Food Is Medicine

Good nutrition is a key ingredient for a healthy life. The food you eat doesn’t just fuel your body – it shapes your wellbeing, influencing everything from your daily energy levels to your long-term health. Eating real, whole foods provide the essential nutrients your body needs in order for it to thrive. At the end of the day, the saying is true: food really is medicine, and it all comes down to making mindful informed choices based on solid evidence rather than the latest fad.

Every single part of your body relies on the food you consume, making your dietary habits more important than ever. For years, we’ve been given guidelines on what and how much to eat, including the right balance of nutrients. Each country may have its own rules which makes things very confusing, but there is one thing in common they all focus on specific nutrients and often give exact recommendations for daily food intake.

Yet, despite years of dietary guidelines, chronic health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory conditions continue to rise in New Zealand. For instance, in 2024, it's estimated that one in four New Zealanders is living with multiple chronic health conditions, with Māori and Pacific communities disproportionately affected (Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) ). Clearly, there’s more to the picture. It might be time to rethink the one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. We are all unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people thrive while eating a wide variety of foods, while others stick strictly to the guidelines but still struggle with their health.

If you’re looking to simplify, kickstart better health and form positive habits, try following PreKure’s top 10 food principles. These guidelines aren’t about prescribing exact nutrients or locking you into a particular diet which can be restrictive and costly. Instead, they focus on simple, practical advice for how to eat in a way that supports your overall wellbeing. It’s not about following a rigid plan—it’s about making choices that work for you, in a way that’s sustainable and feels good.

1. Enjoy nutritious foods every day that are whole and unprocessed.?Choose vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, seafood, poultry, organ meats, dairy, nuts, seeds and legumes (as tolerated).??Use traditional oils, fats and spreads over refined and processed versions.?Keep total sugar – especially added sugar – to a minimum in all foods and drinks.?
2. Purchase the majority of your foods that don’t come in packages; if you do buy packaged foods, choose items with less than 5 ingredients.
3. Choose mostly locally-grown food
4. Choose ethically sourced food where possible.
5. Plan your time to make food and eating important in your life.
6. Prepare, cook and eat minimally processed traditional foods with family, friends and your community.?
7. Eat your meals slowly and consciously with no distractions.?
8. Enjoy treats on special occasions and without guilt.?
9. Keep well hydrated: drink mainly water and drinks with minimal added sugar.?
10. Keep more than half of your week alcohol-free. Don’t drink alcohol if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

In summary, good nutrition is all about finding what works best for you, rather than sticking rigidly set to generic guidelines or dietary fads. The key is a simple one - health is eating whole, nourishing foods that support your health and wellbeing. By embracing simple habits like eating unprocessed foods, slowing down to enjoy your meals, and making mindful, sustainable choices, you can build a healthy lifestyle that fits your unique needs and feels good.

Try this: - Take some time to think about your diet and answer this question. What are three things you are going to change in your diet to bring it more in line with these 10 food principles?

Lara Rose

Certified Holistic Health Coach

[email protected] | www.lararosecoaching.com?| @lararosecoaching?

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