“All Foods Fit”: Embracing Food Diversity For Whole-Self Wellness – A Q&A With Thrive Wellness Reno Registered Dietitian Jessica Franks, M.A., RDN, RYT
“All foods fit”, a concept that promotes mind-body wellness, supports diverse eating choices without judgment. By accepting all foods as vital nourishment, individuals who adopt the “all foods fit” mindset can feel free to enjoy the experience of eating, knowing they are energizing their bodies with necessary nutrients. Learn more about the “all foods fit” approach and food diversity in the Q&A below with Thrive Wellness Reno registered dietitian Jessica Franks, M.A., RDN, RYT.
What does “all foods fit” mean?
An alternative approach to eating, “all foods fit” encourages healthy relationships with food. Within this way of thinking, all foods can be consumed because they provide the body, brain, and spirit with energy. The concept empowers individuals to drop any unhelpful categorizations of foods, such as those that label food as good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, and right or wrong. In place of judgment around food, the “all foods fit” notion values nutrition, pleasure, satisfaction, and choice in eating. It holds that a person’s overall wellness is most influenced by how a person relates to food, not food properties. By maintaining an “all foods fit” perspective, individuals can find peace and contentment with food, while at the same time reducing any stress and anxiety associated with eating.
Why is diversity in food choices important?
An integral element of the “all foods fit” mentality, food diversity refers to eating from a variety of food groups. Like the “all foods fit” concept, food diversity encompasses physical and mental well-being.
Nutrients provide the body with energy to execute its many important functions including breathing , digestion , temperature regulation, and much more. Consuming different foods helps ensure a person receives all the nutrients necessary for fueling their body. Additionally, by nourishing the body with a variety of nutrients, a person equips their immune system to fight off chronic illnesses .
Not only is food diversity beneficial for the body, but it helps nourish the mind as well. By incorporating variety and choice into their diet, a person can avoid feeling limited and deprived. Instead, they’re more likely to be open to exploring different foods to feed their body.
How do carbohydrates, fats, and proteins help sustain our overall well-being?
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins fulfill specific, important roles in the brain and body.
- Carbohydrates provide the foundation of energy for everyday actions as well as the processes that keep us alive. In other words, carbohydrates allow individuals to do the things they love.
- Proteins ensure the bodily structures remain intact while also stimulating chemical reactions to turn food into energy.
- Fats shield vital organs, regulate temperature, help absorb essential vitamins, provide energy, and produce hormones that make up the body’s internal communication system.
Although it may be “trendy” to refrain from eating one or more of these substances, doing so is harmful to the body’s overall functioning. However, by affirming an “all foods fit” mindset, a person can feel confident in their choice to effectively nourish themself.
How can individuals enjoy post-holiday meals by adopting the “all foods fit” mentality?
When a person carries out the “all foods fit” approach, they’re able to exist in a state of abundance, rather than restriction . As a result, all of their mind-body systems are positively influenced, and they can trust in their ability to self-regulate around foods. They also are aware that one meal or food doesn’t determine their health.
How can individuals go into the new year with an open mindset regarding food?
Individuals can consider the way they typically approach foods. They may ask themselves the following questions.
- Do I frequently feel guilty about my food choices or ways of eating?
- Do I cycle in and out of eating “plans” or “programs”?
- Do I have thoughts about food or my body upon waking up in the morning and going to bed at night?
- Do I feel well in my mind, body, and spirit?
- Am I motivated and confident?
Depending on their answers, the new year may be a good opportunity to re-evaluate their approach to eating so they can nurture a sustainable, healthy relationship with food and their body.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT AT THRIVE WELLNESS
At Thrive Wellness, our registered dietitians, eating disorder clinicians, and mind-body specialists help individuals nourish their bodies mindfully, intuitively, and confidently while accepting their bodies as they are. To learn more about our nutrition services, eating disorder programs, and additionally mental and behavioral health support, reach out .
About the Contributor
Thrive Wellness Reno Registered Dietitian Jessica Franks, M.A., RDN, RYT
Jessica Franks has a bachelor’s of science in dietetics and management from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in nutrition from Ball State University, not to mention more than a decade-long career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Her clinical experience has ranged from geriatric nutrition to nutritional therapy for eating disorder recovery. Jessica has undergone additional training in intuitive eating and microbiome health, and is also a 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT).
At Thrive Wellness Reno, Jessica specializes in providing nutritional therapy with an emphasis on intuitive eating. She also integrates mindful movement and breathwork into her treatment approach, as she believes that complete health is not merely the absence of disease – it encompasses physical, mental, and social health for whole well-being.
Being from a small Illinois town with a population of less than 700, Jessica was determined to see the world and experience city life after college. She spent time in Indianapolis, Chicago, San Diego, and San Francisco before finding her way to the “Biggest Little City” of Reno, Nevada, which she feels offers a beautiful balance of small-town feel with city-like offerings. She cherishes all four seasons in northern Nevada and likes to explore the outdoors and the Sierra Nevada mountains in her time outside of work.
