'm completely responsible for the nutrition of three other human beings.  If I didn't think about my family's food, they might not eat.  Or worse yet, they'd eat all wrong.  Within my community, many people don't have the time or interest to think about food all day long.  They've got jobs, commitments, non edible interests.  I've got dinner ideas, cooking tips, recipes to share.

Many of my recent food conversations have hinged on nutrition.  I'm more than willing to share what I've learned, but I hesitate to advise others on their diet.  Although I have a lot of experience with food (don't we all?), I realize that I'm not qualified to dispense nutritional advice.  The more research I do about food and nutrition, the more I wonder, who is?  Who can I trust to tell me what to eat, what not to eat, and why?

Almost everything I used to believe about food and nutrition has been turned upside down this past year.  I've gone from buying whole grains and brown rice in bulk to smearing my steak with butter.  I no longer believe that red meat and eggs will raise my cholesterol, that saturated fat will make me fat, or that salt will give me heart disease.  I now know that skipping a meal or two will not result in my body cannibalizing itself for protein.  I now believe that sugar is the root of nearly all health evils, and that glucose is glucose, but not every calorie is created equal.

I didn't learn this from my doctor or my college professors, and certainly not from any government funded nutritional education programs.  I haven't read it in one specific book.  I'm continually piecing my knowledge from various sources: articles, blog posts, podcasts, documentaries, online lectures, various books and websites, conversations with friends who seem to be eating something right.

The most influential source of nutritional advice came from this TED Talk.  (Please take a moment to watch it if you haven't already.)



Most importantly, I'm learning about proper nutrition from myself.  I started listening to my gut.  I pay attention to deviations from my idea of optimal health and research how to correct it with minerals and vitamins from whole food sources.  I analyze how I feel after eating certain foods, and eliminate or increase those foods accordingly.  I experiment with the timing of my meals for better performance and sounder sleep.

No, I'm not qualified to tell you what to eat, but you are.  You have access to all the tools you need to find the proper nutrition for your body.  You are the ultimate laboratory.  Yes, it takes time and effort, but aren't you worth it?  Trust yourself, mind your mitochondria, and enjoy your food.

 ~~~~~~~~

I recently had a conversation with a CrossFit friend (hi Denise!) about muscle cramping post workout.  I wondered out loud if maybe the cramping was due to an electrolyte imbalance.  As I've made clear, I'm not an expert and certainly not qualified to dispense nutritional advice, but if I were cramping post workout, I'd drink something like this:

Paleo friendly Aguas Frescas.  Not only does it have potassium and sodium, it tastes darn good and it's refreshing after a sweaty workout.  I made one today after a pretty disappointing attempt at some heavy snatches.  It made me feel a little better about my improper form and wimpy load.

Molly's Post WOD Aguas Frescas (aka "Not Gatorade")

1 lemon cucumber

1 cup water

the juice of 1/2 a lime, lemon, or both

generous pinch of salt

ice

Put everything in the blender and blend until smooth.

If you're not worried about electrolytes, add a shot of tequila. 

Enjoy!

P.S.  This picture is for Amy, who gave me these flowers when they were wee babies, and who called me during her precious quiet time today to talk about food, especially of the fermented variety, and muscle ups.  Thank you, friend.