Last week I was sitting in the school cafeteria with other moms, waiting for our kids to come out. The discussion around the table was about food, and in particularly different diets. The one mom was telling how a vegan diet has helped her son over come many allergies. She had a very strong stand for Veganism and told everyone off who is still eating animal products. Another mom felt strong that grains are the culprits and that her family is avoiding it

As I was sitting there I was all to eager to jump in and give my opinion on all these diets. Thinking that I have all the knowledge being a nutritionist and I know best. I didn’t say a word, instead I just  listened and observed. I don’t think most of the moms even know I am a nutritionist.

But it got me thinking, what is the perfect diet for our families and especially our kids? How do we know that a vegan diet, a paleo diet, a gaps diet or any other diet for that matter is the best for our child?? There are so much information and so many people with different opinions on different diets.

So you probably thinking what is the best diet for you and your family?? I would say the best diet for your family is one that works for your family!! A diet that you can still follow on your worst day. A diet that helps you get the best health possible. To help fight off disease and gives you enough energy for daily living.

I believe you should be flexible in your diet, and that you must be willing to change and adjust as needs (or disease) arise. I believe the whole family should be able to eat and benefit from a specific diet, what ever your choice. Our lives are just to busy to be cooking 3 or 4 different meals due to everyones specific dietary needs.

I believe you should go on a trial and error with different diets. Get informed from all the different diets, their pros and cons. And see what works for you. Your diet choice should also not cause you stress and headaches. It needs to fit into your life and lifestyle.

Look at a diet that takes into account your lifestyle differences, including;

• family

• life demands

• stress level

• work situation

• income level

• food availability

• cooking experience and knowledge

• time availability

• physical capability

• and so on …

It also happens to be the only approach that actually works in the long run.It is possible to be healthy and fit whether you eat mostly meat or mostly veggies, mostly fat or mostly carbs, many times a day or just a few times, and so on.

I came to realize what the best diet for our family is, a diet that keeps everyone healthy, happy, and full of energy.  A diet that cause little inflammation in the body. You cant call it Paleo, you can’t call it Vegan.

We have a specific diet due to the specific nutritional needs my eldest son has, to help manage his autoimmune conditions. Our diet works for us, and I am sure as life goes on we will have to adjust our diet due to life changes.

Kids grow up requiring more specific nutrients at specific times in their lives. As we grow older our nutritional needs also changes.Remember no diet is perfect. If you get confused and lost in all these diets, my best advice would be….eat as close to nature as possible! Eat real food!