I used to think that there was one perfect way to eat and exercise, and that if we as a collective could just figure out the magic combination, we’d all see the pounds melt off and the chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders disappear. Since then, I’ve come to learn that no one diet or lifestyle could possibly be ideal for all 6 billion people on the planet, because that would be assuming that all of us share the exact same biology and therefore need the exact same things to thrive.

This is why you won’t read about a cookie-cutter approach to wellness here. I don’t buy into quick fixes or subscribe to any particular “cure-all” method. What I do believe in, however, is the power of the basic foundations to help the body reach and maintain homeostasis.

In my experience, I have found that restrictive diets are not the answer. In fact, I’m probably the first nutrition professional you’ve come across who eats every type of food there is—including ice cream, pizza, and the regular glass of wine. (Not as part of a “cheat” day, either, but whenever the craving hits.) Why? Because restriction is both physically and mentally stressful, food is meant to be enjoyed, and I trust my body can handle it.

That said, I’m also not blind to the fact that we live in a world where highly-processed convenience “foods” are readily available on every street corner. They’re in our grocery stores, vending machines, restaurants, and even school cafeterias, making it easier than ever to choose a Happy Meal or a bag of chips in lieu of a properly prepared nutrient-dense meal again and again. Unfortunately, these unnatural and hyper-palatable food products (made mostly of industrial seed oils and refined grains) are making it harder for our bodies to function like they were created to. So what’s a modern gal to do? Be mindful of the foods you choose to put on your plate. Are you incorporating real, unprocessed, whole foods into your meals? Don’t worry about eliminating anything, just focus on making room for more of the good stuff…

Think back to hundreds of years ago: What did our ancestors eat, and how did they prepare those foods for consumption? The quick and easy answer is, whatever they farmed or hunted themselves. Of course, I’m not suggesting we all boycott our local grocery stores and neighborhood eateries—convenience can be a good thing, as it allows us to think about more than just about where our next meal is coming from—but I am suggesting that we prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods that we prepare ourselves 80% of the time. These are going to be a combination of plant and animal foods that our bodies can easily break down and absorb to reap the benefits of the high mineral and vitamin content. So, things like:

Pastured meats, grass-fed (or raw) dairy, eggs from happy hens, wild-caught fish, shellfish, root veggies, raw carrots, cooked leafy greens, ripe fruit, bone broth, gelatin, maple syrup, raw honey, sprouted grains and legumes, sourdough bread, and fresh juices—nature gave us so many to choose from!

By getting back to using simple ingredients, we can restore our health and prevent chronic diseases for the long haul. That doesn’t mean you can’t honor your cravings or enjoy your favorite foods. I ain’t about a life without French fries. But as with everything else, balance is key: Have your French fries with a grass-fed cheeseburger and a side of fibrous fruit or veggies. Voila, a perfectly nutritious and delicious meal.