What to Eat?

With so many diets, food philosophies, nutritional science protocols, food plans, health books and nutrition programs telling you the best way to eat it is difficult to figure out just what to eat. you can find conflicting information on pretty much any diet out there whether it's the high protein/low carb, vegetarian, vegan, raw, blood-type, elimination, fruitarian... The list goes on and on and every time you think you have found the best way to eat some new info comes out telling you it's wrong and here is something better.

We have gone from a balanced diet of plant and animal foods that are grown and raised naturally and ethically to a diet diet of processed food. Nutrition science has broken down food into macro and micro nutrients, anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients, omegas... Instead of eating the freshest piece of fruit you can get you are forced to question each piece of fruit as to whether it is good or bad for you and your specific nutritional needs. That is a lot of work and it takes out the joy of eating.

Eating is really about nourishing the body with a variety of fresh, whole foods prepared with joy and simplicity. When deciding what to eat the question should not be what are the nutrients in this food and does it follow the rules of the diet I am on. The question should be, is this food fresh, whole, tasty looking and adding variety to my diet.

It's simple really, just eat fresh, whole food that stimulates your appetite, creative cooking mind and senses. With all those diets out there take what sounds good, what works with your body and what appeals to your mind. Here are my guidelines for a healthy and tasty diet. Note that the word diet has been mutilated to mean what to eat to lose weight. Diet really means what we eat every day.

1. Eat fresh and in season produce. As local as possible and organic or free of chemical sprays (pesticides, herbicides, etc.). Support your local farmers when you can and grow something of your own. Even if that is just a window box of herbs or lettuce.
2. Stay out of the box. Avoid packaged foods as much as possible and when you buy packaged look at the ingredients and choose wisely. Shop the perimeter; it's tried and true.
3. Buy grains, nuts, seeds and dried beans in bulk. Soak grains and beans before cooking. Get free directions here with your feedback for my upcoming cookbook, thanks.
4. Use extra-virgin and expeller pressed organic oils.
5. Eat meat from an organic butcher and in moderation.
6. Eat organic and raw dairy products, raw cheese is easily found in stores. Buy non-homogenized yogurt Jersey Land or Saugeen Again, in moderation
7. Prepare foods fresh and simply. With healthy and tasty recipes
8. Eat a variety of foods, expand your horizons and try new veggies and grains.
9. Cook some food and eat some food raw. Eat more raw veggies in the spring and summer. Eat more cooked veggies in the fall and winter.
10. Relax when you eat and when you think about eating.

Go back to the basics and start enjoying food instead of pondering nutrition science. Eat slowly, with joy and with others. Go back to when food was a healthy part of culture and was more than something we did to fill up and indulge. Go back to food being for a time to take time, to enjoy our senses, the company of others and to relax and savour the good stuff.

I would love to share my other recipes, tips and favourite quotes with you. Check them out here.