Food. A powerful tool to either self-destruct or improve one's health. I LOVE food! I could even be called a foodie by some. What a wonderful pleasure we have been given! If I'm not careful, I have the tendency to overindulge. Unfortunately ever since the rise of the craze (I do mean craz-Y) "fad diet" (a lifestyle promising to leave us healthier but the actual result: we're left sicker. Why? Not enough nutrients.), food pleasure leaves most of us feeling guilty instead of with pure enjoyment. First fad diet of the 20th century? Fletcherism. Mr. Fletcher, a health enthusiast, was a man in great shape but lived with extreme measures. The story goes, he could run up the Washington Monument of 850 steps without having to take a break. That unfortunately gave him credibility in the public's eyes. He believed that eating 15-20lbs of grapes per day would rid oneself of "unhealthy" meat protein. Mr. Fletcher encouraged his followers to chew their food 100 times before swallowing. (There is something to said about chewing, because it releases digestive enzymes, but 100x? I think not!). He promoted his diet by stating it would help with digestion, cleaning teeth, and saving money. He also believed in hourly enemas. So much for absorbing the nutrients you just masticated!
There is a time for fasting and a time for feasting. There are neurological benefits to be found in intermittent fasting (IF) . Studies from the National Institute of Aging have shown when tested on rodents, IF improves life/health-span, protection against stroke, suppresses Parkinson-associated motor deficiencies, slows down Alzheimer's disease, and improves memory and mental sharpness. The benefits of feasting? Enjoying the fruits of one's hard labor! A couple times a year is all you need.
We, as a people, have been conditioned to enjoy fat, sugar, and salt. But we, as Americans, are missing the enjoyment of bitter and sour food groups. And no, I'm not talking health benefits of Sour Head candy. Most people consider those two flavors to be less enjoyable out of our 4 taste buds. But to further our health and rid our bodies of toxins, bitter and sour foods come in handy.
13 bitter/sour foods to improve health performance: http://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/10-bitter-foods-that-cleanse-the-body-and-boost-performance
1. Argula-a bile stimulant to digest your food properly.
2. Bitter melon- a blood cleaner, improve immune system, and reduce inflammation.
3. Coffee- a natural enema, as well as increasing bile flow and dilating blood vessels.
4. Dandelion- cleanse blood, improve diarrhea and constipation, promotes weight-loss, reduces gas, prevents and lowers high blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. Are just some to name a few.
5. Dill- relieve upset stomach, reduces gas, and improves waste flow. Could help with bad breath.
6. Jerusalem Artichoke- control blood pressure and improve immune system.
7. Kale- Superfood. Loaded with calcium, antioxidants, and anti-inflammation properties.
8. Saffron- improves blood circulation, eases fatigue, and muscle inflammation.
9. Sesame seed- high in calcium and magnesium.
10. Turmeric- lower inflammation, cleanses the blood, regenerates damaged liver cells, and wards off indigestion.
11. Grapefruit- fights off type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose, promotes weight loss, protects the heart, and promotes with vision and skin health.
12. Tarte cherries- reduce post exercise soreness, lessens muscle damage, and may fight gout and osteoporosis.
13. Kefir- promotes digestive health and ease hay fever.
Mock-foods or imitation food: When you head to the grocery store, be aware of labels with a dash. Fat-free, low-fat are just some to name a few, along with anything found in a box. Those items tend to replace the real nutrition with man-made chemicals. Our bodies do not know what to do with those man-made chemicals and so it stores in our cells, causing a build up. That build up later leads to disease. Start the journey of knowing what whole foods your body needs and how much. How to start? A detox! My personal favorite is found in the Body Ecology Diet book by Donna Gates. Unfortunately our food pyramid was created by lawyers and journalists not by health professionals, so it gives us wrong guidelines. I try follow a lifestyle of 80% fruit and vegetables and 20% of meat, which Donna Gates recommends. For my blood type, I eat dairy and grains once to twice a week.
Before I end this article on nutrition I want to briefly state, about Orthorexia Nervosa: "an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy. A medical condition in which the sufferer systematically avoids specific foods in belief they are harmful." I personally believe in balance. After talking with a friend, choosing to have "cheat day" may help avoid this psychological condition (I must state it is not yet recognized as a clinical diagnosis, but in review) . Please seek advice from a professional if you think you may suffer from this psychological condition.
Education motivates!
May we all choose a happier and healthier lifestyle,
B
Stay tuned for next time when we talk about digestion.
Come follow me on instagram- danzagirl16 for food posts and nutrition fun
Disclaimer: Each of our bodies have been intricately designed, what works for me may not for you. It's about each of us walking out our journey of getting to know our individual bodies. I am here to share what has worked for me, along with my own research, and it may work for you. Let's respect each others process. That said, I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist, just a girl with a passion for health. Before trying any of my recommendations please seek advice from a professional.
Special thanks to my family for "behind the scenes" help!
