As we are surrounded by food and eat very regularly in the western world, saying we’re starving is in reality just an expression. There’s a pretty good chance that we are not actually in need of food, but that our out-of-balance hormones are telling us that it’s time for food even though we probably just ate a few hours ago. The truth is that our bodies have endured through thousands of years of evolution to be able to go prolonged periods without substantial food. This is why we have fat storage and are able to store energy (glycogen) in our muscles and liver.

With these storages at our disposal we still have a tendency to over eat and especially over eat carbohydrates and sugars since these are the main ingredient in convenience foods. So, in order to reset our hunger hormones and achieve balance, we want to drop our carbohydrate level to below 150 grams per day and make better food selections across the spectrum. The best way to do this is:

1. Eliminate grains, processed sugar, convenience foods.

This in itself will pay HUGE dividends to your health – reducing inflammation (digestive and body), correcting hunger hormone signaling and promote stable blood sugar balance.

2. Eliminate bad fats.

Canola, safflower, trans-fats – highly oxidative and wreak havoc on your cells. 

3. Focus on Primal selections of real, natural foods:

Vegetables – peppers, leafy greens, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes. Nice healthy salad.

Healthy fruits – pitted fruit (plum, pear, apricot, nectarine, peach) berries (raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, cherry)

Nuts & seeds – macadamia, almonds, pistachio, brazil, sunflower.

Good fats – olives, avocado, coconut, animal fat, butter, hard aged cheeses.

Animal protein – Eggs, beef, chicken, pork, fish, fowl, wild game, seafood.

Whole food consumption is what we want to strive for. Try to find these foods from local and trusted sources. Local farmers, ranchers and farmer’s markets have the potential for great healthy food selection.

By changing your eating habits to a more primal diet, positive results will typically be achieved in less than four weeks (21 days). It may take longer if you have pre-existing health issues. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any health and wellness endeavor. 

Try your best, strive for 100% and be realistic – know that if you hit 80%, 80% is still AWESOME!! It takes time and discipline to change old habits into new habits. By focusing on developing a complete healthy body system where your hormones are working for you and not against you, you will have more energy, feel less hungry, drop fat and feel so much better!