What is the best diet-a functional nutritionist’s pov-
The Answer: The One That’s Best for You
Every January, the same question pops up everywhere:
“What’s the best diet for the New Year?”
High-protein. Plant-based. Keto. Mediterranean. Low-carb. Fasting. No sugar. No dairy. No fun.
And while each of these approaches can be helpful, there’s a truth that rarely makes the headlines:
The best diet is the one that works for your body, your biology, and your current health.
Because food isn’t inherently “good” or “bad” — it’s contextual.
Let’s break that down.
Why One-Size-Fits-All Diets Don’t Work
Your body is shaped by a unique combination of:
Genetics
Hormones
Gut health
Stress levels
Sleep quality
Nutrient status
Past dieting history
Two people can eat the same foods and have completely different outcomes.
That’s why so many people start January feeling motivated… and end up frustrated, bloated, exhausted, or convinced they’ve “failed” — when actually, the diet failed them.
“Healthy” Diets That Aren’t Always Healthy (For Everyone)
Here are some common examples I see in clinic all the time 👇
High-Protein Diets
High-protein diets are often recommended for:
Muscle building
Blood sugar balance
Weight management
But if you have:
Low stomach acid
Sluggish digestion
Gallbladder issues
Chronic stress
You may struggle to break protein down properly — leading to bloating, reflux, constipation, or fatigue.
More protein isn’t always the answer. Sometimes better digestion is.
Leafy Greens (Yes, Even Spinach)
Spinach, kale, and chard are packed with nutrients — on paper.
However, for some people they can:
Worsen joint pain
Irritate the gut
Contribute to kidney stress
Why? Because they’re high in oxalates, which some bodies struggle to clear efficiently.
If you notice symptoms after “doing all the right things,” this could be why.
Fermented Foods & Apple Cider Vinegar
Kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, apple cider vinegar — all widely praised for gut health.
But if you have:
Histamine intolerance
Mast cell activation
Migraines
Anxiety or insomnia linked to food
These foods can actually increase symptoms rather than help them.
A “gut-healing” food for one person can be a trigger for another.
Fasting & Skipping Meals
Intermittent fasting can improve metabolic flexibility for some people.
But for others — particularly women — it can:
Disrupt hormones
Increase cortisol
Worsen fatigue
Trigger binge–restrict cycles
Especially if you’re already under-eating, over-stressed, or dealing with thyroid or adrenal issues.
The Real Question Isn’t “What Diet Should I Follow?”
A better question is:
“What does my body need right now?”
That depends on things like:
Are you inflamed or depleted?
Is your gut absorbing nutrients well?
Are your hormones stable?
Is your nervous system stuck in stress mode?
Are you fuelling properly — or just eating less?
Nutrition works best when it supports physiology, not trends.
A Better Way to Approach the New Year
Instead of starting with restriction, try starting with curiosity.
Ask:
What foods genuinely make me feel better?
Where do I feel low energy, bloated, foggy, or stuck?
What patterns keep repeating despite “healthy” eating?
This is where personalised, root-cause nutrition comes in.
Your New Year Diet Should Feel Supportive — Not Punishing
The right diet should:
Give you stable energy
Support digestion
Help you feel clear-headed
Fit your real life
Adapt as your body changes
Not leave you Googling symptoms at 2am wondering what you’re doing wrong.
Final Thought
There is no perfect diet.
There is only:
The right approach, at the right time, for the right body.
And that can change — seasonally, hormonally, and as your health evolves.
If you’d like help understanding what your body needs right now, that’s exactly where personalised nutrition can make all the difference.
