AT this point, if you read about eating well and food trends, you’ve heard of “food combining”. While it may seem challenging, it’s actually just a few simple rules about what you eat and what you eat it with…..
I thought I’d give you an example of “good” food combining. Please know this is just MY own method of combining (I will reference an expert as we move forward…so you can do your own research). I am going to stick with a few easy peasy points that have served my digestion well. I tried this method of eating when I developed a “stomach issue” this past year. It seemed like my tummy was eternally angry. After a rather simple meal, I would experience bloating, pain and discomfort for a few hours later. After 6 months of testing and dietary suggestions by one physician or another, I decided to do my own research and try some menus on my own.
Proper food combining is a method of eating that allows you to digest your food in an efficient way, that is not wasteful of energy and allows you to absorb the most nutrients from your foods. Because not all foods digest at the same rate and use different enzymes, it is important to understand which combinations are best for digestive health. Improper food combining leads to some uncomfortable side effects, like: bloating, gas and even weight gain (which most of us do NOT need help with, right?!).
NUMBER ONE:
- Fruit is to be eaten alone or blended in a juice/ smoothie with leafy greens (spinach, kale, romaine, celery or cucumber). Always eat fruit on an empty stomach. Jesse Seitzer (married to Spanx guru Sara Blakely) swears by his “nothing but fruit” until noon method.
- Avoid eating fruit after a heavy meal because it does not digest efficiently and can cause bloat, weight gain and discomfort. (Refer to: Kimberly Snyder’s book, The Beauty Detox Solution to learn more about food combining and its benefits).
NUMBER TWO:
- Combining proteins and starches is a “no-no” for digestion. If you need help identifying these categories…text me at 520 300 3143 and can help you with it…..it’s our shiny, new “text only” chat line!
- Protein digests in approximately four to five hours. This is why that huge steak dinner is uncomfortable late evening!
- Starches digest in approximately three to four hours.
NUMBER THREE:
- Protein and starches mix well with most veggies (not starchy vegetables). Again, text me with veggie questions.
- Protein: dairy, all animal proteins, nuts and seeds.
- Starches: beans (ex: green, lima, pinto, black, chickpeas), corns, grains, legumes (in pod form, ex: peas), rice, quinoa, squash and potatoes.
As always, just because it’s on the internet, doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Do your own research and do what YOU are most comfortable with when it comes to food. My doctor suggested that I take a couple of medications to handle the eating issue. I opted not to do so. Instead, I continue to experiment with food combinations and do my own research. I’m finding that for me it just makes me feel better!
I think we really DO KNOW our own bodies best.
