N OF 1: Your Unique Health Blueprint

If there’s one thing I’ve discovered in my own health journey, it’s that mindset is the cornerstone of creating our best self.  

It’s where I begin with every client in my Creating Your Owner’s Manual for Health course—before diving into the specifics of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress. 

Why? Because our thoughts shape our reality.  And by tuning into our bodies and minds, we can uncover what truly nourishes us. 

Paying attention to how we feel— whether energetic, sluggish, happy, or stressed—provides clues about what works, for each of us. This self-awareness empowers us to experiment with different lifestyle factors. 

Additionally, being mindful in the moment enables us to make better decisions. By considering our options with clarity and intention, we can choose actions that align with our overall health goals.

And one of the best “prescriptions” that we can fulfill for ourselves is connecting with activities that bring joy and fulfillment, as positive emotions have a remarkable impact on overall health. 

Ultimately, it's about cultivating a deep understanding of ourselves to create a life that is truly vibrant and fulfilling.

And that takes some deep thought and awareness … intention … and some roll up your sleeves and get it done work.

Because it's sooooo worth it when you do.  And you notice the difference in how you feel.  And one of the best outcomes is the energy you will feel to keep moving forward, and trying out new things.

The template here for self-assessment and awareness, being mindful in the moment, and having a propensity for experimentation is the concept of “owning your health.”  

Because, each of us as individuals, require a different, unique health guidebook.  A guidebook that we need to create for ourselves by tuning in and noticing. 

Let me introduce the concept of N of 1.

Our conventional approach to healthcare often relies on a one-size-fits-all model. Generic recommendations, based on population averages, are disseminated widely. 

While this approach has its merits, it overlooks a fundamental truth: each of us is a complex, unique organism with distinct genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors influencing our health.

The concept of "N of 1" challenges this paradigm, emphasizing the importance of personalized healthcare and the necessity for individuals to become active participants in managing their well-being.

Factors such as age, gender, genetics, and underlying health conditions can significantly impact how we react to medications, dietary changes, or exercise regimens.

Embracing the N of 1 philosophy requires a shift in mindset. It involves becoming a diligent observer of our own body and its responses.

By tracking symptoms, energy levels, mood, and other relevant metrics, you can gain valuable insights into your unique health patterns.

This self-awareness empowers you to experiment with different lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, to identify what works best for you.

It is essential to approach this process with patience and curiosity.

Sustainable health improvements require time and experimentation. It may involve trying different dietary approaches, from plant-based to ketogenic, to determine which supports optimal energy levels and well-being.

Really thinking about how you feel after you eat is important …

• How do I feel after eating a fast food meal?  How does it compare to a home cooked meal?  Do I feel energized, or sluggish?

• How do I feel after I eat fast?  How do I feel after I eat slow?

• When am I likely to overeat?

• When I'm scavenging for a snack … how do I feel after I eat a small handful of nuts? A bag of chips? A piece of fruit? Some candy or ice cream?

The gem is in the noticing … because when you realize that there are certain foods that don't make you feel great, mess around with your digestive system, make you feel bloated or like you just want to pass out on the couch … maybe you'll be mindful and aware the next time you're making a decision, and make a different one.

Similarly, exploring various exercise modalities, from high-intensity interval training to yoga, can help you discover what you enjoy and what yields the desired results.  Because bottomline, you want to do things that you will enjoy - because that guarantees that you'll keep on doing them. 

Bottomline, the N of 1 philosophy underscores the importance of personalized healthcare - that you are in control of.  You are the driver, you're making the decisions, you're laying the groundwork, and executing. Then tweaking, perhaps trying something different, discarding or adding to the repertoire.  

By recognizing that you are unique, you move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and focus on strategies that truly enhance your personal well-being. 

While it requires effort and experimentation, the rewards of discovering what works best for your are immeasurable.