A Healthy Diet

Physical and mental health are not unrelated. One of the easiest things you can do to improve both is to have a healthy diet.

When my mom was alive, I remember her watching the The Jack La Lanne Show. Jack La Lanne is a diet and exercise guru. That show was the longest running American TV show in history (1951-1985). Jack La Lanne, born in 1914, is still alive and working out today. At the time this article was written, he was 94 years old!

When asked to provide dietary advice in one sentence, he said this: "Don't eat man made foods."

By eating healthy, you will avoid a multitude of medical problems. You will also get sick much less often. At least, that has been my experience.

Since health problems are rampant today--including childhood obesity and childhood diabetes--I decided to tell you what I know.

I researched this article carefully. However, I have no medical credentials. Discuss your individual concerns with your doctor.

There are plenty of "man made" foods to avoid. The more of them you eliminate, the better. My personal view is that at least 80% of your diet should be healthy. I'm sure Jack La Lanne does much better.

Here are some things to avoid.

• Anything made with with white flour.
• White rice.
• Chips, crackers, cake, cookies and candy.
• Canned foods. Canned foods contain chemical liners on the inside of the can.. These chemicals--whose safety is questionable--leach into the food. I avoid canned foods as much as possible.
• Deep-fried foods (Doughnuts, french fries etc.).
• Anything containing trans fats. Read food labels: The word(s) "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" means that the item contains trans fats. Items commonly including trans fats include vegetable shortening, some margarines, crackers, snack foods etc.
• Fish with high levels of mercury or other contaminants.
• Meats cured with nitrates or nitrites (Ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs etc.).
• Soft drinks, energy drinks etc.
• Ice cream, popsicles etc.
• Heavily processed foods (e.g. Packaged mashed potatoes).
• Alcoholic beverages.

Here are some healthy foods:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Frozen fruits and vegetables.
• Seeds (popcorn, sunflower seeds).
• Steel cut oatmeal (It's delicious).
• Bulgur Wheat.
• Brown rice.
• Beans.
• Nuts.
• Lean meat and skinless chicken.
• Uncontaminated fish.
• Eggs.
• Soy milk. Note: Some people cannot tolerate soy.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The more healthy foods you eat, the better. Also, the greater the variety of healthy foods you eat, the better.

Some additional dietary tips follow.

Minimize your intake of fruit juice. Fruit juice is usually high in sugar. Also, drinking plenty of water is necessary for good health.

Meat or fish should only be a small portion of the meal. Never eat fat (Leviticus 7:23).

Minimize your intake of saturated fat. Excessive saturated fat can lead to heart disease.

When you have a taste for something sweet, try 100% whole wheat bread with jam (not jelly). This is much healthier than cookies, candy etc.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should be particularly careful about anything they put in their bodies. I'd avoid any alcohol, fish containing mercury or unnecessary medications. Definitely talk to your doctor.

Plant fruit trees: Fruit picked fresh is more nutritious. You can also avoid ingestion of pesticides. Do your homework before buying trees--otherwise you're wasting your money. Find out what will grow well in your area.

When buying fruits and vegetables in the store, look for items that are in season. These are often on sale. Buy fruits and vegetables that taste the best--not just whatever is cheapest.

Plant a garden. This can be a family project. It will do wonders for your family's health.

Finally, how can you change your eating habits? That's simple: Stop buying junk food. If it's not there, you can't eat it. In time, you will lose much of your taste for junk foods. They will just seem--well--unhealthy.

Note: I recommend the DrWeil.com website for more detailed information on eating a healthy diet and other health issues.

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