Hello and welcome to The Imperfect Nutritionist Newsletter! If you’ve found your way here but by some twist of fate are not yet subscribed, let me help you with that…
If you’re new to eating better, or have been stuck in a long-time rut and are ready for change, then where do you start?
At The Imperfect Nutritionist Nutrition Clinic, the first step is to identify and remove deficiencies.
You don’t need a major overhaul on day one. You don’t need to “go Keto” or “eliminate sugar”. You just need to address any major nutrient or vitamin deficiencies. Because, until these are resolved, your body just won’t function correctly.
For most people these can be overcome, as well as overall diet improved, by following the 7 Principles of Health Eating (as outlined in my book, ahem, available for pre-order here).
Focus on wholefoods
Be diverse
Factor in fats
Include fermented foods
Reduce refined carbohydrates
Be aware of liquids
Eat mindfully
Of course, you don’t have to tackle all of these at once. In fact, you probably shouldn’t! Rather, pick one thing and start there. Important areas to look at initially are including enough high quality protein, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, and water. Then add in new practices one at a time as you feel capable of dealing with them.
Once nutritional deficiencies are addressed, you can start to focus on things like food quality (i.e. eat whole, minimally processed foods) and food amount (i.e. portions, calories, etc). But go slow. And be systematic.
Remember: one thing at a time.