My Philosophy on Healthy Eating

The Best Way to Eat: A Holistic Approach to Healthy Eating

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel confused about what constitutes a healthy diet. With countless trends, diets, and conflicting advice, it can be overwhelming to know what to eat. As a certified coach who helps women navigate perimenopause and regain vitality, I’ve come to develop a clear philosophy on what it means to eat healthily—and it may surprise you.

I believe that everyone is unique and should eat what works best for their own body and lifestyle. But if I had to give a general recommendation, I would say an animal based low-carb, high-fat, high-protein diet is ideal for most people. This approach provides the most bioavailable nutrients, supports hormonal balance, and keeps you energized, both mentally and physically. If your body can handle fruits and vegetables, by all means, include them. However, for many, animal-based foods provide more efficient nutrition, without the need to consume large amounts of plant-based foods that can be harder to digest.

Eating for Nutrients, Not Labels

What matters most in any diet is not adhering to a set of rigid rules but focusing on nutrients. How do the foods you eat make you feel? Do they leave you tired, bloated, or mentally foggy, or do they give you sustained energy and mental clarity? By tuning into your body and how it reacts to different foods, you can begin to create a way of eating that works for you—without needing to rely on what society has conditioned us to believe is “healthy.”

The truth is, there is no single food that God created that is “bad.” When found in nature, all foods serve a purpose. Historically, plant-based foods were backup sources of nutrition for times when animal-based foods were scarce. During certain seasons, our ancestors would rely on these “starvation” foods, but when animal-based foods were plentiful, they formed the bulk of our diets. Until recent history, this was the norm.

This brings me to a point that’s important to understand: plant-based foods are not as bioavailable as animal products. That means our bodies don’t absorb the nutrients from plants as easily as they do from animal foods. If you’re following a plant-based diet, you must consume far more food in terms of volume to achieve the same level of nutrition that animal-based foods can provide in a much smaller quantity.

Why the Low-Fat, Plant-Based Diet Has Been Pushed for So Long

For decades, we’ve been told to eat low-fat, plant-based diets. Many people still think this is the key to good health, but there’s a lot more to the story. In fact, much of the reason plant-based diets have been so strongly promoted is due to misrepresented data from studies conducted by large corporations. These studies manipulated the findings to make it seem like plant-based diets and low-fat foods were ideal, when in reality, they weren’t showing the full picture.

Our grandparents and great-grandparents didn’t eat this way. As recently as the 1950s and 60s, people consumed far more animal products, including nutrient-rich organ meats. They didn’t shy away from fats or proteins—and they didn’t face the chronic health issues that have become rampant today. What happened?

Corporations began funding research to promote processed foods, oils, and plant-based alternatives to meet the growing demand for cheap, convenient food. Low-fat, high-carb diets became the norm, and people accepted these recommendations without question. However, when you look at the data critically, it becomes clear that this shift was driven by business interests, not health. If you really want to understand how food affects you, you must do your own research and listen to your body.

The Essential Carbohydrate Myth

One of the biggest myths that persists today is that carbohydrates are essential for optimal health. In reality, our bodies can thrive on fats and ketones, and many of us feel better—mentally and physically—when we reduce carbs and focus on protein and healthy fats.

Our bodies are incredibly adaptable. When we cut carbs and consume more fat, our metabolism shifts to using fat for energy, a state known as ketosis. Ketones are not only an efficient energy source for our bodies but also incredibly beneficial for brain health. Numerous studies have shown that high-fat, low-carb diets improve mental clarity and may even protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Fats and proteins form the basis of hormonal health, and focusing on these macronutrients can have profound benefits during perimenopause and other life transitions. Fat doesn’t just provide energy—it’s essential for hormone production, cellular repair, and brain function.

Fruits and Vegetables as Condiments

While my focus is on an animal-based diet, fruits and vegetables can still play a role. You can use them as condiments or to spruce up dishes. However, you shouldn’t rely on them for the majority of your nutrients if you’re getting a varied animal-based diet. It’s essential to include variation in the animal-based foods you’re eating to meet all your RDAs. If you can handle berries and broccoli here and there and simply want to eat these, and your body can tolerate them, then do so. It’s about feeding your body in the most sustainable, nourishing, and comfortable way possible. Listen to your body and make changes as needed. It’s so important to evolve with your phase in life, your general preferences, and your health needs.

Excluding Grains

I never recommend grains—none of them. Despite being consumed for thousands of years, grains simply aren’t suited for human consumption. They contain anti-nutrients like phytates and lectins, which can block the absorption of essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron. Grains also contribute to inflammation, disrupt digestion, and can lead to insulin resistance. Interestingly, whole grains, often marketed as the healthiest option, are actually among the worst offenders. These are particularly difficult to digest and contain even higher levels of anti-nutrients. The promotion of whole grains ties back to post-WWII government subsidies and large corporate interests pushing grain-based foods as a cheap, mass-produced solution to feed a growing population. But just because grains have been a dietary staple for decades doesn’t mean they’re beneficial. In reality, avoiding grains can lead to improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and better overall health.

Intermittent Fasting: A Natural Pairing

Another key component of my eating philosophy is intermittent fasting (IF). This practice is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle that aligns with how our ancestors naturally ate. By giving your body extended breaks between meals, you allow it to focus on healing, repair, and regulating hormone levels.

For women in perimenopause, intermittent fasting can be incredibly beneficial. It helps regulate insulin and cortisol, the stress hormone that often becomes imbalanced during this phase. Many women also find that IF makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight, as the body turns to fat stores for fuel during fasting periods. On top of that, women often report improved energy and mood stability, making it easier to navigate the emotional swings of perimenopause.

Breaking Free from Food as Comfort

In our modern world, food has become a source of comfort, social connection, and even addiction. Instead of being a simple source of energy and nutrition, eating has become tied to emotional fulfillment. This shift is partly due to how disconnected our society has become. We turn to food to fill a void that should be filled with human connection, creativity, and purpose.

However, we can change that by rethinking how we relate to food. It’s not about missing out on comfort foods, but rather about understanding that food should nourish us, not numb us. We can still have rich, meaningful social connections without food being the focal point. By removing the emotional attachment to food, we can enjoy it for what it really is—a means to fuel our bodies and support our well-being.

Eat for You, Not Society

Ultimately, my philosophy is simple: eat for nutrients, not for what society tells you is healthy. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to food. We need to trust our own instincts, pay attention to how different foods make us feel, and be willing to evolve our diets as our needs change.

By focusing on quality, nutrient-dense foods, particularly those that come from animal sources, you can support your body in ways that plant-based diets might not be able to. No matter what anyone says, only you can decide what’s best for you. Reclaim that power by listening to your body and giving it the nourishment it needs.

Ready to Transform Your Eating Habits?

Download your free 3-day sample menu for an animal-based diet today! Discover delicious and nourishing meals that align with your unique health needs, helping you regain energy and vitality. Click the link below to start your journey toward a more balanced and satisfying way of eating!