Apple vs Coke?

So my dietitian says I can have margarine but not avocado and I can have diet coke but not an apple. Tell me where did we go so wrong?

Now I don't consider myself as the general public when it comes to diet knowledge, I am a qualified Personal Trainer and avid researcher of all things health, I like to meet new ideas with an open mind so that I can continue to learn. But something about this advice doesn't sit right and it concerns me this is the advice given to the general public. So it got me thinking, how do we know what information is truth and was is not. I talked about truth earlier so for now I want to touch on knowledge of health.

When you come down with some abnormal sign or symptom in your body or even your child's, what is the first thing you do? Do you wait until you can get an appointment to see your doctor? Of course not, don't get me wrong this is a step in the process but not usually the first. The first is usually Doctor Google PhD of 'I know everything there is to know about everything'. When you cipher through that sea of information, do you go, ooo yes I have that symptom, and yes now you mention it I do feel that way. OMG I have cancer, schizophrenia, and I am a fish. Hmmmm, really? I bet in most cases your doc says otherwise.

So how do I know what to believe and what not to believe?

I don't think that you will ever know for certain, but I think in the majority of cases you can get pretty close, and either way live in harmony with your values, your own experience and most importantly your gut instinct. So next time you are confronted with conflicting or new information ask yourself these questions;

• Does this make sense?
• Does it feel right?
• Is it in line with my beliefs and values?
• Am I removing my bias?
• If I am not going to take on board all this new information, is there a small part I can take away?

So coming back to my info from the dietitian. Eating artificial foods does not make logical sense to me. It doesn't feel right with my gut instinct. It certainly doesn't balance with my current beliefs about diet.

Now I am dedicated to the truth so I do believe I need to remove my ego, be open to new information and revise my current view of health so here is how I decided to take my new information away.

Dietitian: "You are eating too many legumes and raw vegetables"
My interpretation: I have probably introduced too many raw vegetables and legumes into my diet too quickly and my gut is still adjusting.

Dietitian: "You need to eat more meat to get your protein"
My interpretation: As I need to introduce high fibre foods slowly I still need some protein. I don't particularly enjoy eating red meat, but I could have more fish in the meantime.

Dietitian: "There is no scientific evidence that a vegan diet can cure you"
My interpretation: I do feel I disagree, but I am willing to check my resources, and if I can find my documented evidence I will share it in my next visit.

Dietitian: "It doesn't matter what you do with your diet, cortisol is acidic and will cause you pain"
My interpretation: Great point doc, I need to up my meditation and yoga.

So please don't believe everything you hear or read. Remain dedicated to the truth. Build your truth by remaining true to your values and going with your gut, however opening yourself to new information.

What is the weirdest bit of advice you have received that didn't sit in right with you?