Keep It Simple Sweetheart (K.I.S.S.)

You had toast and coffee for breakfast. For lunch, maybe it was something quick—a sandwich, maybe chips on the side. Dinner? Possibly pasta, something fried, or something from the freezer aisle because you were too tired to think.

Do you know what? We make what we’re eating so much more complicated than it needs to be. Our bodies are craving simplicity. Wholeness. Peace. Not just emotionally but on the plate, too.

On a recent visit to my doctor’s office for my usual IV therapy, I caught up with one of the nurses on duty. We always end up talking wellness. But this time, I asked a deeper question: “What are you seeing most often at the hospital?”

She paused, and then said two things that made my stomach turn: 📌Unusual cases of cancer, growing in numbers 📌Inflammatory issues that people couldn't trace or explain

Then she said something that stopped me in my tracks: “I think what they’re putting in the food is killing us.”

And I said, “Yes. And the hard part? Most people aren’t willing to give up the foods that are no longer serving them. That’s what’s killing us.”

We hold on to food for comfort, for memory, for culture—for love. That casserole reminds you of Grandma. That fried thing reminds you of after-school joy. We reach for processed “plant-based meats” because we want to feel better without letting go of the past. But do you know what? Many of those comfort foods are part of the problem. They’re filled with hidden oils, additives, preservatives—things that slowly ignite a fire inside the body. And that fire? It’s called Inflammation.

🔥 Let’s Talk About That Fire

Inflammation has a purpose—it's part of how our bodies heal cuts, burns, injuries. But when it becomes chronic—lingering in the background every day—it leads to exhaustion, pain, brain fog, bloating, and worse. And where does much of it come from? 🥫 Heavily processed foods 🌭 Addictive comfort meals 😓 Ongoing stress 🌾 Depleted soil and nutrient-poor produce

But There’s Another Way

There’s a saying I love: “The simplest foods are often the most healing.”

We can reset, not by overhauling everything, but by choosing simplicity. It starts with how you build your plate.

I am here to say that you need to keep it simple. If we look at a balanced plate, it includes tons of fruits and veggies, half your plate, a sixth of the plate includes healthy carbs, another sixth, healthy fats and the final sixth, a healthy protein. No more no less.

Let's keep it simple and get back to the basics of what a good healthy foundational plate can provide us. We are under attack constantly with the foods that are available to us. Do what is in your control. If you are not sure how to simplify your food choices, here are three tips that can help you to get started:

Cook at Home: Cooking meals at home allows you to have full control over the ingredients you use and how your food is prepared. This way, you can avoid excess unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium commonly found in restaurant and fast food options. Experimenting with different recipes can also help you discover new ways to incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet. Visit the Chef Beee Youtube Channel to get ideas on recipes that you can include in your rotation. And if you can cook, choose meal prep services like, Essential Meals 2Go! which source their veggies locally from farmers.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is essential for overall health and can help optimize food digestion and nutrient absorption. It also helps you to feel full so that you are not choosing foods out of hunger. Opt for water as your primary beverage choice and limit sugary drinks and excessive caffeine intake, as they can add unnecessary calories and disrupt your body's hydration balance.

Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store: When grocery shopping, focus on shopping around the perimeter of the store where fresh produce, lean meats, dairy, and whole foods are typically located. This can help you avoid the inner aisles with processed and packaged foods that may be high in unhealthy additives, sugars, and preservatives.

So tell me — Do you need to work on making your balanced and simple? I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply. I read every message.

WORK WITH US!

Changing your diet and getting on track can be tough. If you are looking to eat and be healthier but not sure where to start, consider scheduling a BE WELL DISCOVERY CALL to get clarity on your next steps. We are looking forward to supporting you.

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Much love, Essentially Chef Beee 🌱

Your Lifestyle Medicine Health Coach & Plant-Based Chef