The human machine was designed to survive by eating food. Real, whole food is best. Food supplies the fuel to run your body. What most people miss out on is all the vitamins and minerals that are found in vegetables, seeds, and nuts. These are called the ‘micro nutrients’ because they are in small quantities. The ‘macro nutrients’ are protein, fats, and carbohydrates that are in larger (macro) quantities. These nutrients should comprise our entire diet.
For centuries there have been groups in society that have maintained health eating vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and in some cases whole grains. The current popularity of eating vegan or vegetarian foods has raised some questions as to the validity of eating this way.
All vegetables contain protein, some more than others. Foods like soy (which contains complete protein for humans), spirulina, and Moringa oleifera leaves can sustain human life because they contain high amounts of protein along with other macro and micro nutrients. Of course these foods should always be organically grown to avoid contamination from GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).
It is important for good health to ensure that you are eating enough vegetables to sustain health. That’s why we have the food pyramids. The United States government says that we need to eat 8-10 half cup servings of vegetables a day to maintain health. Are you eating that amount? Are you eating fresh, whole, organically grown vegetables and fruits every day?
If you would like some ideas of what to eat and how much, take a look at this food pyramid produced by OldWays.
You can see their recommendations of the amount of vegetables to be eaten in one day. This is called a plant-based diet because plants comprise the largest amount of the foods to be eaten; they are the basis of your diet every day.
One good way to get enough vegetables in every day is to drink a vegetable smoothie first thing in the morning. Vegetable smoothie is a fancy name for vegetables that have been blended up, whole, with enough liquid added to make them totally drinkable. What vegetables can you drink this way? Cabbage, carrots, green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, kale, collard leaves, mustard greens, avocado, tofu, beets, the list is as endless as the variety of vegetables available. Some people add fresh berries, peach, pear, or even apple to the veggie mixture as well. Fresh sea vegetables would be a nice addition. Sprouts of any kind would be nice so would nuts and/or nut butter. Make sure your blender is strong enough to blend the vegetables to liquid.
Eat some vegetables at every meal. A great way to get started is to add chopped fresh parsley, watercress, dill, or other green leaves to every main dish just before serving. This colorful and flavorful garnish is also nutritious. Have a salad at every meal or better yet have a salad as your meal.
If reading about the nutritional advantages of vegetables and fruits doesn’t make you want to eat more of them than perhaps watching the movie “Forks over Knives” might do it. This film has several case histories that show people who were ill with the regular health issues of Americans like diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease who all reversed these health issues by eating more vegetables. You can see them change right before your eyes. It’s very inspiring. Of course they also reduced the amount of the things they were eating that were causing the health issues like high fat and the empty calories of white flour products, sugar, and refined and processed foods.
Vegetarians eat a diet based on vegetables (which also includes grains since they are vegetables). There are several kinds of vegetarians. Lacto vegetarians also include milk in their diet. Ovo vegetarians include eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians include both dairy and eggs, but no other animal products, and they eat lots of vegetables.
People who eat no animal products are called vegans. Many vegans eat this way as a religious and/or political choice. Some people eat this way for health. Many vegans do not do anything that would harm animals so they don’t wear leather either. Many people become vegans as a way to stop the pollution of the planet from the residue of animals raised for food.
Many religious groups support vegetarianism because they are against killing and especially killing animals. So health isn’t the only reason many people are vegetarians or vegans, there are many reasons someone might want to adopt this lifestyle.
With any eating and/or lifestyle plan, it is up to the person to educate himself on the ins and outs of changing. If you have any health problems or are under the care of a physician, notify them of any changes you are planning to make so they can monitor your progress.
It is possible to enjoy better health by avoiding processed foods, saturated and/or hydrogenated fats, tobacco products, sugar and flour products, any foods grown with GMO (genetically modified organisms) seeds, or foods containing chemicals known to be harmful.
It is also possible to enjoy better health by including the recommended amount of vegetables daily, especially unprocessed and raw veggies. Eating vegetables every day is essential to good health. Consider your own body and activity level when choosing a healthy lifestyle. It isn’t essential to be a vegetarian or vegan to be healthy. It is essential for you to monitor how you feel when you make any changes in your lifestyle. You might want to keep a diet and lifestyle log. The instructions for doing so are included in my book The Anger Cure.
That’s why I say: Eat Right – Feel Right™
Kathleen O’Bannon, CNC, is the author of 11 books on nutrition including Sprouts, the savory source for health and vitality, Whole Foods for Seniors, and the Anger Cure. She is a dynamic speaker and media personality. For 30+ years she has helped people feel better using her own unique brand of nutrition consulting. She can be reached through www.healthaliveproducts.com or email her at thecarrotlady@hotmail.com. Start the new year right with nutrition. Sometimes simple changes in your lifestyle can bring huge rewards in your health and mood.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as prescribing or claiming to cure any disease.
Healthalive's Weblog 
Leave a comment