The True Path to Authentic Health: Beyond Diet and Exercise
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Chapter 1: Understanding Authentic Health
True wellness isn’t solely determined by what you eat.
You might consume all the greens, experiment with various diets, hire a personal trainer, or even start therapy. You may also prioritize sleep, reduce alcohol intake, eliminate gluten, and limit your screen time. However, all these efforts may fall short. The ultimate “life hack” for true health is the commitment to discovering your genuine self.
“If you wish to thrive, be true to yourself.” — Dr. Gabor Maté
As children, our survival hinges on our caregivers. When we lack sufficient food, water, or attention, it becomes essential for us to adapt to ensure our needs are met. This is often where the tendency to please others begins. And understandably so; our dependency drives this behavior. The challenge arises when we begin to suppress our true desires and identities to fulfill these needs.
“Individuals have two fundamental needs: connection and authenticity. When authenticity jeopardizes connection, connection prevails over authenticity.” — Dr. Gabor Maté
As we transition into adulthood, this pattern continues. Personally, I struggled to advocate for myself, often fearful of causing conflict. I observed my close friend navigating disagreements while I remained neutral, even when I believed she was justified and needed my support.
Adolescence often involves trivial disputes, yet this experience caused me to stifle my true emotions out of fear of disapproval. We often fixate on minor tips, tricks, and hacks, meticulously tracking every gram of carbs, proteins, and fats without addressing the deeper reasons behind our struggles to maintain a nourishing diet.
However, liberation from trauma, the creation of a healthy body, and living with purpose require looking beyond the superficial. My experience during breathwork facilitator training highlighted that addressing the root cause can significantly alter negative patterns and habits with relative ease.
Struggling to maintain a fitness routine? It might not be a lack of motivation or athleticism. Continuously attracting unhealthy relationships? You may be echoing childhood dynamics. There is always a deeper motivation behind our choices.
While I appreciate the small hacks—like basking in morning sunlight, my daily breathwork to release emotional baggage, and monitoring my protein intake for better satiety—if we don’t dig deeper, we risk living in ignorance. Remove the blindfold by committing to the journey of discovering, becoming, and remaining true to your authentic self.
This should be a lifelong pledge—the relationship with yourself. Dr. Gabor Maté emphasizes that authenticity is not merely a spiritual concept; it is essential for survival. We can only be genuine when we’re attuned to our bodies and emotions. If that connection is disrupted, we risk our survival in the natural world. Maté argues that neglecting our authentic feelings—whether it be frustration, a lack of fulfillment, or feelings of being overwhelmed—ultimately leads to a slow decline in our well-being.
The moment we embrace our authenticity, we unlock the secret to happiness. Are you truly living as your most authentic self?
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With love,
Camilla
Chapter 2: The Misconceptions of Diet
This video, "Nutrients Don't Matter - Don't Worry About Them," explores the idea that not all nutritional advice is beneficial and encourages a more intuitive approach to eating.
In "The Weight Loss Scientist: You've Been LIED To About Calories, Dieting & Losing Weight: Giles Yeo," the discussion centers around common misconceptions surrounding calories and dieting strategies, shedding light on the often misleading narratives in the weight loss industry.