OUR PHILOSOPHY
" Our bodies have a remarkable innate ability to heal themselves, provided they are given the right conditions, particularly through nutrition." Sarah Gelman Becker
THE SCIENCE
"REAL FOOD" IS MEDICINE
When we nourish our bodies with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods, we supply the essential, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for optimal cellular function.
The phrase “food is medicine” encapsulates the idea that the foods we consume play a pivotal role in shaping our health and well-being, serving not just as sustenance but as a form of preventive care and treatment.
In essence our food is information. It has the ability to influence various biological processes, effectively guiding our body in how to respond to internal and external changes.
Food can also influence gene expression by activating or silencing specific genes, a process known as epigenetics. Certain nutrients and bioactive compounds found in food have the ability to change how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence. For example, phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables, such as sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables or curcumin in turmeric, can activate specific pathways that promote detoxification and reduce inflammation. Similarly, fatty acids found in fish and nuts can influence the expression and regulation of genes related to metabolism and inflammation.
Moreover, nutrients like folate, vitamin D, and antioxidants also play crucial roles in gene regulation.
By providing the right nutrients, we can create an environment that promotes beneficial gene expression, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to negative changes in gene expression that may contribute to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Therefore, our dietary choices can have profound effects on gene regulation, highlighting the power of food as a tool for influencing health at a genetic level. Cellular communication is vital for maintaining homeostasis—essentially the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
Our mission at Body Beyond is to provide the right environment in your gut so that all your cells are receiving the best communications. Diets rich in whole foods empower our bodies to activate their natural healing processes, enhancing resilience and promoting overall health, recovery, balance and vitality!
OUR VALUES
COUNTING CALORIES
We don’t count calories!!! Firstly, our food is packed with whole foods which are nutrient dense and calorie poor i.e. low in calories.
It’s more important to focus on the nutrient count than the calorie count. We believe that prioritizing nutrient quality over calorie counting is the key to achieving optimal health and a healthy weight. When you nourish your body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods, you provide it with the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it needs to function effectively. This approach allows your body to naturally regulate hunger and energy levels without the stress of counting calories.
By focusing on the quality of the foods you consume—such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—you create a balanced diet. Embracing this mindset means recognizing that health is not just about numbers, but about the rich array of nutrients that fuel your vitality and enhance your quality of life.
PLANT PROTEIN
Proteins are made up of amino acids, nine of which are essential to structure cells, repair organ tissues, build muscle, and more. As our bodies do not manufacture them, we need to obtain them from our food. We ensure that all our meals include a variety of plants containing protein as well as additional plant protein sources such as chickpeas, beans and lentils etc.
HYDRATION
Hydrating the body is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, as water plays a critical role in nearly every bodily function. Proper hydration aids in regulating body temperature, facilitating digestion, and transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells. It also supports the removal of waste products and toxins, ensuring that the kidneys and other organs function effectively. Additionally, adequate hydration enhances cognitive performance, boosts energy levels, and helps maintain healthy skin. This can be done by drinking our water, but also through our food. We try to include water rich veggies in all our meals so you can get the benefits of additional hydration.
PHYTONUTRIENTS
Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plants that contribute to their colour, flavour, and disease resistance. These compounds provide numerous health benefits to the human body, acting as antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and supporting immune function. Phytonutrients also play a role in gene expression and can enhance the body’s ability to detoxify harmful substances. They can only be found in plants, specifically, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and beans, which is precisely why we ensure that they are included in our program meals.
WE LOVE GOOD FATS
Fat often receives negative attention, but it’s important to recognize that not all fats are harmful; in fact, some are vital for a healthy, well-functioning body. Beneficial fatty acids, particularly those found in foods like avocados, cold-pressed olive oil, nuts, and seeds, serve as fundamental components for various bodily functions, including supporting cell membranes and maintaining brain and skin health.
Additionally, fat is crucial for the absorption of essential nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It helps keep us feeling full and energized longer than a low-fat diet would. At Body Beyond, we prioritize high-quality organic, cold-pressed oils in our meals and dressings, focusing on healthy fats that activate fat-burning pathways in the body and promote satiety on a plant-based diet.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Listening to your body is the foundation step to true self care. Your body is always communicating with you – through hunger cues, energy levels, digestion, mood and even cravings.
When we tune into these cues instead of ignoring them, we can begin to make choices that support a healthy body. Ignoring these messages can lead to imbalance, burnout, or disordered habits.