“You are what you eat” the portly high school health teacher told the class. Even then I found that statement odd and a little condescending.

Later that day I ran across the same health teacher eating a piece of pizza in the cafeteria. I asked him if he liked being a piece of pizza. He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I didn't waste the energy to explain my failed attempt at humor. I could have said practice what you preach, but I had my fill of cliches for the day.

I have been guilty of saying “you are what you eat.” I would cringe after saying it. It isn't really true and is misleading. Guys in prison get in great shape eating crappy food. A lot of athletes do the same. That does not mean they are optimizing their health, but they look and perform well.

Until recently, I have struggled to find a straight forward saying that summarizes healthy eating habits.

I came across an article referencing the macronutrients your body is made up of. This includes water, protein, fat, minerals and carbohydrates. The thought of “eat what you are” popped into my head. It makes sense to try and mimic your natural body composition with your macronutrient intake. This is similar to my one ingredient food way of eating.

There are essential amino acids, essential fats, essential minerals and vitamins. There are no essential carbs, so I have to work to enjoy them. That is why I eat most of my carbs at dinner after I train.

Eat what you are. I am going to implement this approach along with the ideas listed below.

Water - half of my bodyweight in ounces. 90 ounces a day for me.
In order of abundance: veggies, protein, fat, fruit.
Will work for carbs. For example, post workout. Fruit is an exception.
Protein - wild caught, grass fed, organic.
Veggies - locally grown, non-GMO, organic.
Fats - organic, grass fed, raw, virgin, cold pressed. No vegetable oil.
Carbs - Organic, local, non-GMO.
Eat my bacteria. Bacteria cells outnumber your cells by 10 to 1 and make up 1 to 2% of lean body mass. To keep them and my gut healthy, I am going to eat at least one probiotic rich food per day. My favorites are kombucha tea, pickles, kimchi, and kefir.

You aren't what you eat, but if you want an easy way to be healthy, take action and eat what you are.