In 2012, I eliminated dairy and gluten from my diet, hoping it would bring relief from chronic pain and inflammation I was experiencing from the autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis.
While the diet change helped, my deeper healing began in 2014. I had hit rock bottom with the pain and realizing I couldn’t go on like this, I made the decision to prioritize my health and make significant lifestyle changes.
I started by observing my thoughts about myself and my condition. I shifted my mindset by learning to curb self-judgment and practice self-compassion and self-love. As someone with a history of perfectionism, this internal change was huge.
Through my personal healing journey and my professional experience helping people on their path to wellness, it's crystal clear that taking a holistic approach is essential for healing. And with this in mind, I'd like to introduce the idea of primary foods and secondary foods.
Primary food feeds us at a core level.
It’s more than what is on your plate; it refers to areas of your life that feed your mind, body and nourish your spirit such as your relationships, spirituality, creativity, social life, job/career, recreational and physical activities.
When your primary food is balanced and satiating, your life feeds you and "secondary food" is less critical.
Secondary food is the food on our plates - what we eat to sustain our bodies.
While nutrition is super important, it can be considered secondary. Why? You could be eating an anti-inflammatory diet and doing all the “right” things, but if you're in a toxic relationship, unhappy in your career, or are overwhelmed by chronic stress in some area of your life, we know that your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is compromised.
We need more than “healthy” food to genuinely thrive and feel nourished. It’s our primary foods, our mindset and lifestyle factors, that inform our actual, or secondary, food choices. Everyone is different and unique, that’s why I practice bio-individuality when it comes to wellness. I believe there is no “one-size-fits all” nutrition or lifestyle protocol. Each of our journeys requires, and deserves, a personalized approach.
If you’re seeking personalized support with healing your chronic health issues, I’d love to help you. Email me and we’ll set up your free wellness call.
Love, Your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
P.S. Listen to episode 189, “Primary Foods vs. Secondary Foods.”
August 7, 2024
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