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Emphasis on Diet and Nutrition by Art Eggersten If human beings lived in a natural state, what might that look like? If we interacted with nature like every other specie, instead of trying to control, change or turn to our personal advantage, every aspect of nature, if we were to eliminate human mechanism, and get back to a natural existence, what would that look like? Of course nobody knows the answer to that, but when we take a step back, and look at every other creature on the planet; we are the only one manipulating its food. We are also the only specie on the planet suffering from all of the diseases that humans suffer from, except for our domesticated animals, which eat the refuse left over from “modern” human food production, and are now suffering from the same cancers, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and so on that we humans suffer from. We have created interruptions or disconnections in the chemistry chain that supports our lives. Nature produces the chemistry, including you and me. Like other life we depend on the world around us, and the connections that nature created to sustain our lives. We, humans, have stepped in, and out of typical human hubris, decided that nature was wrong, or just plain ignored her presence altogether. In a thousand ways we have assailed, and insulted her. So much of this is because of commercial interests and what is best for their profits. We must take more responsibility and make less room for this in our lives. As consumers we speak with every dollar that we spend, and in essence cast a vote for them or for our selves, our families and loved ones. Each step towards better food choices is a step away from the madness. Whole foods are the key. What are whole foods? Whole foods, as I define them, are foods that are exactly as nature made them. No processing, engineering, cooking, preserving, or in other words, untouched by man. This also means food must be cultivated using wholesome, organic methods. Healthy food has been proven to come from healthy soil. The closer we get to this the better off we will be. When making food choices we can look at things and take steps. What I mean is that when faced with a food choice between pastas for example, we need to look for the blended whole grain, whole grain, and finally whole grain organic, would be best. Further, instead of pasta, which is refined, choose a dish made from whole grains or legumes. Rice, beans, and lentils can be prepared in an infinite number of delicious ways. For ultimate health, try eating your grains and legumes in a sprouted state. Whole foods are bursting with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which protect us from disease. The more we process foods the greater the overall depletion of nutrients. Also, when cooking foods we cause chemical reactions in them, some of which produce carcinogens. A good rule of thumb is the darker the brown the more carcinogens. In other words, golden brown potatoes are less harmful than dark brown or burnt potatoes. The higher the cooking temperature, the more toxins build up. Avoid burning food. Freshness and ripeness count heavily also. When making food choices, it is best to buy local. Look for farmers markets in your area, and shop what is in season wherever you shop. Ask the produce manager at your grocery store what is in season. I can't think of anything more delicious than fresh ripe produce, and there is also nothing more disappointing than biting into something that was picked green, to make it ship and store better, and tastes like cardboard. Some foods ripen after picking better than others, following your nose will guide you to your top picks. Backyard gardens are the ultimate way to go because they can take a huge chunk out of the food budget, while providing the freshest possible source of whole foods. I encourage everyone to look into the opportunities presented by keeping a personal garden. Many communities offer cooperative gardening opportunities, and have space available for apartment dwellers. Depending on how many people the garden is feeding, it may still save significant money to hire a landscape company to install and maintain one. Do the math for yourself and then team up with neighbors if possible. Remember that taste follows freshness. We are on a quest for the best possible tasting food too. Whole foods are the most pleasurable way I know of to avoid disease and gain vitality. Search for the farmers markets, and have a great summer! Art Eggertsen, perhaps better known as The Food Coach, began his career in the field of health and nutrition advocacy some 12 years ago when he was introduced to the Chinese medicinal model of health care. Since that introduction Art founded and directed The Utah Wellness Center, has owned and operated numerous restaurants specializing in health and nutrition oriented cuisine, and worked with numerous nationally, and internationally known athletes. In Washington D.C. he worked as a Congressional lobbyist and institutional liaison for a major national non-profit and represented their interests in the areas of nutrition education policy, and agricultural production policy. In representing his organizations interests at regulatory and Congressional policy hearings, he relied heavily on many scientific advisory committees, or “think tanks” whose members included such notable names as Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, and Dr. Benjamin Spock, to name a few. Art began working with cancer patients through the Image Reborn Foundation, and has worked with hundreds of cancer patients who have attended their retreats, over the last several years. He currently serves as the Director of Nutrition Programs for WBC (Women Beyond Cancer). In addition to working with cancer patients and athletes, Art currently manages and directs research & development for ProBar, LLC. For more information visit www.thefoodcoach.com. |
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