What Size Are You?

I would like to talk a little about the concept of uniqueness. As children of God we are each unique in every way. We are priceless, one-of-a-kind, Designer originals. Personally, and from all my experience coaching different people, I truly do not believe there is just one perfect diet/food/supplement/regimen/protocol that would benefit every person all the time. The cookie-cutter approach to health doesn’t work. While there are foundational principles that apply to everyone, the way they are fleshed out varies with each person.

We know our fingerprints are all unique and belong solely to us. But we are also each bio-chemically unique. Our body chemistry is not exactly the same as anyone else’s. For example, I'm sure you know some people who are vegetarians and are healthy and energetic. They love eating plant foods, grains and seeds and thrive on that type of diet. In fact, they tend to feel lethargic and bloated when they eat animal protein. Then there are those other people who feel weak and shaky unless they have some type of animal protein at each meal - and they are just as healthy. That is because they are different nutritional or metabolic types. If you try to eat a vegetarian diet simply because everyone tells you it’s the best way to eat, but you are a protein type – you will feel awful.

There are certain people, for example, Eskimos, who eat huge amounts of fat and yet are extremely healthy. We've all read about people coming from other countries and cultures who typically do not have much heart disease or diabetes. Once they come to the United States and begin eating a typical "American" diet, which is essentially different than the traditional one they grew up on, they begin experiencing health problems they never had before. One size doesn’t fit all.

It is the same with supplements. Flax seed oil is a healthy oil and supplementing with it is a great idea – for most people. I happen to use flax seed oil on my salad every day and I put flax seeds in my smoothies with no problem. My girlfriend began taking a flax seed oil supplement and her skin broke out. She couldn’t believe that was the reason. However, I suggested she discontinue it for a while, and when she did, she stopped breaking out. So does that mean flax seed oil is not good for you? No, it simply means it doesn’t agree with her body chemistry. There are other alternatives she can substitute to get the same benefits. One size doesn’t fit all.

Have you noticed God didn’t just create one kind of fruit, one type of vegetable, one grain, one spice and one type of protein? (Genesis 1:29, 30) He is a God of variety, creativity and choices and He provides alternatives BECAUSE He created us with our own likes, dislikes, preferences and needs. He is not a limited God He is a limitless God! It is our responsibility to make the best choices we possibly can. That takes awareness, education, guidance, direction and discipline.

So, do I think there is one perfect diet for each one of us? Yes I do. But I do not think there is one diet that is perfect for everyone! Keep in mind that it is not a static thing. Even that particular way of eating that keeps you functioning optimally for years may need to be revisited down the road. We can't be rigid about this but willing to listen to our bodies and be willing to make any necessary changes. One size doesn't fit all. But there IS a size that fits you!

Take a Step:

This week pay close attention to how your meals, supplements and exercise regimen make you feel. Do you feel tired and sleepy after lunch or jittery and anxious? Do you feel nauseous or headachy after taking a particular supplement? Perhaps you need to re-evaluate what you are doing and make some changes. If you don’t know where to begin, find a good coach to help you. You are worth it!

Until next time, I wish you vibrant health!

Ann