9 Worst Foods to Eat & What to Eat Instead (Part 2)
If butter good for you? Should you be eating any seed oils? What about salt? Is mineral water good or bad?
If you missed part one of this 2-part series, make sure you go read that blog post first. Today we’re discussing heathy alternatives to those toxic foods that will support digestive health, energy and promote longevity!
Saturated Animal Fats & Non-Seed Oils
Are saturated fats really good for you? The right ones are, yes! They are more stable oils, less susceptible to oxidation and support the body in a variety of ways, such as the heart, cells, lungs and hormones.
Some of my favourites are beef tallow and coconut oil. Butter also contains healthy saturated fats, but it may be more allergenic than other fats. Ghee may be a more tolerated option for some. Opt for grass-fed and organic here. Other great monounsaturated fats that don’t come from seeds include extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil.
Real, Unprocessed Sugars
Real sugars are not only sweet and delicious, but they have health benefits too! Raw honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, fruit, monk fruit and stevia are some of the best options and most are quite easy to use as replacements.
Real Mineral Salt
Redmond Real Salt is my salt of choice due to low contamination of microplastics and high mineral content. Pink Himalayan salt is a better high-mineral option in place of table salt. We don’t need to fear salt, as it’s beneficial for our health in so many ways! We just want to be choosing the right type of salt and avoid the processed kind.
Whole-Food Cuts of Meat
This is pretty straight forward. Eat real meat that hasn’t been processed or altered in any way. Avoid meat that’s been cured or has sugars or chemicals added. Keep it simple, and ideally, eat nose-to-tail, including as many parts of the animal as possible for optimal nutrition and sustainability!
Meat or Whole-Food Plant Proteins
I’m a big advocate for eating real, high-quality meat due to the fact that the nutrient content and bioavailability of these nutrients far exceed plant proteins. Additionally, plant proteins contain anti-nutrients that stop the absorption of minerals and can irritate the gut.
I understand that not everyone wants to consume meat for personal reasons though. In that case, always choose whole-food sources of plant proteins, such as lentils, black beans and hemp seeds and make sure you combine plant-based proteins to make complete proteins and avoid non-fermented, GMO soy.
Pure Water, Carbonated Mineral Water or Zevia
The best option is always pure, spring water, but mineral waters without additives can be a good addition also. If you’re looking for an occasional soda replacement, try something like Zevia or other naturally-sweetened sodas. Natural electrolyte mixes can be great for hydration too.
Organic, 100% Grass-fed Beef, Pasture-raised Chicken & Eggs
The quality of animal products matters immensely to our health. Prioritize eating high-quality meat from farms that have organic, fully grass-fed/finished beef. Choose pasture-raised chickens and eggs that aren’t fed soy or corn.
Looking for a more personalized approach to your nutrition? Let’s work together! I offer 1-on-1 holistic nutrition consulting via video. Email me at asher@flourishnaturalwellness.com for more details.
