By Jennifer Tardy, CHN, IPHM
March is National Nutrition Month, and if there’s one thing I hear from people over and over again, it’s this:
“I don’t even know what I’m supposed to eat anymore.”
One expert recommends eating low-carb. Another suggests high-carb. Some swear by keto, while others thrive on plant-based diets. Then there’s intermittent fasting, paleo, Mediterranean and carnivore — the list keeps growing.
Lately, there’s also been an intense focus on protein.
Everywhere you look there are protein bars, protein chips, protein coffee and protein desserts. It can sometimes feel like if something doesn’t have extra protein added to it, it’s somehow not healthy.
Even basic nutrition advice can seem contradictory depending on the source.
One article warns about fat, while another says fat is essential. Some claim carbohydrates are the problem, while others emphasize the importance of quality carbohydrates from whole foods.
It’s no wonder so many people feel confused.
The reality is that nutrition doesn’t have to be as complicated as it’s often made out to be. Many different dietary approaches can work when they are built around whole, minimally processed foods and balanced nutrition.
In my work with clients, I’ve found that what people truly need isn’t another trendy diet — they need a better understanding of how to properly fuel their bodies.
Part of what we focus on in my practice is helping people learn which foods truly support their bodies and which foods may be working against them. Once people begin to understand how their bodies respond to different foods, things start to make much more sense.
Energy becomes more stable.
Cravings decrease.
Blood sugar balances.
Digestion improves.
National Nutrition Month is a great reminder that nutrition isn’t about chasing every new trend. It’s about learning how to nourish your body in a a way that supports long-term health.
At the end of the day, food is either helping your body function better or making it work harder.
Sometimes the most meaningful changes come from simply getting back to the basics of eating real, nourishing food.
If you ever have questions about nutrition or something you’ve been struggling with, feel free to reach out. You can email me at [email protected]. I personally read and reply to all of my emails.
In good health,
Jennifer Tardy, CHN, IPHM
Jennifer Tardy is an IPHM-certified holistic nutritionist, integrative health coach, and personal trainer. Eating for Healing Nutrition and Wellness focuses on holistic approaches to health and wellness. She can be reached at 803-556-2593 or at www.eatingforhealing.org
