Does food combining live up to the hype?
Does food combining live up to the hype?
If you ask me…a thousand times yes.
Over the years I’ve made a lot of really good decisions surrounding food and diet that have improved my relationship with food, my body and healthy, and life in general.
First, it was focusing on plant-based whole foods. That was a big one. Avoiding refined sugar and eating moderate amounts of unrefined sugar was another. Leaning into Ayurvedic wisdom and traditions was another.
Most recently, it’s been practicing food combining principles at every (k, most) meals. Yet another total game changer.
Food combining is a way of eating. And it’s all about the time it takes for the body to digest what you put into it.
Different groups of food require different digestive enzymes; mixing groups that require different enzymes means that one of those groups will get processed, while the other lays in your stomach, unprocessed, which leads to fermenting (not the good kind), discomfort, bloating, gas, and all that lovely stuff.
Here’s how you do it:
Eat fruit alone or with green vegetables, and on an empty stomach
Eat protein only with low-starch vegetables
Eat dense starches only with low starch vegetables
Avoid combining different types of protein at one meal
Avoid combining starches and proteins at meals
Sounds like a tall order, I know.
But let me tell you, it can take your health and wellness to the next level.
I’m talking improved digestion, reduced bloating and discomfort, increased energy, better absorption of nutrients, weight loss and management, better skin and increased confidence.
I can attest to all of these. I’ve seen first-hand in myself and my clients who choose to incorporate it into their health and wellness plans, just how effective it is for health and healing.
On days where I lean into it, I always feel my best. What does that look like? Light, energetic, full of life. If you practice it, you know what I mean.
Love how all of this sounds and don’t know where to start?
I got you.
The best way (if you ask me) is to pick 1 or 2 things from the list of guidelines above and commit to the practice for 2-3 weeks. Pay attention to how your body feels and reacts to your choices and combinations. If you like the way you feel, phase in new habits based on readiness.
This is exactly how I got started.
I began by eating fruit alone on an empty stomach - a small piece or cup around 8-9AM followed by a fruit smoothie a couple of hours later. I did this for three weeks….and I felt incredible. Then, when I was ready, I phased in another guideline and began practicing it at lunch time and then again at dinner.
It’s important to know that the scientific evidence supporting food combining is limited. But this doesn’t necessarily suggest that it’s not effective. Often times it means that it’s simply understudied. And (in my opinion) a lack of scientific evidence via research isn’t enough of a reason to discredit something or rule it out, ya know?
Also, this approach may not be for everyone. I mean, what approach is?! Diet is deeply personal (as it should be).
But what I love about this approach (aside from how great I feel) is that it also improves mindfulness around food. It requires you to put thought into your meals. Often ahead of time which is a good habit to get into. It can also help prevent mindless eating and snacking, which is a big struggle for a lot of people.
If you’re curious about food combining, this article is super informative and breaks down all you need to know in a lot more detail.
Have questions or insights you want to share? Head over to the comments section or get in touch here.
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