“True North” is a metaphor often used to describe one’s guiding principles and values. It represents a fixed point that helps individuals navigate their lives, make decisions, and stay true to their core beliefs.

But what does this have to do with nutrition?

Many clients come to me feeling overwhelmed and confused by a torrent of conflicting nutrition advice from friends, family, healthcare providers, movies, books, podcasts, social media.…the list goes on. Inevitably, we discuss this question:

“How do I know what advice to follow?”

You Follow Your “Nutrition True North!”

Your “Nutrition True North” is the alignment of: your health beliefs, values, and behaviors with the innate wisdom of your body (also called, body attunement.)

Body attunement is a transformative journey towards a harmonious relationship with one’s physical self. It is a deep connection that invites us to listen to our body’s signals, honor its needs, and make decisions that support our holistic health.

Our health beliefs and values are the foundation of our eating and exercise decisions. We must first identify them, and then decide which beliefs and values you want paving the way to your most authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

Our health beliefs are often informed by integrating evidence-based nutrition practices with a deep understanding and respect for individual body cues and needs. While general nutrition guidelines provide a solid foundation for ensuring nutritional adequacy and health considerations, body attunement emphasizes honoring the unique requirements and feedback from an individual’s body.

Knowing our “Nutrition True North” provides you with clarity, decreases guilt, and builds your resilience because it is your path. And, your path is uniquely right for YOU and only you. No matter what others are doing or recommending for you, there is freedom and comfort in committing to your path.

Once your “Nutrition True North” is determined, you’ll be able to answer the question of, “What advice do I follow?” You just have to ask yourself:

“Does this [nutrition recommendation, behavior, product] lead me towards or away from my “Nutrition True North”?

There is no in-between: it either does, or doesn’t, align with your most authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

And while we expect your “Nutrition True North” to change as you grow and adapt, once you’ve learned how to find it, you’ll always know how to find it again.