THE FOOD-ish FORMULA
The Formula for Health or Disease
Every bite is mathematical. Either you move toward Proximity to Health (PTH) or Proximity to Disease (PTD). Fill in today's meals to calculate your real-time score.
How To Distinguish: FOOD (F) vs. FOOD-LIKE ITEMS (FLI)
There is no need to modify the word FOOD with qualifiers. FOOD describes truth: what is biologically compatible with the human body.
FOOD (F)
Cellular Benefit • Terrestrial Derived
FOOD is a terrestrial derived substance that must encompass five essential components, which are vital for optimal health and the disease-free functioning of the body but does NOT contain any components like saturated fat (LCTs) and cholesterol, that inhibit proper cell function, thereby compromising our health.
FOOD creates a Cellular Benefit, never a Cellular Burden. By definition, FOOD naturally provides the five essential elements required to nourish, protect, and support healthy cellular function. It does not contain components that create a Cellular Burden, substances the body must regulate, store, detoxify, or eliminate because they interfere with normal biological function.
Any substance missing one or more of the five essential elements, or containing components that create a Cellular Burden, is FOOD-ish or a food fragment. Rather than supporting optimal health, these substances increase stress on cells, tissues, organs, and ultimately the body's entire biological ecosystem.
FOOD originates from Earth's living systems, including the Plant Kingdom (Plantae), the Fungi Kingdom (Fungi), and photosynthetic organisms such as algae. These living systems naturally provide the nutrients the human body is designed to recognize and utilize.
FOOD-LIKE ITEMS (FLI)
Cellular Burden • FOOD-ish & Food Fragments
What is a FOOD-Like Item (FOOD-ish)?
Substances that lack one or more of the five essential components of real FOOD, or contain biological burdens such as cholesterol, trans/saturated fats, concentrated isolated sugars, industrial chemicals, or stripped fibers.
When you consume a FOOD-like item, your digestive system, liver, and endothelium are forced to expend vital metabolic reserves to detoxify, buffer acid, and manage inflammation, driving your daily score into Proximity to Disease (PTD).
FOOD Lives Beyond Dietary Labels
“The definition of FOOD lives beyond dietary identities such as vegan, plant-based, carnivore, or pescatarian. These labels describe choices or preferences, but FOOD describes truth: what is biologically compatible with the human body.”
FOOD, as defined, is not a trend or lifestyle. It is rooted in the universal principles of intelligent design and in the body’s basic biological requirements. To qualify as FOOD, a substance must contain fats, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water—while excluding harmful elements like cholesterol that impair cellular function.
Where FOOD Originates: The 3 Kingdoms
FOOD originates from Earth's living systems: the Plant Kingdom (Plantae), the Fungi Kingdom (Fungi), and the Photosynthetic Kingdom (Algae). These living systems naturally provide the nutrients the human body is designed to recognize and utilize.
Plant Kingdom
(Plantae)Broccoli, kale, carrots, spinach, cabbage, peppers, onions, squash
Apples, bananas, berries, oranges, grapes, mangoes, melons
Oats, brown rice, quinoa, barley, millet, buckwheat, corn
Beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, soybeans
Walnuts, almonds, flaxseed, chia, sesame, pumpkin seeds
Fungi Kingdom
(Fungi)Photosynthetic Kingdom
(Algae)Intelligently Designed for Human Cellular Compatibility
All authentic FOOD (+1) originates exclusively within these three living biological kingdoms.
THE FOOD-ish FORMULA
The Simple Mathematical Formula That Determines Health vs. Chronic Disease
Plant-Based Diet (Vegan)
Goal achieved: Reaching 0, +1 or greater protects metabolic health and reduces inflammation.
Standard American Diet (SAD)
Heavy daily deficit: Repeated scores below zero create sustained gut irritation, inflammation, and cellular stress.
FOOD-ish FORMULA TRACKER
FOOD (F) – FOOD LIKE ITEM (FLI) = PTH (+1) / PTD (-1)
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | (F) FOOD +1 pt each | (FLI) FOOD LIKE -1 pt each | Net Row Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(0) | ✕ ✕ ✕ | -3 | |||
✓ | ✕ ✕ | -1 | |||
(0) | ✕ ✕ ✕ | -3 | |||
✓ | ✕ ✕ | -1 | |||
(0) | ✕ ✕ ✕ | -3 | |||
(0) | ✕ | -1 | |||
(0) | (0) | 0 |
FOOD (2 pts) – FOOD-LIKE ITEMS (14 pts) = -12 PTD (-1)
Goal = 0, +1, or GREATER for daily healing and vibrant energy.
PBA Gut Check
Track diverse plant foods (Veggies & Fruits) to boost your gut microbiome:
📝 Notes / Inspirations
Write down your daily mindset reflection and commitment:
Hydration Zone
64 oz WaterClean hydration flushes FLI toxins and supports digestion.
How Was Your Day?
Your live score and gut-check milestones — all in one glance.
“There is always work to be done. No matter the score — there is always room for improvement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "FLI" stand for?
"FLI" stands for FOOD-LIKE ITEM. These are items commonly packaged, sold, or marketed as food, but are stripped of their natural fiber, concentrated with added sugars or refined fats, or heavily chemically processed.
Why is the goal 0, +1, or greater?
Achieving a zero or positive balance ensures that real, cellularly restorative whole foods outnumber inflammatory or gut-disrupting items. Staying positive protects against chronic metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular stress.
What is the PBA Gut Check rule?
The PBA Gut Check targets eating 20 different vegetables and fruits each week. High biodiversity in plant foods fosters a thriving gut microbiome, enhancing serotonin, immunity, and metabolic vigor.
Explore the NūFORM Resource Guide
Dive deeper into the FOOD-ish Formula, cellular nutrition, and living foods.