Are You Drowning in One-Size-Fits-All Wellness Advice?

Are you sick and tired of drowning in the one-size-fits-all diet advice? If you’re over 50, swimming through all the muck gets even harder!

Wellness advice often assumes that the same map works for everyone, but each of our bodies has unique needs. What keeps one feeling full of vigor might not work for someone else.

After reading two articles in a membership publication, one by a medical student getting his MD degree and another by a recent medical school graduate, I’m reaching for my life-saving jacket because it’s hard staying afloat in a sea of archaic advice.

Why Generic Advice Doesn’t Work

The graduate regurgitated the same old advice: eating whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds, vegetables, and fermented foods, while staying hydrated, etc. Yes, that’s all good, but worn out like old pavement. And here’s the thing, not all of us do well on whole grains or fermented foods.

In all fairness to the students pursuing their medical degrees, they did mention that eating whole foods is beneficial. But if this is the best that medical school is churning out in 2024, we’d better head to the Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky, because it took Noah 70 years to build his.

If I eat bread, I wear it on my belly and around my waistline. Not to mention that it makes my joints ache. And eating too many fermented foods creates a roadblock in my nasal passages. Fermented food is too high in histamine, and I’ll run for an antihistamine—not good!

My Simple Approach

Plus, not everyone does well with certain vegetables or fruits. I don’t do well with corn. It stuffs me up, and I poop it out whole! Too much fruit turns into sugar, so I eat more citrus-type fruits. If you’re histamine intolerant, be cautious of excessive citrus consumption.

And yes, berries, nuts, and seeds are also good options. But too many nuts and seeds can irritate the bowels.

MD Graduate touts eating three meals a day. No, this is not meant for everyone. I eat a late breakfast—known as brunch. Then I eat supper. Some call it dinner.

Three squares a day is too much food for me, and I feel over-stuffed. I don’t eat after 5 PM because I don’t need to. I won’t eat again until around 10 AM, giving me a 17-hour fast. This allows my body to dispel, repair, and recycle old, dead cells through a process called autophagy—much like cleaning out the fridge; some foods must go, while others are reusable.

However, fasting for 17 hours is not a purposeful habit, but one that works for me because I don’t need to jump out of bed and run for a bowl of ‘carb-packed so-called healthy whole-grain cereal.’

Instead, I will scramble pasture-raised chicken eggs in grass-fed butter around 10 or 11. (The yolks in these eggs are deep gold and delicious.) And I do this most mornings—sometimes I’ll eat three of these delicious eggs.

This is my version of individualized nutrition that works for my body and my needs.

So, we must take this generic advice with a pinch of skepticism and listen to our bodies. It’s gently whispering to you every day, so don’t wait until it screams.

The “Clean Eating” Debate

The MD getting his degree says trying to ‘eat clean’ is a fad. Huh? He says not to expect foods to be clean just because they’re labeled natural or organic. He’s right! Natural doesn’t mean chemical-free, and many organic foods are grown with a certain amount of chemicals.

But I’ll tell you one thing, I feel a heck of a lot better since I’ve started drinking organic coffee. I have more energy. And I feel even better when I eat mostly organic fruits and veggies.

MD Degree says that ‘clean eating’ can harm your gut microbiome. Yes, he’s correct. You can’t eat a bunch of donuts just because they’re made with organic or unbleached flour and organic sugar!

Mr. MD, Getting His Degree, says he even doubts the existence of ‘clean eating.’ Let’s clarify: Clean eating refers to the consumption of foods with the least amount of chemical sprays. Who doesn’t want that? Case closed!

How I Stopped Drowning in One-Size-Fits-All Advice

I’ve now entered the senior classification, and I’ve learned to listen to my body—not the FDA or a lot of ‘some science.’ It took me decades to figure out what made me feel so bad. I had terrible gut health after indulging in so-called healthy ‘whole grains.’ Instead, I’ll eat quinoa, organic white or brown rice, and organic, gluten-free oatmeal.

A Friendly Reminder to Find Your Road

This works for me, but your wellness map might look different. The most important thing is to listen to what your body is nudging you to change. Don’t wait for the punch!

Sometimes, it takes a bit of experimenting to discover what makes you feel on top of your game, so don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.

Pasta is in if it’s made with quinoa and rice or red or green lentils. Boxed breakfast cereals are out! I will occasionally make homemade buckwheat pancakes with grass-fed melted butter and Monk fruit for a touch of sweetness.

Grass-fed beef, organic pasture-raised chicken, cod, and salmon are on my list of ‘clean foods.’ I love a pork chop if it’s not laced with hormones or antibiotics!

I won’t touch ice cream or soda/pop with a 10-foot pole! I gave up sugar, except for an occasional small slice of gluten-free cake, made with organic ingredients. Otherwise, I don’t eat gluten-free products because they’re loaded with carbs and sugar that’ll take you for a blood-sugar rollercoaster ride.

I don’t use vegetable oils in my cooking; instead, I use organic avocado oil, grass-fed beef tallow, grass-fed butter, or organic extra-virgin olive oil.

In conclusion, I can stoop down and pop back up again, stand on one foot for over a minute, or longer, but get bored. I walk 2 miles 5-6 days per week. My body is the cartographer. I’m just the navigator!

One Leg Stance Test

Age-related changes in gait, balance, and strength parameters: A cross-sectional study:

Stand on one foot and see how well you fare.

What about you? What wellness advice have you ditched to feel better? Share your wellness advice for seniors or how you’ve personalized your wellness routine in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your odyssey to health and wellness. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all map, but we can learn a lot from each other’s expeditions!

Your digestive health is personal, and tracking what works for you can make all the difference. Grab my Wellness & Digestive Tracker to monitor food, mood, triggers, and symptoms.

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Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified health professional before changing your health or wellness routine.