Back to Basics

Well hello hello, I'm so happy you're here and sharing with me a very special moment in my life, writing my first blog!

I've always known I'll start writing one day, but I believe everything happens at the right time. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Reem, and I love the sun, the beach, yoga, dance, good food, music and pretty much everything wellbeing. I feel mostly connected to myself, the universe and all that is when I'm taking part in some kind of self love and self care and flowing in that effortless stream of wellbeing! I am a certified yoga instructor and health coach, and have a lot to share! If what I write manages to reach one person and be a catalyst for his/her transformation then I have achieved my goal!

Now, enough with me, let's delve into the topic and purpose of this post; Back to Basics! Why Back to Basics? Because in the never-ending flood of all sorts of dietary protocols, one cannot but feel lost. What diet will give me the maximum health benefits, and give me my dream body? I can't get why my neighbor who is on a strict keto diet is looking great yet simultaneously, my friend who is a strict vegan is also looking amazing and glowing? What about my friend who advocates Paleo or the other who follows a Mediterranean diet? These protocols advocate completely different diets, so which one is RIGHT?

Well the short answer in none! The long answer is as follows: There is no right diet. Maybe a more accurate question would be what is the right diet for ME? We are beautifully designed to be different. In fact, everything in this universe is designed to be unique and different. We are not meant to have the same preferences, taste, body shapes, expression, looks, jobs, desires, ideas, beliefs, characteristics, traits and the list goes on. There is beauty in diversity, and it is this diversity that acts as a catalyst to the expansion of our universe. If the human race can just accept this simple concept, we will appreciate our differences and the tremendous value it adds to our cumulative wellbeing, we will never again have that argument of who is right, and that goes on all levels, from friendly disputes to wars, literally! 

Well back to our topic, as we understand that we are all so different, it is natural for our bodies to also be different! Many elements go into this. Your genes, your ethnicity, your environment, where you live on earth, your microbiome (the friendly bacteria that inhabits your body and your gut), your blood type, how you metabolize certain food groups, all of which are but some factors that affect your unique body, and hence assuming a one size fits all approach simply doesn't work. This concept is referred to at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as bio-individuality; one person's food is another's poison.

There are other factors that come into the equation, and to me, are even more important than the food we put on our plates, and one of them is primary food. There is a strong correlation between health issues and imbalances in your life. Anything from imbalances in relationships, career, financial management and more can have a direct effect on your eating habits, lifestyle, weight and overall health. This deserves a post on its own which I will write as I cannot emphasize enough the holistic nature of health and wellbeing.

As the title of this post indicates, let's go back to basics in acknowledging that physical health cannot be separated from mental health, emotional health, and spiritual connection. They are all connected, and what affects one, affects the others. In my humble opinion, this holistic approach to health or integrative nutrition is the missing piece in today's healthcare system. I completely and utterly appreciate the value this Industry has contributed towards our world, but I believe its time to start approaching health in a more holistic way, understanding the root causes of disease rather than treating the symptoms. On the other hand, we as a society want a pill for every ill, and if we can just slow down, learn how to listen to our bodies, nourish our bodies with whole foods that suit our individual needs, allow ourselves to rest and restore, we can intuitively heal, not just on a physical level but all levels. Given half a chance, the body will heal itself by itself! As a yoga instructor, I feel I need to throw this sentence here, but one of the main benefits of practicing yoga, is that it internally connects you to your body, and creates the space where you can listen to your body and its needs. Our bodies are continuously talking to us if we can take the time to listen. 

Now, that was a long answer to a very short question, but truly there is so much more to share, which I intend to do in more details in coming posts.

It is my desire to share with you the knowledge I have, and hopefully empower you to start looking deeper into your own health and carve out a unique path for yourself that makes you connect with yourself on a deeper level, discover yourself, and allows you to flow effortlessly, joyfully and deliciously as you experience life through a new lens.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and I hope you feel empowered and inspired! Feel free to leave a comment below.