Back to the source - exactly what are whole foods?

In a world abundant with convenience foods, or packaged, processed, and polished food products, it’s easy to forget the simplicity and nourishment that whole foods provide. Returning to the essentials of real, vibrant, unrefined foods that align with the rhythm of nature and the needs of the body is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy your food.

So what are whole foods?  They are foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, meaning unprocessed or minimally processed, free from artificial additives, refined sugars, and synthetic ingredients. They are foods that haven’t been stripped of their nutrients, colour, or soul.

These include;

• Fruits and vegetables in their natural form, skins and all
  
  
• Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, and barley
  
• Legumes, beans, and lentils
• Nuts and seeds without added oils or flavours
  
• Animal products that are pasture-raised or sustainably sourced, without antibiotics or hormones
  
• Natural fats such as cold-pressed olive oil or avocado
  

Whole foods carry the full spectrum of their original nutrients fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural enzymes exactly as nature intended.

Why whole foods?

Our bodies are inherently intelligent. They thrive on real nourishment, not chemicals. Whole foods support this intelligence by offering:

• Stable energy without the highs and crashes of refined sugar or stimulants
  
• Better digestion due to their natural fibre content
  
• Improved immunity, thanks to a broad spectrum of micronutrients
  
• Hormonal balance, through clean fats and whole proteins
  
• Mental clarity and emotional steadiness that come from a nourished nervous system
    

A Simple Invitation

Begin small. Choose one meal a day that is built from whole ingredients. We have lots of recipes you can try, or simply roasting vegetables with sea salt and olive oil, making a pot of lentils with herbs, or slicing fruit for dessert. Tune into how your body feels after eating whole, unprocessed food. Does your mind feel calmer? Does your skin glow? Does your breath feel lighter?