Help ... I Don’t Know What to Eat!

I get emails and text messages from my clients all the time saying, “I don’t know what to eat!” This SOS usually has one or some of the following;

  • I’ve never eaten this way before, are you sure?

  • I think I gained weight this week!

  • My sugar hasn’t gotten any better...

  • If I can’t eat gluten, can I eat rice? Corn? Gluten-free bread? Gluten-free cupcakes?

Here’s what I have to say about these common struggles;

Short term results are never the way to go, but I don't really have to tell you that, right?!

As far as corn, rice, pasta, bread and other grain products, the truth is to avoid them as much as possible. Your best bet, if you want your blood sugar under control, to lose those pounds you've been hanging onto and to feel your best (not tired, bloated, irritable, etc) kick those guys to the curb. Especially, especially, especially corn.

If you need a carb-like substitute try zoodles, cauliflower rice or a variety of nut butters. M sure to switch it up regularly, as with all diet there is a risk of developing sensitivities. Most grocery stores sell the cauliflower already riced and the zoodles already zoodled. Or a food processor can do the job if you want to get your hands dirty.

Also, try a couple cookbooks from the paleo world. They have loads of ideas for avoiding grains, sugar, and dairy. Here are some of my favorites;

The Herbal Medicine Cookbook - vegan / vegetarian

But really, the grocery stores make it easy; stop in, grab a couple things, throw them in a saute pan and you're eating in under 30 minutes. I do it all the time - I can get quite lazy and I'm not a “cook ahead” or “eat leftovers all week” kind of girl. Some organic and pastured meat, cauliflower rice and any of a number of herbs and spices for a little variety in flavor. Garlic, leek, shallot, thyme, parsley plus some greens - you've got a meal. It never has to be boring, because you can switch up and rotate the ingredients - zoodles for rice, chicken for hamburger, try out some seasonal herbs and spices.

Don’t be afraid to eat from the “weird” vegetable side of the produce aisle - jicama, Jerusalem artichoke, kohlrabi, purple sweet potato, japanese yams, black radishes, chayote, dulse, parsnips, bamboo shoots, hearts of palm...give them a try! If you are unfamiliar with preparing these foods, try a quick search on YouTube and have a little fun.

An occasional foray into things like organic sugar-free ketchup or avocado mayonnaise can go a long way toward making things more interesting too. The basics are there, now the variety and creativity is up to you!

Dr. MessereComment