By Nancy Mehlert, MS

As you scour the internet or  bookstore for the next NEW diet, please keep in mind that there isn’t one perfect diet for everyone.  We are each biochemically unique. Our lifestyles and abilities are unique. The goal should be to find a way of eating that works for you, your lifestyle, and contributes to providing you with optimal weight and health.  Below is a list of the many factors that will impact your ideal food choices, how and when you eat, as well as the macronutrient (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) content that might be right for you.

• Digestive styles – efficiency or inefficiency with carbohydrates or proteins.
• Metabolic rates – resting metabolic rates vary greatly among individuals and should be tested with a reliable medical device (TWIHW uses Metacheck)
• Food sensitivities and allergies (both food and environmental)
• Activity Level – which may be too little or too much depending on these other factors
• Weight status – over, under or normal
• Medical history – surgeries such as gallbladder removal, stomach lap bands, partial colon removal, as well as diseases such as thyroid, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases, cancer and metabolic syndrome, all have a direct impact on dietary approach
• Emotional and social issues around food
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Genetic mutations
• Age and stage of life
• Toxic burden on the body
• Stress level and status of adrenal health
• Composition of microbiome (i.e. the balance of microbes in GI tract)

The latest fad diet could be a mistake for you. Choosing a vegetarian diet may be perfect or it might be problematic. Or 130 pounds may be a realistic goal weight for you or a totally unhealthy one. We are all unique, so seek your personal nutrition lifestyle for optimal health. If you are interested in discussing your nutrition lifestyle and want to work toward finding a healthy diet to maintain optimal health, call our office to schedule a nutrition consultation today.