I’m sure you’ve all heard about the ‘keto’ diet and something casually mentioning they are now eating ‘Paleo’. So today I thought we might chat a little about healthy food preferences and modern-day diets that are quite popular right now. There are so many approaches when it comes to health and the benefits of different eating habits.
It’s just fascinating to me how different foods and combinations of foods affect our bodies, and thus, our weight, energy levels, and more. I just love this stuff! And it’s been an interest of mine for quite some time now.
I thought I’d give you a brief run down of the different approaches, and if any appeal to you, jump online to find out more – there’s a wealth of information out there to get you started on each one!
Just make sure you take your time, research thoroughly before beginning any new diet, and also listen to the signs your body sends you so that you know when to stop or make changes.
Keto (Ketogenic Diet) (K) – will eat low carb, a bit of protein, and high fat, the goal being to encourage the body to get into a metabolic state called ‘ketosis.’ This diet helps the body to produce ketones which leads to better brain functioning and more energy. The fat feeds the brain and helps avoid the crashes your body has after eating a lot of carbs, which will result in more sustained energy. Ketones also suppress the hunger hormones, and hence the cravings.
Vegetarian (V) – avoids all meats and fish. Many may still consume eggs, dairy, fish, and seafood.
Vegan (VE) – vegans aim to eat no food products that exploit animals. So that would include eggs, fish, seafood, all dairy, stock, honey, jellies, and more.
Raw Food Diet – just as it says – the focus is on raw foods to best retain their nutrients. There are many variations to this diet but generally, it’s best to avoid anything pasteurized or homogenized, anything with additives, fertilizers, pesticides – so aiming for uncooked and unprocessed foods.
Pescatarian – will only eat fish, dairy eggs.
The Paleo Diet (PL) – comes from the general diet of our Palaeolithic ancestors, who eat food more naturally, based on a more hunter/gatherer type diet. Think – pre-agricultural eating. Must abandon all sugar, eliminate processed grains and foods, and dairy. Will eat meats that are grass (not grain) fed.
Gluten-free (GF) – must avoid any sorts of grains – such as flours, cereals, pastries, biscuits, bread, where the protein gluten is found, as even small amounts can cause damage to the small intestine causing unpleasant and often painful symptoms.
Kosher – (from the Hebrew word, Kasher) (KO) – includes those that follow the Jewish dietary laws – meaning the food must be prepared according to those specific rules, such as avoiding the products of animals not killed in a ritual manner, only eating an animal with split hooves and that are able to chew their cud, certain birds, fish with fins and removable scales.
Halal – (permissible or lawful) (HL) – the foods that Muslims can eat according to Islamic law. These include specific ways for meat to be prepared respectfully to the animal and to provide safe and clean meat to be consumed. This also includes alcohol.
Healthy Heart or Mediterranean diet – aims to keep blood pressure low, and lower weight to avoid stress on the heart – including drinking plenty of water, eating a lot of fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, nuts olive oil, moderate eggs and dairy, low meat and salt intake, reduced fats.
Lactose Intolerant (DF – dairy-free) – the inability to digest lactose – and so must avoid all dairy products such as milk, butter, ice cream, cheese.
Interesting huh? I have tried all of them and collected, created daily, monthly meal menu for each diet and combining with active lifestyle with strength training specifically gave me tremendous makeover in my body and mind. Watch this space as I want to share with you some great go to recipes, exercise routine which helped me tremendously.
Most of all, My Motto “Live Fabulous “!