Our Field to Fork Philosophy
Nutrition is foundational within the Combe Grove philosophy, acting as the “tap root” of our Five Roots of Metabolic Health™ framework. By supporting and balancing physiological processes, nutrition sustains the core functions of the body and contributes profoundly to optimal health. Nutrition is more than what is consumed; it encompasses how food is chosen, cultivated and prepared.
Respect for nutrition extends to ethical sourcing, engaging local producers and prioritising Fairtrade and Fairwild products to uphold standards of environmental and social responsibility. By sourcing plant rich, organic foods and excluding meat from intensively farmed sources, these practices respect animal welfare, reduce environmental impact and enhance nutritional value.
The Role of Nutrition from Seed to Plate
Each stage in the cultivation and preparation process is approached with a commitment to nutritional integrity. From selecting high quality seeds to harvesting and mindful preparation, every step is meticulously planned to preserve and enhance nutritional value. Sourcing directly from the Estate’s Kitchen Garden and collaborating with neighbouring producers enables food freshness, optimises nutrient content and reduces environmental impact. This approach not only nourishes but is deeply aligned with principles of sustainability and mindful living.
The Ten Health Markers: Supporting Metabolic Health Through Nutrition
Combe Grove fosters a symbiotic relationship between people and plants.
Combe Grove’s 10 Health Markers are pivotal to the Combe Grove approach, with nutrition providing essential support for each marker and promoting resilience, energy and wellness.
- Waist to Hip Ratio & Weight Nutritionally balanced meals, rich in natural fats and high quality proteins, promote optimal body composition and support healthy waist to hip ratios, contributing to metabolic health.
- Blood Pressure A diet of nutrient dense, low carbohydrate foods, fortified with essential minerals, aids in blood pressure regulation and supports cardiovascular health.
- Visceral Fat & Muscle Mass Whole foods rich in essential nutrients facilitate a reduction in visceral fat while promoting lean muscle mass, key factors in maintaining long term physical resilience.
- Sit to Stand Test A diet with sufficient protein supports muscle health and functional strength, which are critical for physical performance in assessments such as the sit to stand test.
- HbA1c & Triglycerides Low carbohydrate, fibre rich meals support stable blood glucose levels and healthy triglyceride levels, crucial indicators of metabolic stability.
- Triglycerides to HDL-C Ratio Balanced nutrition that prioritises healthy fats and reduces carbohydrate intake enhances the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio, supporting cardiovascular health.
- Quality of Life Score Whole, nourishing food has a direct impact on energy, mental clarity and physical wellbeing, contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
The Kitchen Garden, No Dig Practices and Nutritional Integrity
The no dig methodology employed in the Kitchen Garden is integral to maintaining soil health and preserving nutrient density within cultivated plants. By minimising soil disruption and incorporating organic matter, the process sustains a thriving soil biome, invites pollinators and fortifies plants naturally against disease and pests. The improved soil quality directly contributes to more nutrient dense produce, nourishing both the body and the environment.
