Tim Z. Brooks On Nonduality: Presence, Practice, Paradox

Starting My New Diet Journey—With a New Motto

I’ve been circling this idea for a while now—changing how I eat—not in a harsh or dramatic way, but with more intention. And now it feels like the time is right. Not because I’m unhappy with my body, but because I want to live in deeper harmony with myself. With the world. That includes food.

So I came up with a simple motto: Eat less, prioritize protein and whole foods. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s honest. It helps me stay clear. It’s about eating in a way that matches who I am when I’m aware—when I’m not numbing out or reaching for comfort but choosing to be fully present.

“You are what you eat.” I used to brush that off, but it’s never felt more real. When I eat junk, I feel disconnected. Sluggish. Not just physically, but energetically. But when I eat whole, real food, there’s a lightness. A groundedness. Like I’m syncing up with myself again. “Junk in, junk out”—I say it gently, with compassion. I’ve been there. And now I want something different.

I’m also shifting my relationship to protein. It’s not just for bodybuilders—it’s structure, fuel, strength. If I want to lose fat and gain muscle, I need it. But I’m choosing it consciously. Less meat, more plants—lentils, seeds, tofu—because I want to be kind to the animals, to the planet. To live aligned with my values. My body isn’t separate from the world. What I consume becomes part of that relationship.

This isn’t about restriction. It’s about reverence. Eating is a sacred act. Food becomes me. And when I eat less, when I eat better, I’m not depriving myself—I’m honoring my life. Living from my Center, not from craving or habit.

Blood sugar plays into this too. I’ve felt the crashes, the fog. When I eat refined carbs, I lose the rhythm of presence. So I’m choosing low-glycemic, high-vibration foods—grains, greens, simple things that keep me steady and awake.

Will I get it perfect? No. I’ll fall back sometimes. But this isn’t about control. It’s about listening. Returning. Living from wholeness, not lack.

Let’s see where this leads.

About the author

Tim Z. Brooks

"Tim Z. Brooks" is the pen name for the anonymous author of Nondual Recovery.

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Tim Z. Brooks On Nonduality: Presence, Practice, Paradox

Tim Z. Brooks is a site with blog posts and drafts of several books-in-progress on the topics of spirituality, integrative metatheory, and Sacred Words. You can also subscribe to Tim's newsletter and follow him on Facebook to read daily notes on his Integral Life Practice.