Q&A - Part 1 Food and Nutrition
This was so fun to do! I recently put a poll up on my Instagram story to have you all ask me anything you want. They all came down to 3 categories, of which will be part 1, 2 and 3 of this series! First up, nutrition! I’ve picked the few that encompass most of the questions asked! I hope you enjoy this!
What are your thoughts on veganism?
I think there are 2 ways to go about this question.
#1 going vegan for ethical reasons.
I know there are so many people who are so passionate about this topic, and going vegan is more of a passion or purpose for these individuals. It’s their way of contributing to a cause that is in line with their values. For that, I say you go girl. More power to you. BUT I would also say to be very careful about your macro and micronutrient intake. Work with a professional to ensure you’re getting the proper amount of nutrients your body is requiring from you to live your healthiest and best life. See number 2 for more!
#2, going vegan for nutritional reasons.
In terms of going vegan for nutritional reasons, I would say that it is not a primary method I would choose, or advise someone to choose.
Your body requires both macro and micro nutrients in specific amounts in order to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. These aide in everything from digestion, weight, water retention, regularity, mood (yes mood!!), energy, and more. Most of which come from food.
Eating a mostly plant based diet is wonderful, and most bodies thrive with this. However, nutrients (both macro and micro) like protein, iron, vitamin B12, and zinc are generally missed with a vegan diet which can be quite harmful. Eating adequate protein on a vegan diet is absolutely possible, with a bit of research and attentiveness when creating meals. Great sources of vegan protein include spirulina, chickpeas, other beans or legumes, nuts, and seeds. However, most of the micronutrients listed above are primarily found in animal sources like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
Also be careful not to ride the blood sugar roller coaster. Going vegan can make eating a mostly carb diet really easy. This can cause drastic highs and lows in your blood sugar, too much insulin in the blood, and all around foggy brain, poor mood, low energy, weight gain, and poor sleep. I talk all about this blood sugar roller coaster in my e-course Thrive: Food, Fitness, and Life!! This is a big one friends!
And lastly, veganism is a highly restrictive diet. I think we all know buy now my thoughts on restriction when it comes to food. By saying “I can’t have milk chocolate” somehow always makes your mind go “wait all I want is milk chocolate, and I will not shut up until you give it to me!” We tend to eat foods that “fit” the rules we’ve put ourselves under, only to fiercely binge on them later. Your body knows exactly what it needs, how much, and how often at all times. Most adults have actually unlearned how to listen and respond to these cues. BUT, don’t you worry. It is so possible to relearn this incredible instinctual response, eat a diet your body thrives on, and feel confident as heck in your eating style and your own body. I also talk heavily about this in the e-course Thrive: Food, Fitness, and Life.
Be sure to work with a professional to supplement with a high quality product for the nutrients veganism may restrict you from obtaining from food sources.
What is your favorite snack?
There were quite a few questions about what I eat for snacks.
I LOVE snacks! Especially mini-desserts, and afternoon snackys! I’m more of a crunchy salty kind of gal most of the time. Some of my favorites include:
Fruit and nut butter
Dried fruit (no added sugar) and lightly salted nuts
Protein packed smoothies (Ancient nutrition (use code tokaleandback for 20% off your first order!) and complete shakes are my favorites).
Popcorn
High quality crackers
Greek yogurt and peanut butter
Protein muffins
High quality protein bars
Always check the ingredients to be sure you’re eating mostly real food and minimizing the fake stuff!! Especially for the packaged items I’ve listed.
What do you think about counting macros?
I could write 55 pages about this. I actually did write a whole chapter that included this topic in my book “To Kale And Back: Ditch The Rules And Learn To Thrive In Food, Fitness, And Life.” But here, I will keep it short. Your body knows what it needs. KNOWLEDGE about macro and micro nutrients is so powerful, freeing, and important. Counting them on the other hand is not and can often lead to obsession.
For more knowledge, click here for my book that teachings what you need to know about food and nutrition, or here for my in depth e-course to learn what your body needs to be your healthiest, happiest self.
If you had to eat one thing forever, what would it be?
Unpopular answer. But, nevertheless, roasted brussel sprouts!! Or sweet potato fries. Can I live off of two? hehe!
I hope you all enjoyed this little mini Q&A! Stay tuned for more about becoming an author, and living a military lifestyle.
XO,
Di