If you are a tech-savvy life-quality pursuer, you must have noticed in recent years all the new approaches to healthy living; exotic names of newly discovered superfoods, quirky philosophies towards diets and all sorts of fancy, health-related terminology jumping out of your computer or smartphone screen. It would be false to say there is no reason whatsoever for the appearance of these new trends, as the urban environment, industrialized food supply and stress from work do take a toll on our wellbeing. However, blindly following any diet or lifestyle philosophy not backed by sound scientific research is not a wise move – after all, many have proven to be fads throughout the years that could even do more harm than good.
So, instead of looking into the future at the added-nutrition, artificial-food technology, these three prominent regimes – Bulletproof, Ketogenic and Primal – trace back to our ancestral lifestyle, a natural state of human beings, to seek a re-connection with Mother Earth. We had in-depth discussions with three lifestyle coaches Bianca Fontana (Ketogenic), Crystyl Mo (Bulletproof) and Izabela Misiuk (Primal), to get their advice on daily choices to live a better life. We then decided to add comments from a more conventional expert (Nutritional Health Coach Tanja Smits), asking for her insight into these interesting theories.
Bianca Fontana – Ketogenic
Bianca is a certified Nutritionist who specializes in the Ketogenic diet. She obtained a certificate in Human Nutrition at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia and is currently studying Nutritional Therapy with the Nutritional Therapy Association.
Keto is a low carbohydrate, moderate protein and high fat lifestyle that turns on your fat burning potential (ketosis). Restricting carbohy-drates means the body must adapt and find its energy elsewhere. Providing the body with plenty of fats forces the production of ketones, an exceptional source of long-lasting energy. Your body also learns how to use its own fat stores for fuel, rather than relying on glucose, which is why many people lose weight on Keto. Keto was originally used to treat epilepsy, as ketones fuel and protect the brain. It also reduces inflammation, helps manage diabetes, lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer and much more.
Crystyl Mo – Bulletproof
Under the many dazzling titles of Crystyl Mo – professional food writer, Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Restaurants, partner and Strategic Advisor at Bon App – she is also the only certified Bulletproof Coach in China. In her life coaching practice, she combines Bulletproof principles, functional medicine testing and deeply compassionate approaches including Hakomi and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
The Bulletproof lifestyle uses biohacking principles – the goal is to optimize your internal and external environment for glowing health, resilience and happiness. Always keeping a curious and open mindset, each person is treated as a unique individual to find the best approach for their diet, exercise, sleep and mindfulness practices. Important cornerstones are a diet with mountains of vegetables and healthy fats, intermittent fasting, meditation that works for you and a critical eye on corporate interests influencing food, medical and environmental recommendations.
Izabela Misiuk – Primal
Iza Misiuk is a Shanghai-based certified Primal Health Coach, wellness blogger and founder of thriveinshanghai.com. Currently undertaking a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology (MAPPCP), she aims to equip her readers and clients with tools to thrive in all aspects of their life.
The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson is an overall lifestyle. It encompasses diet, sleep, exercise, relationships, mental stimulation, nature immersion and sun exposure. The ultimate goal of the Primal way is to reprogram our genes and transform our body into a ‘fat-burning beast.’ The truth is, we are not meant to be slaves to carbohydrates and the feeling of hunger they generate every three hours. Primal eating reprograms our body to rely on fat as a primary source of fuel, which is the most natural state of human beings.
Tanja Smits
Tanja Smits is an Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach and passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. She offers individuals and families suitable food and lifestyle solutions to improve their health. “Each person is different and one person’s food may be another person’s poison.” She looks into a person’s (or family’s) diet, and improves their health and well-being to make lifelong changes.
