Nutrition is a field littered with so many experts and opinions that it becomes difficult and ultimately frustrating for people to “figure out” how they should be eating for optimal health.  How do you choose between Atkins, South Beach, Eat Right for Your Blood Type, Low Carb, High Carb, Low Fat, High Fat, Vegetarianism, Veganism, and hundreds of other approaches?

I think the answer may be much more simple.  If we wade through all the hyperbole, the mass marketing done by organizations with billion dollar budgets and the gurus, we find some universal principles  governing the nature of food, its purpose and how to best integrate these healthy practices into our families’ lives.  In those who have been able to do so, the results have been nothing short of miraculous.  But the miracle is not in the food itself; instead it is the amazing potential it unlocks in our incredibly designed bodies.

Multiple authors have suggested and published supporting evidence that our paleolithic ancestors and surviving “uncivilized” tribes were and are incredibly healthy.  Heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, degenerative diseases, depression, decreased fertility, acne, and obesity were almost non-existent in their cultures (even in those who lived past 60).  By comparison, we are sick and progressively getting sicker.  It is no coincidence we move less, drink polluted water, breath polluted air, eat less fruit and vegetables from soil with less nutrients, eat less protein (most of the protein we do consume comes from sick animals or dairy from sick animals), consume more total carbohydrate and a higher percentage from grains and highly processed food sources.

Simply, our sickness crisis can be highlighted by one irrefutable fact: “Our genes have barely changed and we live a lifestyle that is now almost unrecognizable.  Living incongruently with our design has pushed us away from our natural state of health.”

The solution is matching up what we eat with what our genetics have developed on, and it’s actually quite straightforward.  Each species has an optimal diet that does not differ between the species.  The same is true for humans.  What is optimal for one is optimal for all.  Of course, there may be subtle variations in amounts and sources, but the basic foundations are straightforward: Vegetables, meat from healthy animals, eggs, minimal to moderate seasonal fruits, minimal nuts and their fats, and minimal seeds.  Missing are grains, whole or otherwise, most dairy, legumes, seed and vegetable oils, and obviously processed foods.

Can you survive eating foods most people do?  Sure. Can you thrive?  Absolutely not.  If you’re searching for a solution to a health crisis or just want to live optimally, you need to begin the process of Eating By Design.  You’ll never look back.

To learn more about the principles of Eat By Design or to attend and Eat By Design Seminar call (613) 271.8555.

Dr. Michael Gibson has committed himself to helping others to live the best life possible. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and Masters of Science in Chiropractic Sports Science from Life University.   He is the co-creator of Life By Design, owner of The Wellness Group, and co-owner of CrossFit 613. His passion for empowering families runs deep. After experiencing the loss of his sister due to illness, Michael’s purpose became reaching and teaching as many as possible the foundational principles of an extraordinary life.  Since that time he has passionately pursued and been successful in living out his dream. He maintains a busy family chiropractic practice, a full speaking schedule and finds time to implement the principles and practices of Life By Design in his own life.