Eating Like A Naturopath: Dos And Don’ts

by Eric Bakker N.D.

It seems only fair that given the number of recommendations I have for others when it comes to their diet, that I would be willing to share what I eat regularly.

Being a naturopath has certain advantages – one being that I have a lot of knowledge about nutrition. In my case, I’m also lucky to be able to grow a lot of my own fruits and vegetables.

I tend only to eat high flavonoid apples. I don’t eat commercial apples because they are hybrids that tasteless and full of sugar.

The fruit I eat is organic. The only spray I use in the yard is neem oil. Apart from that, I use no other kinds of sprays.

I grow several other plants that make up an important part of my diet. I grow garlic, avocados, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts, bell peppers, and sweet corn. I also grow a wide selection of herbs. My garden includes about 15 different medicinal herbs and ten different culinary herbs. Berries are a regular part of my diet, and I grow a variety of species on my property.

When it comes to my diet, my philosophy is to cook from scratch. I’ve been doing that for forty years.

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In the morning, I have steel-cut oats cooked in filtered water with Manuka honey and berries.

For lunch, I usually make a stir-fry with vegetables and either tofu or free-range organic chicken. In the afternoon, I’ll have avocado if I get hungry, but I don’t usually snack on any food during the day at all.

Our evening meal varies but generally includes a lean protein and lots of vegetables.

I drink about four glasses of water a day. I will typically have two or three cups of herbal tea in the morning. I grow teas as well, including lemon balm and peppermint. I love peppermint tea, so I’ll often have that.

I rarely drink coffee. I drink maybe one or two cups of black tea per day with some honey. In the summer, I drink fresh water that is chlorine and fluoride-free. I have an alcoholic drink a maximum of two times a week, but usually just once. I believe that alcohol should be used sparingly to maintain good gut health.

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About Eric Bakker N.D.

Eric Bakker ND has completed almost ten years of study and has almost almost 25 years of clinical experience in natural and integrative forms of medicine, and has pursued continuous post-graduate study in Australia, America, India as well as in New Zealand.

Eric is the past Vice President of the NZ Natural Medicine Association and is currently on their editorial advisory board.