Reflections on Health, Diet, and Lifestyle

A Life-Changing Dietitian Visit

Many years ago, I visited a dietitian, a general practitioner in my city. Compared to other doctors, he stood out for his kindness and dedication. He gave me ample time during consultations, which often lasted over an hour. He explained everything in great detail, across multiple visits, ensuring I understood his advice. Importantly, he was also a good Muslim, which deeply resonated with me.

One pivotal aspect of my journey back to Islam was the positive influence of great doctors, including this dietitian and an orthopedist. Their examples were a source of inspiration and guidance.

Discovering the Role of Diet in Mental Health

Initially, I visited the dietitian due to being slightly overweight. At the time, I was unaware of the significant impact diet has on mental health. To my surprise, his dietary plan helped me immensely. He introduced me to the importance of oils, emphasizing the types beneficial for mental health. Additionally, he advised on healthy sleep habits, napping, and exercise. It wasn’t solely about food, which made the experience transformative. I followed his advice diligently for around nine months before lapsing somewhat. Four years later, I revisited him for another issue.

The Hypotoxic Diet

This diet, also known as the hypotoxic diet, is gluten-free and emphasizes raw vegetables and fruits. It avoids GMO crops like wheat, barley, and even corn due to genetic alterations that pose risks. Cooking is limited to temperatures below 100°C to minimize the Maillard reaction, which produces acrylamide—a probable human carcinogen.

Following this diet required me to learn cooking techniques, such as steaming food without a pressure cooker to maintain low temperatures. I also avoid industrial foods and take supplements to meet nutritional needs. Embracing this diet led me to acquire valuable cooking skills.

Religious Practices and Eating Habits

Islamic teachings on eating align well with healthy dietary habits. I strive to eat only when hungry, leaving one-third of my stomach for food, one-third for liquid, and one-third empty. Additionally, I practice fasting every second day, following the tradition of Prophet David (peace be upon him). This is the most rigorous form of fasting permitted in Islam, as fasting daily is discouraged. Fortunately, as a Muslim, I don’t consume alcohol, which has been beneficial for my mental health.

Growing My Own Food

I’m planning to grow my own food at home, even with limited space. Options like vertical gardening seem promising. Unfortunately, food in my country is often laden with pesticides and toxins, as investigative journalists have revealed. By growing my own food, I aim to ensure it’s free of harmful chemicals.

Inspiration for this endeavor comes from research on longevity, particularly studies on Blue Zones—regions where people live beyond 100 years. A common factor among these communities is growing their own food, which provides fresh, organic produce free of pesticides.

Gardening for Health and Relaxation

Gardening connects me with nature, helping to reduce anxiety and improve focus. Although I lack extensive gardening knowledge, I’ve read books and experimented with growing my own food. Gardening not only provides fresh produce but also fosters mindfulness and community-building through shared experiences.

The Importance of Exercise

Our bodies and minds are designed for movement, not sedentary lifestyles. Years ago, while obsessively reading health articles, I noticed recurring advice: avoid smoking, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and eat well. These simple yet crucial practices form the foundation of a healthy life.

A family member’s cancer diagnosis highlighted the importance of these habits for disease prevention. However, implementing them can be challenging, especially when stress and anxiety lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Starting small and building habits gradually has been a key lesson for me in recent years.

Leisure and Hobbies

Cooking as a Creative Outlet

Learning to cook was essential for following my diet. I focused on simple, cost-effective recipes and meal preparation techniques that save time. For instance, I prepare large batches of North African Bassissa or Indian curry powder for convenience. Cooking has become both a necessity and a source of enjoyment, allowing me to experiment with new spice blends and mindful eating practices.

As Prof. Henri Joyeux emphasizes, chewing food slowly and savoring each bite enhances relaxation and digestion. Combining health with pleasure has made cooking a fulfilling activity for me.

Professional Projects

Advancing in Computer Science

I’ve engaged in various professional projects combining language and computer skills. Recently, I started building a home lab using a second-hand server to host applications. This project has deepened my understanding of Linux and system administration, which I find enjoyable.

Writing and Open-Source Contributions

Writing helps refine my thoughts and solidify my understanding. Through my blog Psyche Sprout, I explore ideas and aim to compile articles into a memoir someday. Additionally, I contribute to open-source projects by leveraging my language skills in Arabic, French, and English for software localization, documentation, and accessibility.

Contributing to open-source projects can lead to paid job opportunities, as I’ve experienced firsthand. Moreover, translating documentation or contributing to non-coding aspects enhances software comprehension, potentially paving the way for future code contributions.

Final Thoughts

Investing in healthy living, whether through diet, exercise, or professional growth, brings immense benefits. Combining health, pleasure, and productivity has not only improved my well-being but also boosted my confidence and ability to tackle larger challenges. As I continue this journey, I strive to align my actions with both scientific insights and Islamic principles, creating a balanced and fulfilling life.

How I adapt & adjust to my mental health challenges – Part 2 –