Let me first say that we all show up different in this world. And that is OK - more than ok! 
How I answer these questions can be different than how you do. As long as we are purposeful + intentional about our choices, different is GOOD!

Q: Do you eat gluten?

A: I do... But rarely. I am not sensitive to it, although it is is not a staple for me.

Why? Studies have shown that gluten causes inflammation. I usually stick to foods that grow from sun, good soil, and water! Too much gluten also puts my emotional being into a sticky state (just like the gluten!). When I eat grains, I try to to stick with gluten-free grains such as brown rice, quinoa, millet and amaranth. I believe that the gluten here in the United States is much different then in Europe. If some of you have been abroad you might of noticed that you felt less bloated when eating gluten. Why?  the vast majority of the wheat they grow is of the soft variety. One source said it’s roughly 10% gluten. If you’re gluten sensitive, the lower percentage in the wheat grown in Europe might account for some of the difference.  I personally think GMO crops here in the USA are seriously affecting our health.

I truly believe that most of us need grains in our diet to sustain a healthy lifestyle. In my training in Holistic Nutrition I challenged myself to practice all the different dietary theories as I was studying each theory. So Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Cleanses etc. The best theory that resonated with me is everything in MODERATION.

Q: Do you practice one way of eating/a specific diet plan?

A:  I do NOT diet… no way, no how! I believe in MODERATION. My nutrition practice is truly 90 percent clean foods… protein, fat, fruit, veggies and healthy grains. The 10 percent includes the the gluten, sugar, and fun carbohydrates! And I enjoy with NO GUILT! (that’s the key!) Freeing yourself from guilt is not a quick fix….it takes practice of knowing your body and the responses your body has to certain food.

When I start with a new client we go over habits and patterns when it comes to diet and lifestyle. From there we chose together what type of plan would work best for them. This is an opportunity to shift old habits and patterns. Whatever plan works best is practiced for 21 days. This gives the digestive system an opportunity to rest without having the foods that cause inflammation. By the way: Inflammation comes in many forms. Aches, pains, swelling, inflammatory diseases(ie: thyroid disease, arthritis etc) all the way to depression, insomnia, anxiety etc. Once the gut has an opportunity to heal there is room to introduce the lifestyle piece of healing from the inside out.

Most of my friends and family know what kind of eater I am. I am definitely in the CLEAN PLATE CLUB. I am an eater. I love foods or shall I say I love the foods that work well with my body, which again took lots of practice and awareness. Please note the key to healthy eating has lots to do with portion control as well. Our stomach just has so much room!

My favorite 10-percenter delights are: Once a week usually Friday nights are PIZZA night. My favorite is 2 slices of REAL pizza from a reputable pizzeria. I usually get 1/2 spinach and 1/2 meatball or pepperoni….which I share with Drew. Whatever is left over we freeze! Love myself some broccoli sautéed with garlic and olive oil and a simple green salad.

Yes, I also love pasta, burgers and fries…who doesn’t?  If Friday night we don't do pizza I usually do one of the foods just mentioned. And yes I love ketchup with my fries!

My favorite 90 percent delights are:  Shakes, Eggs, Greens, Protein(I love all animal protein),Fruits, Veggies, Grains, and healthy fats such as coconut oil, olive oil and ghee.  I might add…..nothing is plain to me, I am always trying and experimenting with new delicious recipes that include my 90 percenters.  And in my 90 percent is my morning love:  coffee with organic half and half!

How did I get to this place? Practice, Education and working with my own teachers/coaches. By understanding that the 10 percent are foods that are delicious but can cause some symptoms(not such good ones). The truth is they offer me no long-term fulfillment in my overall health and wellness if I eat them more than 10 percent!

PS: Need help figuring out how to create a vibrant, nutrient-rich diet out of protein, fats, fruits, veggies and healthy grains? Contact me for 1-1 coaching.

Q: Do you drink alcohol?

A: Yes, I do. I have a small amount of scotch every night as I am cooking. Thats either neat or on the rocks. The mixers are what adds sugar.  

I can hardly drink wine anymore as it causes my system to create yeast from the sugar, even though it is natural sugar. One of the reasons I started Simple Clean and Whole several years ago is that SUGAR caused many physical symptoms such as body itching, bloat, gas and emotional symptoms like anxiety and panic attacks. (That’s the mind/body connection piece I talked about last week.)

I can have wine as part of my 10 percent. Otherwise, even if the wine is organic and rated really high quality, I do still experience symptoms such as bloated, puffy eyes, de-hydration and itchy skin and actually quite sluggish the next day.

What are you interested in? What have you gotten the most value from, from Simple Clean and Whole over the past several years? What are you dying to know? … it can be simple or complex! Please email me at jen@jennifermeister.com to ask the questions YOU have!

Cheers to learning + growing + changing everyday…. (from my scotch glass to yours!),