What the Heck Am I Supposed to Eat? 3 Principles of Food to Live By
- Tyler Menke
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Are carbs friend or foe? What about fats? Is protein the ultimate hero in our diet? In a world overflowing with dietary advice, knowing what to eat can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be!
Having navigated this maze for years, I believe it’s essential to share insights that can simplify your food choices. The discussion around food can be contentious, but once you uncover the truths beneath the surface, everything becomes clearer. Stick around, because by the end, I’ll reveal the ingredients we love using in our home!
When it comes to nourishment, there are three vital principles to embrace: Season, Source, and Selection.
Principle #1 – Season
Let’s dive deeper than just eating what's “in season.” While that can be exciting, it doesn’t hold as much weight in today’s world. What matters more is recognizing that our bodies are wonderfully adaptable, like a hybrid car. We can thrive on fats or carbohydrates for energy, while protein and its amino acids support our repair and recovery. A well-rounded diet incorporates all three, but here’s the catch: many of us are missing the mark!
As a nation, we often rely heavily on processed carbohydrates, which provide quick energy but can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. With many of us consuming food 7-10 times a day, our bodies face frequent surges in insulin. Historically, our ancestors balanced their intake by eating more carbs in the growing seasons, while relying on fats during winter months, allowing for a much-needed reset.
Now is the time for us to take charge of our health. By cutting back on processed carbs and dedicating a few months to a clean, high-fat diet, you can give your insulin system the reset it craves. Embrace this journey toward balance, and let this be the beginning of your transformative path to vitality!
Principle #2 – Source
Let’s take a moment to reflect on where our pre-and probiotics come from. What about our vital amino acids? How about the fiber that keeps us going? Every bite we take can either fuel our bodies or fall short of what we need to thrive. For centuries, food has been seen as a form of medicine, yet today, many of us overlook its potential. Did you know that as Americans, we often fall short of our daily fiber needs, only hitting about 7-10 percent of what our bodies actually require? Fiber is crucial—it helps us feel satisfied, regulates insulin and blood sugar, and is essential for nutrient absorption. By embracing the idea that our foods can serve as sources of energy, repair, and even healing, we unlock the pathway to vibrant health.
Principle #3 – Selection
When it comes to food, not all choices are equal, and this truth empowers us to make better decisions. Some foods benefit from organic sourcing, while others should be avoided altogether because of their artificial nature or inflammatory properties. Strive for a diet rich in low FODMAP, anti-inflammatory, and nutrient-dense ingredients; this is vital for reclaiming our health. It’s wise to steer clear of harmful oils, processed sugars, artificial dairy, synthetic preservatives, and food dyes. The more processed a food is, the less nutrient-rich it tends to be, making it harder for our bodies to digest it effectively. While we don't have to buy everything organic, prioritizing certain fruits and vegetables that are hard to wash clean of pesticides and herbicides is well worth the investment. Genetically modified foods aren’t inherently bad, but they can have unexpected consequences. Just look at the difference between an organic strawberry and a conventional one. The size alone can reveal variations in sugar and fiber content! And consider the common dwarf red wheat in America—it’s designed to produce higher yields but often comes with increased gluten. With so many people experiencing gluten sensitivities today, it’s crucial to make informed choices.
As you decide what to eat, aim for simplicity. Choose foods with the fewest ingredients—those free from harmful oils, synthetic additives, and food dyes. Aiming for 80 percent of your calories from whole or minimally processed foods will set you on the path to success. Remember, your body thrives on both fats and carbohydrates—when was the last time you consciously took a break from carbs?
If you’re seeking some guidance, take advantage of the attached ingredients list we use in our home. It’s organized by season, highlights the concept of food as medicine, and indicates what we choose to buy organic. Armed with this knowledge, you have the power to make choices that fuel your wellness journey!