Nutrition For Life
As we moved from an agrarian, rural society to a “modern“, industrialized society, we have exchanged "health" for "convenience." Now, Americans focus on processed, devitalized food, fast food, microwaving and chronic exposure to toxic chemicals and medication.
Instead of relying on the traditional healing methods of our ancestor, .e.g. herbalist, native Americans healers, eastern medicine techniques, or our grandparents, we rely on synthetic pharmaceutical medicines.
The most important principle is to “Listen to your Body”. If any food or supplement makes you sick in any way, stop it immediately! You have the tools to tell if something is good for your body or not -- please use them!
At least one half of your food should be uncooked.
Eat as many fresh, organic vegetables as possible
Limiting sugar is critical to optimal health
Avoid hypoglycemia (going too long without food)
Distinguish physical food cravings from emotional food cravings
Proteins are essential for building, maintenance, repair of body tissues. They are major components of our immune system and hormones. Proteins found in all types of food, but only meat, eggs, cheese from animal sources contain complete proteins.Protein intake varies and depends on sex, height, weight and exercise levels.
Carbohydrates provide fuel for the body in the form of glucose, which is a sugar. There are two types of carbohydrates -- simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars, such as the ones found in candy, fruits and baked goods. Complex carbohydrates are starches found in beans, nuts, vegetables and whole grains.
Your body prefers the carbohydrates in vegetables rather than grains because it slows the conversion to simple sugars like glucose and decreases your insulin level. On the other hand grain carbohydrates will increase your insulin levels and interfere with your ability to burn fat.
Fat is made of fatty acids attached to a substance called glycerol. Fats play an important role in the body; they are essential to build cell membranes, clot blood, absorb vitamins, cushion vital organs and protect us from extreme temperatures.
Let's start with the most important element of your diet: Water! Water makes up more than 70 percent of your body's tissues and plays a role in nearly every body function from regulating temperature and cushioning joints to bringing oxygen to the cells and removing waste from the body. Therefore, it's vital to pay attention to what you drink. |