It’s been a big year around dieting, weight loss and health this year.

There’s been a big shift in beliefs around food for me, and what it actually means to be healthy.

Here are the big clangers…

– There is no one-way of eating that suits everyone – knew this, but still a key point.

– Sugar and carbs are not the cause of diabetes, it is more likely to be the over consumption of polyunsaturated fats – which are in nearly everything!

– Nearly every type of diet has a bunch of people whose health became worse afterwards. (Vegan, Paleo, Low Carb etc )

– Eating a large amount of veges is not necessarily health giving. (Bloating, cellulose, oxalate and PUFA overload anyone?)

– More is not better – of anything. (We’re looking at you water and kale!)

– Dairy is not necessarily bad for you.

– Low carb diets may cause long term issues like hypothyroidism for some (like me!), because the whole approach activates stress hormones to process food, which eventually breaks down your body

– Beyond gentle, progressive movement, exercise is actually a stressor for the body and adequate rest and appropriate refueling is critical not to damage the thyroid, metabolism and more

– Looking good, being thin, muscular or fit does not necessarily mean you are healthy.

– So many people are still struggling with their health and weight despite following mainstream and some alternative recommendations perfectly.

Moving forward…

So as for me, I am still tweaking my way with dieting, weight loss and health, now inspired by Dr Ray Peat – where the focus is long term, optimal health – especially for your hormones and ramping up metabolism.

Basically this means keeping away from:

Polyunsaturated Fats,

Grains,

Balancing Meat consumption with bone broth and gelatin

…and eating easily digestible food such as:

Fruit,

Fruit-like Veges, (Zucchini, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Pumpkin)

Root veges, (Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes)

Seafood,

Dairy,

Coffee,

Eggs,

Bone Broth,

Gelatin,

Honey,

sometimes White Rice (the only grain that doesn’t damage the gut)

and any fats are Butter, Ghee or Coconut oil.

Most who follow Ray Peat’s philosophies have all put on weight, as the focus is on healing the body rather than weight loss. However those who have managed to achieve both have reduced fat intake to do this.

So the big focus for me in the last 6 months, was to get my daily fat intake lower.

After being on low-carb for so long, where fats were basically unlimited, this wasn’t so easy. I’m aiming now for about 20g per day, which is just enough for any fat-soluble vitamins to absorb.

In a day this looks like – one teaspoon of coconut oil, one teaspoon of butter (5g each) and whatever fat is in my skim dairy or seafood. I’m limiting eggs to about 3 times a week as they are mostly fat too and white fish is limited to 3 times a week.

It’s working so far and I’m feeling leaner and more energetic than I have for a long time.

So if you are still struggling out there, perhaps look to the processed/takeaway food and especially polyunsaturated fats you’re eating, you just may find the gold you seek!

Onward to an awesome 2018 and healthy, happy you!

Kristy x

Update 2020 – I have finally found my way to a fast metabolism and I’ve written three books that will help you get there too: One Ten Toned – a home based, fast metabolism exercise program. The Zen Beach Diet that shows you how to eat following a Ray Peat style diet for optimal health as well as weight loss. And the new 3 Day Summer RESTART which makes the ZEN Beach Diet even easier to follow.

All three beautifully photographed by www.adrianalfordphotography.com