Are You Drowning in One-Size-Fits-All Wellness Advice?

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Are you sick and tired of drowning in the one-size-fits-all diet advice? If you’re over 50, swimming through all the muck gets even harder!

Wellness advice often assumes that the same map works for everyone, but each of our bodies has unique needs. What keeps one feeling full of vigor might not work for someone else.

After reading two articles in a membership publication, one by a medical student getting his MD degree and another by a recent medical school graduate, I’m reaching for my life-saving jacket because it’s hard staying afloat in a sea of archaic advice.

Why Generic Advice Doesn’t Work

The graduate regurgitated the same old, eating whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds, vegetables, fermented foods, staying hydrated, etc. Yes, that’s all good, but worn out like old pavement. And here’s the thing, not all of us do well on whole grains or fermented foods.

In all fairness to the students getting their medical degrees, they did mention eating whole foods is good. But if this is the best that medical school is churning out in 2024, we better head to the Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky, because it took Noah 70 years to build his.

If I eat bread, I wear it on my belly and around my waistline. Not to mention that it makes my joints ache. And eating too many fermented foods creates a roadblock in my nasal passages. Fermented food is too high in histamine and I’ll run for an antihistamine—not good!

My Simple Approach

Plus, not all of us do well on certain vegetables or fruits. I don’t do well on corn. It stuffs me up, and I poop it out whole! Too much fruit turns into sugar, so I eat more citrus-type fruits. You may want to watch out for too much citrus if you’re histamine intolerant.

And yes, berries, nuts, and seeds are good as well. But too many nuts and seeds can irritate the bowels.

MD Graduate touts eating three meals a day. No, this is not meant for everyone. I eat a late breakfast—known as brunch. Then I eat supper. Some call it dinner.

Three squares a day is too much food for me, and I feel over-stuffed. I don’t eat after 5 PM because I don’t need to. I won’t eat again until around 10 AM, giving me a 17-hour fast. This allows my body to dispel, repair, and recycle old, dead cells through a process called autophagy—like cleaning out the fridge—some foods must go, and others are reusable.

However, fasting for 17 hours is not a purposeful habit, but one that works for me because I don’t need to jump out of bed and run for a bowl of ‘carb-packed so-called healthy whole-grain cereal.’

Instead, I will scramble pasture-raised chicken eggs in grass-fed butter around 10 or 11. (The yolks in these eggs are deep gold and delicious). And I do this most mornings—sometimes I’ll eat three of these delicious eggs.

This is my version of individualized nutrition that works for my body and my needs.

So, we must take this generic advice with a pinch of skepticism and listen to our bodies. It’s gently whispering to you every day, so don’t wait until it screams.

The “Clean Eating” Debate

The MD getting his degree says trying to ‘eat clean’ is a fad. Huh? He says not to expect foods to be clean just because they’re labeled natural or organic. He’s right! Natural doesn’t mean chemical-free, and many organic foods are grown with a certain amount of chemicals.

But I’ll tell you one thing, I feel a heck of a lot better since I’ve started drinking organic coffee. I have more energy. And I feel even better when I eat mostly organic fruits and veggies.

MD Degree says that ‘clean eating’ can harm your gut microbiome. Yes, he’s correct. You can’t eat a bunch of donuts just because they’re made with organic or unbleached flour and organic sugar!

Mr. MD, Getting His Degree, says he even doubts the existence of ‘clean eating.’ Let’s clarify: Clean eating means the least heavily chemically sprayed foods. Who doesn’t want that? Case closed!

How I Stopped Drowning in One-Size-Fits-All Advice

I’ll be 75 years old in a couple of weeks, and I’ve learned to listen to my body—not the FDA or a lot of ‘some science.’ It took me decades to figure out what made me feel so bad. I had terrible gut health after indulging in so-called healthy ‘whole grains.’ Instead, I’ll eat quinoa, organic white or brown rice, and organic, gluten-free oatmeal.

A Friendly Reminder to Find Your Road

This works for me, but your wellness map might look different. The most important thing is to listen to what your body is nudging you to change. Don’t wait for the punch!

Sometimes, it takes a bit of experimenting to discover what makes you feel on top of your game, so don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.

Pasta is in if it’s made with quinoa and rice or red or green lentils. Boxed breakfast cereals are out! I will make an occasional homemade buckwheat pancake with grass-fed melted butter and Monk fruit for a touch of sweetness.

Grass-fed beef, organic pasture-raised chicken, cod, and salmon are on my list of ‘clean foods.’ I love a pork chop if it’s not laced with hormones or antibiotics!

I won’t touch ice cream or soda/pop with a 10-foot pole! I gave up sugar except for an occasional small slice of gluten-free cake—made with organic ingredients. Otherwise, I don’t eat gluten-free products because they’re loaded with carbs and sugar that’ll take you for a blood-sugar rollercoaster ride.

I don’t use vegetable oils in my cooking, only organic avocado oil, grass-fed beef tallow, grass-fed butter, or organic extra virgin olive oil.

In conclusion, I can stoop down and pop back up again, stand on one foot for over a minute—or longer but get bored. I walk 2 miles 5-6 days per week. My body is the cartographer. I’m just the navigator!

One Leg Stance Test

Age-related changes in gait, balance, and strength parameters: A cross-sectional study:

Stand on one foot and see how well you fare.

What about you? What wellness advice have you ditched to feel better? Share your wellness advice for seniors or how you’ve personalized your wellness routine in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your odyssey to health and wellness. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all map, but we can learn a lot from each other’s expeditions!

Recommended Products for a Personalized Wellness Venture

Kerrygold Butter

I use Kerrygold Butter daily—and I don’t hold back! Its rich, dark gold color is a sign of quality and tastes as good as it looks. Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, this butter is packed with flavor and nutrients like healthy fats and vitamins A, D, and K. Perfect for cooking, baking, or simply spreading on your favorite foods, Kerrygold Butter adds a depth of unbeatable flavor. Once you try it, there’s no going back to regular butter!

Wicked Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Coffee, Breakfast Blend

This is no ordinary coffee—a daily treat I genuinely look forward to. Wicked Joe’s Organic Fair Trade Coffee is smooth, flavorful, and grown at high altitudes, meaning it’s naturally mold-free. Unlike regular coffee, I truly feel the difference in drinking organic. It leaves me energized and clear-headed, without jitters or crashing. Yes, it costs a bit more, but the rich taste and how it makes me feel is worth every penny. If you’re ready to upgrade your coffee-loving morning, this is one to try!

Fatworks Premium 100% Grass-Fed Beef Tallow

If you want to elevate your cooking with a clean, nutrient-dense fat, look no further than Fatworks Premium Grass-Fed Beef Tallow. This tallow is artisanally rendered from 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, ensuring top-notch quality and taste. It’s not just any cooking fat—it’s a flavor enhancer that brings out the rich, savory notes in meats like pork, steak, and hamburgers—revolutionizing them into sizzling, mouthwatering crispness with depth and deliciousness.

Fatworks Tallow is Whole30 Approved, Keto, and Paleo-friendly, making it perfect for a variety of dietary lifestyles. Unlike mass-produced oils, this tallow is carefully crafted in small batches, preserving its vitamins, minerals, and natural goodness. With a high smoke point, it’s ideal for frying, sautéing, and roasting—giving you a healthier alternative to vegetable oils without compromising flavor.

Whether searing a steak or roasting veggies, this premium beef tallow will take your cooking to the next level. Give it a try, and revel in the difference that high-quality, grass-fed tallow makes!

Signature Enameled Cast Iron Braiser, 3.5Q (3.3L) – Ocean Blue

There’s nothing quite like a cast iron braiser for dishes that demand depth of flavor. I’ve had my trusty red one for years, and it’s my go-to for making melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, perfectly roasted chicken, and a variety of other hearty meals. This braiser’s enameled, non-stick surface provides the durability and heat retention of cast iron while making cleanup a breeze. It’s a bit heavy, but that’s part of what makes it so great—each meal comes out deliciously tender and flavorful.

With a tight-fitting lid that locks in moisture and flavor, this braiser is perfect for roasting, baking, sautéing, searing, and pan-frying. It’s a kitchen investment I can’t imagine parting with. If you want to elevate your cooking, this cast iron braiser will make every meal taste incredible.

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means, MD

If you’ve ever wished for a simple, straightforward guide to better health, Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means is that book. It’s an insightful, approachable read that breaks down the complex relationship between metabolism and overall well-being into bite-sized, actionable advice. Dr. Means combines science with common sense and adds a dash of humor, making it a genuinely enjoyable read.

In Good Energy, Dr. Means sheds light on how our metabolism is the foundation of our health, impacting everything from our energy levels to our mood. She demystifies the science, offering clear explanations that anyone can understand—no medical degree required! Her tips are practical and sustainable, helping you to unlock energy and feel good!

This isn’t your typical health book with hard-to-follow jargon or fad diets. Dr. Means provides down-to-earth insights that make sense, giving you tools to truly understand and care for your body. Whether you’re just starting your wellness path or looking to optimize your health meaningfully, Good Energy is a must-have for anyone serious about living with vitality. I highly recommend getting a copy—your body (and mind) will thank you!

Note: If I didn’t eat it, drink it, use it, or read it, I wouldn’t recommend it!

Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified health professional before changing your health or wellness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.