Apparently the way I eat is not ‘normal’. However, I do know there are a lot of people who do eat the way I do; Holistic Practitioners, Naturopaths, Trainers and Health Coaches, all who give similar suggestions to eat the way that I do.

So what is ‘normal’ and what is it compared to?

‘Normal’ for Australia? Well, you know what the statistics are for ‘normal’ in Australia?

• 3 in 5 Australian adults are overweight or obese. That's over 12 million people.
• 1 in 4 Australian children are overweight or obese and the numbers are steadily increasing.
• Cardiovascular disease kills one Australian every 12 minutes.
• More than 25 per cent of Australian adults have Metabolic Syndrome.*

Considering these statistics the ‘normal’ way of eating is not working for this country, so Abnormality Be My Friend!

So I think when someone refers to ‘Not Normal’, I think they mean ‘Not Normal for Me’. Which puts the question to the lips: Why should your normal be my normal?

Here are some Abnormal Eating Patterns and advice you might like to consider if you want to stay away from those ‘normal’ statistics:

1. Eat meat for Breakfast – Why does breakfast get special ‘Breakfast’ foods? I, and my clients, have reported increased energy, clearer minds and better food choices throughout the day just from switching breakfast to a meal like all the rest.
2. Eat coconut oil – yep, straight if you want, said to be useful in fighting viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as herpes, influenza, and even HIV. It also helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria and pylori. Charles Poliquin advised me at our last BioSignature seminar to allow it to melt in your mouth or drink it in hot water before meals for optimal thyroid ramping effects. Much more palatable ways though include cooking with it (smokes at a much higher temperature than other oils reducing free radicals), melting some in your black coffee or green tea, using it as a setting agent for delicious paleo treats.
3. Prepare your own meals – the main factor here is time management and making it a priority to have healthy nutritious meals. Slow cookers are amazingly helpful providing quick and delicious hot meals with only moments of preparation.
4. Opt for Organic – wherever possible organic produce is better to reduce toxic load. Though, according to Charles Poliquin the top three to eat organic are butter, coffee and strawberries. Or consult the ‘Dirty Dozen, Clean 15’ guide for the most recent testings.
5. Throw out the TV! – yep, a Canadian study followed 1314 children over 10 years and calculated the relationship between time spent watching TV prior to age 5 and muscle power and waist circumference. The interpretation of this study: ‘Watching television excessively in early childhood, may eventually compromise muscular fitness and waist circumference in children as they approach pubertal age.

Implement one or all of the above tips and enjoy a healthier, abnormal life! Even if you start with one, you will be healthier than you were yesterday.

And remember, Whoever Perseveres Conquers. If you give up today, you are only making failure a certainty. 

* Metabolic Syndrome is a combination including at least three of the following: high triglycerides, polycystic ovaries, abdominal obesity, low levels of HDL, hypertension, high blood glucose (diabetes or insulin resistance).

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2013) Overweight and Obesity. https://www.aihw.gov.au/overweight-and-obesity/
Heart Foundation. Data and Statistics. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/information-for-professionals/data-and-statistics/Pages/default.aspx
Metabolic Syndrome. Medical Dictionary. The Free Dictionary. (2013) https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/metabolic+syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome. Better Health Chanel. 2013 State Government of Victoria. Last updated 20/03/2013 https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Metabolic_syndrome
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil. Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. (2013). https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
Poliquin Editorial Staff 04/03/2013. How To Help Kids Lose Weight
https://www.charlespoliquin.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/994/How_To_Help_Kids_Lose_Weight_.aspx
Dirty Dozen, Clean 15 guide. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/guide.php?key=40304541
Fitzpatrick, C., et al. Early Childhood Television Viewing Predicts Explosive Leg Strength and Waist Circumference by Middle Childhood. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2012. 9(1), 87-93.https://www.ijbnpa.org/content/9/1/87