Best Foods to Eat (and websites for you to learn more)
Citrus fruits (particularly oranges) cantaloupe and watermelon
Berries
Whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal
Broccoli, spinach, kale,
Tomatoes, tomato sauce foods
Nuts, particularly almonds and walnuts, seeds and avocado
Beans
Low fat yogurt and milk
Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots
Wild salmon, eggs (with Omega 3 & Vitamin E from vegetarian fed hens)
I would like to say eating right transforms you into a trim, healthy, fit person but it’s not that simple. Eating right is a long term proposition and translates into a lifestyle and lifetime commitment. You can abuse your body and not see adverse effects for years. Just know it is NOT normal or age related to develop degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Obesity, now so problematic in the population, contributes to a myriad of illnesses and is now considered the #1 health concern in America. Click on this link if you’re skeptical: http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/statistics-obesity.htm
Did you know you CAN lower your risk of disease with your lifestyle choices beginning with – you guessed it – eating right? Currently the American Cancer Society is challenging you to learn how to eat right; for more info here’s the link: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/Eat_Right.asp
Some of the websites for health and nutrition information that are easiest to understand and use are listed below:
If you have questions about any food, medical issue or the legitimacy of an herb or unusual tonic Dr. Andrew Weil offers the best search archives to get quick relevant answers. Bios on Dr. Weil are lengthy and impressive. His first two books Spontaneous Healing, and Eight Weeks to Optimum Health were International Best Sellers. His website is www.drweil.com.
At www.stopagingnow.com various experts will answer your questions. The founder of that line of nutritional supplements is Jean Carper, a best-selling author, columnist, radio talk show host, and leading authority on health and nutrition.
Prevention Magazine devotes every issue to your health and you can access them at www.prevention.com.
The quickest way to know how to eat right is this verse:
5 is fine but 9 is divine!
That means everyday you should absolutely, positively eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. If you really want to keep healthy with an optimum protective immune system, eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables. Add in some protein, some low-fat dairy plus some fiber and you’ve got a good diet.
It’s hard to eat 9 fruits and vegetables but here’s an overview of how we manage it most days:
Breakfast: 3 fruits in cereal (whole grain of course). You can use berries (kept frozen and ready to thaw overnight/ microwave for quick use), a banana and raisins.
Lunch: Salad with vegetables like romaine lettuce, celery, carrots and tomatoes.
Dinner: Spinach and butternut squash. Vegetable soup can be had at lunch or dinner to help you reach the number nine.
Note: Portions can be small. ½ cup constitutes a serving. Another way to get the variety in your choices is to think “color” – yellow, green, red, blue and orange let you know the best nutrients are present.
No listing of best foods can omit the best oils with which to prepare the foods. Only two oils meet the standard: olive and canola.
Now think of all the stuff you probably eat that I didn’t mention. That’s the category called “junk” food and it’s everywhere particularly if you eat out much of the time. Most restaurants use improper oils and make matters worse by heating them to high temperatures. For a list of the worst foods go to:
http://www.menshealth.com/eatthis/20-Worst-Foods/index.php or
http://www.cspinet.org/nah/10foods_bad.html
Take a Multi Vitamin with Minerals
If you feel better with a little “insurance” experts say take a multivitamin every day. But if you think a vitamin gives you permission to eat junk, you’re wrong. A vitamin fills in the gaps; it doesn’t change your lifestyle. For the best you can be, do both; eat right AND take a multi.
