NORTH FORK, CA – Good nutrition is one of the most powerful tools you have to care for your body – and it’s available to everyone.  Free.  You don’t need a perfect diet or expensive foods to eat well.  What you need is knowledge and intention.  The 10 principles of good nutrition that have been covered in the previous articles offer a simple, practical foundation for making choices that nourish your body, boost your energy, and support long-term health.

In a world filled with diet trends, mixed messages, and quick fixes, it’s easy to feel unsure about what healthy eating really looks like.  True nourishment is not complicated or restrictive.  Stay focused on taking small steps, and healthy eating becomes more achievable – and more enjoyable.

Here’s a quick review of the 10 principles of good nutrition. By returning to these core ideas, you can feel more confident in your choices, and continue building habits that support your health for years to come.

1. Do not eat refined or processed food
   • Especially avoid vegetable oils, white sugar and white flour
2. Eat foods with a high nutrient content
   • Key nutrients are vitamins A, D and K2 and minerals
3. Animal foods provide critical nutrients
   • They are excellent sources of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals
4. Eat animal fats
   • Butter, ghee, tallow and lard
5. Eat some of your animal foods raw
   • Raw milk, raw cheese, raw egg yolks, steak tartar, sashimi, oysters
6. Carefully prepare seed foods
   • Grains, beans, nuts and seeds should all be soaked, fermented or long-leavened such as sourdough
7. Eat foods with naturally occurring enzymes
   • Lacto-fermented sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir and raw honey and cold pressed olive oil
8. Use unrefined salt
   • Contains less sodium chloride and many minerals; you need 1-2 tsp/day
9. Include bone broth and collagen rich foods
   • Provides critical balance of animo acids. Avoid bouillon or aseptic packages.
10. Eat food raised on healthy soils rich in nutrients and organisms
    • Both plant and animal foods

These principles are not meant to restrict you, but to guide you toward a healthier way of eating.  When applied consistently, even small changes can lead to improved energy, well-being, and vibrant long-term health.

If you want to review the longer articles on each of these principles of good nutrition, go to Focus On Vibrant Health.

Dr. Veronica is teaching a free class in January on simple, natural ways to feel better.  Read more here:  FREE Holistic Health Class.

Dr. Veronica Tilden can be your ally in having vibrant health.  She uses traditional hands-on osteopathy and helps you take responsibility for your health, guiding you to make better choices in your life.  Her office is in North Fork.  You can find out more and schedule an appointment at DrVeronicaTilden.com.