We are each very unique individuals, and nutrition should not be a "one size fits all" recommendation. Integrative nutrition is based on basic dietary principles, yet takes into consideration that what works well for one person may not work well for another. This concept is "bio-individuality." Every body is different, and how we nourish ourselves should reflect our unique needs.
In looking at the Integrative Nutrition Plate above, you will notice both primary and secondary food. This is another key difference between traditional nutrition plans and fad diets and Integrative Nutrition. Primary food is the "food" you see around the edge of the plate, including physical activity, career, spirituality, and relationships. Secondary food includes whole grains, protein, vegetables, fruits, fats and oils, and water. Integrative nutrition recognizes that how we manage stress, the quality of our sleep, etc. impact our overall health but also impact our relationship with food and our food choices. If we are lacking in primary food, our overall health and wellness will be compromised.
As noted in an article by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (see the resource link below), integrative nutrition has shown to be effective in treating the cause of or improving the symptoms of:
Mood and memory disorders, like Alzheimer’s and depression
Some cancers, like colon cancer and breast cancer
Adopting the Integrative Nutrition model for a healthy lifestyle may be very different than what you've done in the past. You may want to begin by using the "Circle of Life" exercise to assess how you're currently doing with primary food in your life. From here, you can begin to make small lifestyle changes in your primary and secondary food choices to improve your health and wellness mind, body and spirit. Remember there is no right and wrong, but you are experimenting and learning to listen to your body to see what works well for you and what doesn't work well. Live the life you were created for, as the unique individual you are!
~Nicole Hutchison, PT, CSCS, Holistic Health & Integrative Nutrition Coach
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