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The Best Diet for You

What is the right, easiest, or best diet to follow? What about Keto, paleo, DASH, Atkins, South Beach, intermittent fasting, Mediterranean, low carb, low fat? How does anyone make sense of all of the available information (while sorting out the misinformation) about food and health?

One simple answer is, “the best diet is the one that works the best for you and your family.” Every family is living with a distinct combination of culture, health, economy, employment, and location. What may be an easy and delicious meal for one family, may be impractical or unappealing to another. Think about your current diet and see how it fares while trying to follow these suggestions.

Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods are nutrient-dense and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Emphasize Variety: Include a wide variety of foods from different food groups to ensure a diverse intake of nutrients. Explore foods from your own cultural heritage as well as others, celebrating the rich tapestry of global cuisine.

Practice Portion Control: Listen to your hunger and fullness cues, and avoid oversized portions, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

Choose Moderation, Not Deprivation: Use a balanced approach to eating that includes all foods in moderation. Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” remember that enjoying treats and indulgences occasionally is ok while focusing on overall dietary patterns.

Include Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats in your diet, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats are essential for supporting brain health, hormone production, and overall well-being.

Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Limit sugary beverages like soda and juice, which can contribute to excess calorie intake and health problems.

Customize to Cultural Preferences: Adapt general nutrition guidelines to align with your cultural heritage and personal preferences.

Consider Economic Constraints: Seasonal produce, shopping sales, and using affordable protein sources like beans and legumes are some ways to add variety to your diet on a budget.

Be Physically Active: Find enjoyable forms of exercise that fit your interests and abilities, whether it’s walking, dancing, gardening, or playing sports.

If you need a little motivation to make some dietary shifts, consider adding The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan, to your reading list. Pollan crafted a concise message to keep in mind with every meal; “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” If you start with this general guidance and work within the framework of the suggestions above, you can build a healthy diet that is right for you and your family. Then you can start incorporating more foods that are specific to your physical and mental health needs!

This article was part of the March 2024 e-news FRESH Rx. Subscribe for similar content delivered to your inbox.