So, Have You Found “The One” for You?
Have you searched trending diets upon trendy diet only to come up more confused? When asking, have you found “the one,” I am not referring to finding your soulmate, or the perfect career. What I mean is—have you committed to an eating method that is optimal for your body? Many diet trends are promoted daily. And, although each diet option is advocated by champions and critics, choices are confusing. When you hear a “diet guru” or wellness influencer tout the miracles of one of many trending diets, have you wondered if maybe that’s “the one”?
Is Food Your One True Love? True Purposes of Food & Eating
Food is a complicated, sometimes loaded subject. First, we eat to live and nourish the body. However, we also prepare and consume delicious edibles to enjoy moments of joy, connection, and fulfillment. Certain foods stimulate wonderful memories of childhood. When we remember these foods, we are transported back to the emotional and sensual bliss of those times.
However, other foods may have become tainted in our minds, through no fault of their own. Similar to dating, these “eww foods” or “eww dates” may be connected to past bad memories. And, these emotional cornucopias, whether positive or negative—can taint your diet decisions. Sometimes good memories implore us continue with foods that no longer serve us—and we may be tempted by yet another trendy diet with those foods.
Lets Go on a Journey of the Top 5 Trending Diets
To begin, I am going to ask you for one thing—to open your mind. This respectful request comes from decades of work with clients who have turned from one way of eating to another—and their lives were saved. And, my body required the same willingness to change from me—more than once. Lets take a look at the most recent trending diets.
Pros & Cons of the Most Effective Trending Diets
1. Carnivore Diet—Based on Meat Only
The carnivore diet is based on consuming meat only. Some carnivores also consume a bit of fruit, and of course, fish. If this seems rigid or limited, that is often what attracts people to this way of eating.
And, you may find that it’s proponents testify about animal protein’s ability to heal almost every illnesses and issues under the sun. The carnivore diet is quickly gaining followers as one of the most recent of trending diets.
One reason for this trending diets popularity is the simplicity. Many of the foods carnivores avoid include wheat, sugar, processed foods, refined carbohydrates are quite unhealthy. So, naturally, people feel much better not eating them. Also, protein deficiency is common among both adults and teens. This way of eating corrects that many diet problems. Adequate protein fuels the brain, the nervous system and builds muscle.
Another reason why carnivores tout this trending diet is that protein is one of the best antidotes for sugar and carbohydrate cravings. Therefore, cravings often disappear when protein consumption is 120g a day or more.
The cons include constipation, from lack of digestible fiber. Also, this diet requires a bountiful amount of stomach acid (HCL) to assimilate the massive protein intake. Since 80% of adults over 40 exhibit low stomach acid, meat-eaters may likely experience bloat, brain fog, fatigue. Taking a digestive enzyme like Enzyme Energy can reduce or eliminate this downside. Some of my clients have great comments about Enzyme Energy.
“Yes, it is a happy gut cleanse! I finally found a product that delivers exactly what it says it’s going to do. This product is amazing. You don’t have to stay home or near the bathroom like other brands. I now have a bowel movement 2-3 times a day with satisfaction. Thank you, Julia Loggins!”
—Subhia Abed‘’AMAZING PRODUCT! I’ve suffered with chronic constipation since childhood. This is the only non-laxative that works for me. So happy to find this miracle!”
—Julia MatteoIf you decide to try this diet, incorporate The Happy Gut Cleanse to keep your colon emptying fully and smoothly.
—Julia Loggins
2. The Keto Diet —Trending Diet for Metabolic Healing & Weight Loss
This trending diets is similar to the carnivore diet in its embrace of, and focus on, animal protein, eggs, and fish. Furthermore, the keto philosophy includes fat —butter, milk, cheese, even beef tallow. The keto diet has often been used by followers for weight loss. How can eating fat make us thin? Contrary to the prevailing belief in the 1970’s and 80’s, fat does not make us fat—sugar does. The keto diet restricts sugar and refined carbohydrates —a common denominator of today’s trending diets.
Because keto is a zero to low glycemic diet, many of my endocrinologist colleagues recommend this diet to balance blood sugar and hormones. The oncologists I collaborate with also often recommend keto for my clients with cancer.
With such variety, you will not starve on this diet. Numerous chefs and gourmet cooks have created delicious from Keto-friendly strawberry shortcake to Keto muffins. Like the carnivore diet, the cons include constipation and low stomach acid. If you try either diet, I suggest you take Enzyme Energy after every protein meal. Also, to confront constipation, consume Happy Gut Cleanse at night, and in the morning if needed. When following this diet, I advise you to stay hydrated. Drinking ample water during the day is not enough. Adding a sugar-free electrolyte to water will allow your body to absorb water, rather than constantly loosing water in many trips to the bathroom to pee.
3. A New & Proven Diverticulitis Diet—By Julia Loggins
Because no eating plan was designed to heal an inflamed gut, I created The Diverticulitis Diet. This proven formula has successfully helped thousands of my clients become pain-free and flare-free. The goal of this plan is simple—to inspire and promote long-term, sustainable gut health and healing. The diverticulitis diet does not adhere strictly to any one way of eating. The foods included nourish your body and brain, without creating inflammation or irritation. Thus, your inflamed gut repairs on its own . There are specific fruits, vegetables, animal products and fats included that you may enjoy.
4. The Paleo Diet—Back to Nature with Whole Foods
The paleo diet is based on the principal that a range of whole, natural foods are optimal for the human body. The Paleo diet includes animal protein, eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds, beans, goat products and yogurt. The “No” foods for Paleo are refined and processed foods, fast food and fried food.
The third of these trending diets, offers multiple advantages, due to its broad expanse of nutrients. This diet approach is unquestionably superior to the SAD, “Standard American Diet.” However, if you are experiencing the symptoms of an inflammatory gut condition, many paleo diet foods can trigger a flare:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Beans
- Nuts & Seeds
- Kale
- Spinach
- Popcorn
- Cooked tomatoes
- Wild rice
5. The Vegan/Vegetarian Diet—Trending Diets for Years
The vegan or vegetarian diet is completely plant-based. Vegetarians consume eggs and dairy, while vegans do not—and eat only nuts, seeds, greens, fruit, beans, and soy products. The benefit of a vegan or vegetarian diet is that they can support cleansing and detoxification. Yet, long-term, the lack of digestible protein is a problem for those with gut issues. Nuts, seeds, bean, and soy products are inflammatory. In fact, eating these can cause flares. And, processed vegan foods and vegan protein substitutes, like the “Impossible Burger,” are impossible to digest.
My Personal Experience with Being Vegan
I was a vegan at the beginning of my health journey, and during my training at Hippocrates Health Institute. HHI, where I obtained my Health Practitioner’s Certification, advocates a raw food vegan diet.
What I found most beneficial at HHI was the introduction of wheatgrass juice into my diet. Wheatgrass juice is gluten-free, and has a multitude of minerals, enzymes and chlorophyll. My gut loved it! I credit wheatgrass juice with healing the lining of my inflamed stomach and colon. To this day, I drink 8 ounces of this elixir daily. If you are unable to located fresh wheatgrass juice find it fresh locally, try “Anthony’s Freeze-Dried Wheatgrass” on Amazon.
However, over time, this diet created havoc in my belly, followed by whole body inflammation. The lack of digestible protein led to blood sugar crashes, hormone imbalances, brain fog, muscle cramps, and inflammation. Protein is a highly important nutrient for body and brain And, I was not consuming enough. Once I let go of being vegan, I embraced eating fish. Then later, I added chicken, turkey, lamb, and now, for variety, I consume grass fed bison. I would be unable to digest these meats without Enzyme Energy! Now, when I eat protein, instead of fatigue I enjoy an energy blast.
I love animals, and when I became a vegan, I swore I would never eat meat again. I did not want to acknowledge that this eating pattern was not working for my body. To admit the truth was humbling. And yet, this revelation has helped me compassionately guide clients to examine their favorite style of eating with an open mind.
What I Have Learned in My 40 Years Experience in Gut Health
Bear in mind that an effective diet at one point in your life may not serve you later. Lifestyles and bodies are constantly changing. As your needs transform, so do your dietary requirements. One thing I most enjoy doing in my private gut coaching sessions is to identify the style of eating that most suits each client. For questions about optimal eating for your body, book a private call with me. I wish you a safe, healthy springtime. Oh, and I have one question–What one thing would you like to change about your health?
To Your Health and with Love,
Julia Loggins, Author,
Digestive Health Consultant,
Santa Barbara, California
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