Who coined that phrase “you are what you eat?” and what does it mean? It quite literally means that the food you eat impacts your health.
Actually, there are many authors from different centuries we can attribute this to, from early 19th century France when French attorney Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are to a mid-1800’s German essayist, Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach, who proclaimed Man is what he eats.
It didn’t really stick though until 1942 when the nutritionist, Victor Lindlahr, published You Are What you Eat: how to win and keep health with diet.
Yep, eating a variety of whole foods every day is the best way to safeguard your health, maintain your entire body, and increase your longevity. I guess it takes time for a good idea to catch on, right?
It is so elementary, yet people complicate it with restrictive diets, superfoods and whatever products the influencers are hawking on social media. And it is confusing, right?
That’s why I keep it simple. I help guide you to make better choices, because I can tell you in my years of coaching, people think they are eating well, and they aren’t always making the best choices.
And it isn’t necessarily their fault, because let’s face it, advertising can be deceiving. Who hasn’t seen labels that purport the product is nutritionally sound and is far from it.
Health coaching is an education in eating well, understanding the emotional connections we have with food, and identifying what works best for you. And so much more.
But that is not the entire picture when it comes to your health.
Nourishment is not just about the macronutrients you need every day – protein, fat, and yes, carbs. It is also about other things that you take in from the environment around you, such as the people you surround yourself with, the beliefs and values you uphold, and the “news” you take in daily.
This was a very important lesson I learned when I first started nutrition school back in 2014. You are nourished by your food and water, but also relationships, physical activity, career choices and personal spiritual beliefs and practices. You are fed by everything you take in, that is why it is so important to monitor those choices.
Additionally, we have to keep moving. And it doesn’t have to be a slog, either. By incorporating more movement into our every day, we are actually helping our body stay fit and healthy longer. People often think they have to go to a gym, or follow a strict regimen of working out. Not necessarily. What you have to realize is that 1) your middle-aged metabolism is working against you 2) your hormones are not optimized and 3) you are more sedentary than you think you are.
By moving more regularly and incorporating some strength training a few times per week, we can stave off fat, reduce muscle loss and increase our metabolism. Not to mention increase flexibility and balance. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
So there you have it. The three-legged stool for staying healthy and fit as you age.
Mind, body and spirit.
And you have options:
Register here to join me this Thursday for a Self-care Masterclass focused on the holidays .
Register here to join me this Saturday for a lovely one hour walk in the woods.
Check out the coaching options available here for 2022 (at 2021 prices).
Consider the alternative and make the right choices. And know that I am here to support you on your wellness journey.
Best in health,
Coach Michelle
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