About Naturopathic Healthy Eating Plan

Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the body can heal itself. Naturopathic doctors and nutritionists promote the importance of a healthy dietary lifestyle based on natural foods, eating slowly and avoiding foods that cause bodily irritation or inflammation. Though individuals' needs vary, a healthy naturopathic meal plan includes low-fat meals based on plant-based foods, such as legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. However, significant dietary changes should be pre-approved by qualified medical professionals.

Function

Naturopathy focuses on the body's ability to heal naturally and without external interference. According to naturopathic dietary specialist Wendy Hodsdon, naturopathic doctors emphasize the importance of diet and nutrition in their patients. When diet-related problems arise, such as weight gain, the causes are investigated, then treated through dietary changes, therapy, herbs, acupuncture or other therapies. A healthy diet, by naturopathic standards, supports balance and wellness in the body and mind, while stimulating the body's ability to heal.

Basic Guidelines

Naturopathic nutrition begins with assessing which foods cause harmful reactions in the digestive system. In her book, "Pocket Guide to Naturopathic Medicine," naturopathic physician and acupuncturist Judith Boice describes food allergies and intolerances as crucial points of interest in a person's wellness and diet. Once determined, the foods are eliminated, and a diet based on whole, natural foods is advised. Naturopathic nutrition encourages eating locally grown organic foods and foods lowest on the food chain, as well as eating slowly to improve digestion.

Calories

Naturopathic nutrition does not emphasize caloric intake, though consuming appropriate amounts is important. Roughly 70 percent of total daily calories should come from grains and legumes, 20 percent from fruits and vegetables, and 10 percent from concentrated protein, such as meat and eggs, Boice says. Between 10 and 20 percent of daily calories may come from unsaturated fat sources.

Optimum Foods

Natural, whole foods are the foundation of a healthy naturopathic diet. Legumes, such as beans, peas, peanuts and lentils, and whole grains, such as whole wheat, bulgur, barley, quinoa and spelt, provide rich amounts of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. They also provide modest amounts of protein. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, water and antioxidants, which are disease-fighting nutrients. According to the American Dietetic Association, most people's antioxidants needs can be met by consuming 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily. Organic meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs provide rich amounts of protein, B-vitamins, iron and zinc. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and lake trout, provide omega-3 fatty acids--healthy fats the body must obtain from food, known to support brain function and heart health. Refrigerated oils, such as olive oil, also provide healthy fats.

Foods to Avoid

Naturopathic medicine encourages users to avoid foods linked with disease, poor digestion and weight gain. According to Boice, these foods include processed snack foods, fast food, added sugars, saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats are found in fatty red meat, dark-meat poultry, poultry skin, butter, whole milk, high-fat cheeses and cream. Trans fats include shortening, margarine and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Boice recommends water and pure juices over sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.