How to Eat Right for the Rest of your Life

Fall is in full swing, and here in New Jersey, we have a plethora of Fall produce to choose from. The biggest question on everyone's mind is, what can I eat that is healthy? New Jersey isn't called the garden state for no reason. We are abundant with fresh items all year except for three long Winter months.

With the colder temps and lack of Summer sun, we find ourselves reaching for more comforting foods. The "winter bulk up," as I call it. Or are those just excuses why we eat items we aren't meant to eat? I observed animals in different regions and noticed that deer up in Canada (cold climate) are 270 lbs on average, while deer in Florida (warm climate) is 75 lbs. In the harsh, colder environment, deer know to eat more grains and heavier vegetation to survive in the winter, and the deer down south eat grasses and leaves, knowing their environment isn't that bad. Feed a giraffe meat and fats, and it will die, feed a lion vegetables, and it will die. If we, as humans, paid more attention to our bodies, we would understand we are no different from the animals of this planet. Each person is supposed to eat according to their regional genetic makeup.

Those born and raised with a familial genetic history near the equator mostly eat cassava and yam. They feast on creatures like forest snails and other land animals, like guinea hens. The jungle provides them with carbohydrate-based foods. Now move north to the cold, harsh lands of the Inuit people. They only eat fat and animal proteins for ten months of the year; since vegetation doesn't grow in those temperatures, they eat what the land provides. The human body is a vessel unlike any other. We are meant to be healthy. Give the body what it needs, and you will have lasting health!

I am a "Protein Type," which means I need to eat a diet based on significant quantities of protein and fat. I need to eat protein at every meal and snack and limit my overall consumption of carbohydrates (such as grains, fruits, and vegetables) to roughly 30% of each meal.

However, if I ignore the requirement for a high proportion of protein and fat at each meal and instead eat liberally of carbohydrates whenever I feel like it, here's what is likely to happen:

* my body will compensate by breaking down muscle tissue for protein

* my adrenal and thyroid glands won't function properly

* the parasympathetic branch of my autonomic nervous system will be strengthened

* The above occurrences will cause my metabolic rate to drop

* my body will produce excess insulin, a hormone that directs the body to store fat, as opposed to burning fat for energy

* fat storage will be increased because my cells cannot carry on normal and efficient oxidative processes.

I occasionally overindulge in items that I shouldn't. As a woman, my hormones play with my mind and body. It's common but not "normal" or ok to have cravings. When we crave, we haven't given the body what it needs. Think of a time when you wanted something sweet; how do you fight that urge? Try having a healthy fat instead. For instance, when I crave sugar, I know my body needs fat, so I take a teaspoon of coconut oil, and the craving is gone within minutes. What is so unique about us is US! So the next time you see a friend and they talk about how they are eating paleo, remember that may not be right for you. There are nine different Metabolic Types you can be. If you want to find out what foods you should eat, shoot me a text or email, and I'll send you a complimentary test. (Don't worry, I won't spam/sell or send many emails)

Healthy Wishes,

Chef Marie

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