by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP–Living in Natures Love Lifestyles @insideawareness.comxx
As a Feldenkrais® Practitioner I hear about the strategies one takes for ailments that range from muscle cramping, aches, pains to digestion issues and more. The solutions usually involve supplements, vitamins, minerals, drips, medication and new diets like gluten or lactose free.
However, I have experienced if someone suggests they are low in vitamins or minerals, they never focus on foods that contain higher levels of these specific characteristics. Instead they search them out at the drug store through prescription or off the shelf at the supermarket or health food store.
When I hear many speak about their food and diet, I notice that it is usually with discomfort and generally has a tone that is self-depreciating. Their ease in the conversation is usually with a focus on the benefits of new diets they may be trying or have heard about. The topic seems to never be focused upon the values or qualities of the foods. It’s always teaching or preaching the diet. This includes no mention of finding enjoyment or pleasure in their food choices and it can sometimes focus on good or bad, right and wrong viewpoints. I have been surprised by how many restrict their choices to the same meal repeatedly, sometimes for years. I can share that food can be an evolving experience of integration and a source of deepening intimacy. Intimacy is not just in the bedroom, it can expand to include nourishment from foods you put in your body at the level of your health and well-being! Understanding your food can give you a deeper appreciation for its richness and qualities that can increase your physical, mental and emotional health experience. This integrative connection deepens intimacy with yourself and can quiet those doubting, shaming and fearful voices in your head creating more of a zen-like mindful experience. Food as meditation?
The missing part in these food conversations is the link to the physical, mental and emotional qualities that are stimulated by food consumption. An example are foods that are considered mood enhancers, like fermented foods. Fermented foods increase good gut bacteria naturally and supply the B vitamin nutrition the brain needs for good function, which includes B 12. This makes fermented foods an excellent one to add to your diet if you are a low meat-eater, vegetarian or vegan.
Another example I hear come up in my office is Magnesium. This seems to be the trend for muscle pain and spasms. Magnesium is an essential mineral for body function and can be found in foods such as; spinach, avocado, quinoa, whole grains, cashews, almonds, black beans, edamame, yogurt, fish, dark chocolate
The daily dosage of magnesium supplementation for women over 31 is 320 grams and for men it is 420 grams. However, there are no maximum dosage amounts in eating magnesium rich foods as naturally occurring elements can be easily digested. There is a cautionary recommended dosage when using dietary supplements as they cannot be absorbed by the body in the same way as food can.
Read more from Living In Natures Love on:
- Colour Spectrum Diet – Eating for our Chakras
- Living Foods: Fermented Salsa, Fermented Kimchi, Fermented Sauerkraut
- Fermented Living Foods: Sauerkraut
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Recommended:
- Recipes from the Herbalist’s Kitchen: Delicious, Nourishing Food for Lifelong Health and Well-Being By Author by Brittany Wood Nickerson
- The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from around the World by Author Sandor Ellix Katz
- The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings by Author Trudy Scott CN
For educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-diagnosing.
Living in Natures Love 