This post is kindly sponsored by BabbleBoxx.
Hello everyone, Maria here; nutritionist and food blogger coming at you in Nutrition Month with a topic that has been on my mind for a while now, and that's diets, keep reading to know more about my standpoint as a nutritionist, science geek and foodie about all this whole topic.
The internet is a great place to connect with people we care about, to learn new things, share content and beyond. We can do anything nowadays thanks to the internet and social media is personally a huge part of my life; since I'm a food blogger and it's my favorite way to stay connected with people I care about.
Also, as a nutritionist and food blogger I know that we are constantly bombarded with foods trends and diets ; vegan, paleo, keto and the list could go on and on. And as much as I love social media I see a lot of misinformation out there about nutrition... about what's really the correct way to eat, would we all go paleo, vegan... maybe keto?
The truth is that there's no size that fits all of us.
We are so biologically different; from our DNA to our environment that it would be crazy to think that we all different human beings have the same needs of foods or we should follow a type of diet. I admire the people I see thriving in a paleo diet, a vegan one or a keto diet... if they feel great and their bodies are getting proper nutrition then I'm happy for them!
Personally, the way I see it is that we are flexible and than just a diet our bodies need NUTRIENTS! Micro and macro nutrients. Micronutrients will be formed by vitamins, minerals and some literature will consider fiber as a micronutrient as well.
Macronutrients are the ones we are very familiar with; carbohydrates, protein and fats. These are formed by other molecules; carbs will have glucose, sacarose, galactose and so on. Proteins are made from amino acids that will be our building blocks; DNA or muscles. Fats will be made from fatty acids such as triglycerides, phospholipids, etc.
I could go ahead and consider probiotics as part of our nutrition too since they are a huge help to absorb vitamins from the B complex, production of serotonin... well, our gut is a whole world and probiotics are an essential part of our health and nutrition.
Instead of focusing on labeling ourselves as vegan, paleo, keto or whatever other diet there is we should just focus on foods that add nutrients to our bodies since we are all different immensely complex and smart. Of course, as a nutritionist I know that diets have also a medical application as well, this is why it's important to consult your personal nutritionist, dietitian or a doctor.
And in honor of living a plenty and balanced lifestyle focused on things and foods that nourish your soul and body and I want to move forward and share some hacks and foods ideas that will help you learn new things and make nutrition easy, convenient and zero boring!
Mentioned before will start with a macronutrient mentioned before, protein! I'm a firm believer that when it comes to nutrition quality matters from more than the food as it is. For example, it's not the same nutrient content from a grass-fed animal (cow, venison, etc.) from an animal who was raised in poor conditions.
Grass-fed beef has a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants such as beta carotenes, and vitamins such as B6.
If you are into jerky I have a great suggestion that has amazing quality, Chomps that offers 100% grass-fed jerky with zero sugar. Love them as a snack or cut into pieces on top of my salad for an extra protein. BABBLE20 - valid now through 3/31/21.
Moving to making nutrition easy and convenient for my plant-based food lovers will be Veestro. This is a food delivery service that offers you with amazing fun dishes that have no preservatives, made with organic ingredients, 100% plant-based and all fully prepared delivered to your door, to any part of the USA.
I had the honor to try their Spanish Torta, Lentil and Spinach Tagine, Three Layered Scramble and Country Fried Chick'n. They were all amazing, I just heated them in the microwave (you can also use the stove or oven method) for a quick and satisfying meal. BABBLE25 for 25% discount Expires March 31st .
Earlier I mentioned the importance of probiotics, and with all the gut health and love we need we have to feed our gut bacteria with their food; prebiotics. These will come in different forms such as jicama, asparagus, garlic, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and other types of fiber.
This Bragg Organic Refresher made with apple cider vinegar is a tasty option, plus you also get the benefits of apple cider vinegar and some immune boosting functional foods such as lemon, ginger and honey!
And last but not least in this little blog post I want to talk about this super fun and visual book by the great Stacy Michelson, Eat This Book from Running Press. An illustrated book that shows and shares knowledge about different beloved foods; from what they are, ideas to prepare them, how to use, types, fun facts.
This book is just a great book that every foodie and anyone trying to expand their culinary horizons must have. It's so visual that even kids will enjoy since it's never too early or too late to learn about nutrition, foods and our bodies.
Anyways, so this is my standpoint as a nutritionist. Nutritious food over just following a trendy diet, we are super different and if there's no specific need to use a diet for a medical benefit then get those different nutrients, expand your horizons by enjoying all the different colors, nutrients and foods that this world has to offer!
With love,
Maria.