The Perfect Diet and Healthy Eating
- Jan 11, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 18
The National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches recognizes that guidelines around healthy weight, nutrition, and hydration are among the most controversial topics in lifestyle medicine. There are differing professional opinions, and many controversies exist that are not always readily apparent within conventional expertise. However, it is widely agreed that there is no “one-size-fits-all” diet. Factors such as ethnicity, family history, lifestyle, age, sex, body composition, overall health, and environment must all be considered for any given individual.
One thing studies consistently agree on is that optimal eating is associated with increased life expectancy, a dramatic reduction in the lifetime risk of chronic diseases, and improvements in gene expression.
Based on the Annual Review of Public Health, Katz and Meller conducted a review and comparison of different healthy diets promoted as of 2014. They concluded that there is "a weight of evidence strongly supporting healthful eating" patterns, which include:
A diet predominantly plant based (vegetables, legumes and fruits)
as closed as possible to nature (meaning raw is preferred)
and minimal processed food.
The plate composition promoted by different organizations varies in the types of foods allowed within the diet, but their commonalities include:
Serving on 9" plate
1/2 of the plate should be vegetables
1/4 of the plates carbohydrates
1/4 of the plate protein
Some diets include the fruits portion within the vegetable plate section while others within the carbohydrate plate section.
Below are links to the different association and their plate recommendations:
Now, I invite you to do your own healthy eating research. What changes would you like to start implementing on your diet for a healthier, longer, more energetic, empowered life?
By making mindful choices and focusing on whole, natural foods, you can create a sustainable, personalized diet that supports long-term health.
With Unconditional Love,
Coach Edna
Ready to start your journey to an Empowered WellBeing w/Coach Edna?
Did something spark your curiosity on this post? Do you want to know more about a specific topic? Leave a comment below or contact me. I'll be happy to answer and/or provide additional information.
This was such a mindset shift for me when I started eating this way 5 years ago. It was like someone took my "crayons and coloring book" and gave me a "canvas and oil paints" and told me to cook with all new materials! It was really hard at first! But, just as crayons and books can only be so beautiful, eating a plant based diet creates a meal experience that can be as fulfilling as a beautiful oil painting! Thanks for sharing this important message!