.....continued
Childhood obesity is one of our greatest health challenges. What these two demographics have in common is an abundance of the wrong food. To repeat, too much of the wrong food. The immediate effect of this food plan is accumulation of unwanted weight; longer-term effects include hardening of the arteries, diabetes, hypertension, depletion of energy stores, possible links to various cancers and a host of other serious medical conditions. My program(s) is based upon the food plan principles followed by the Sicilians and Okinawans, two cultures that are widely separated by geography but yet very similar in terms of health and longevity.
Members of both of these groups lead active, physical lives in which healthy, simple foods from the ground and the sea are consumed to provide both nourishment and pleasure. Both groups eat to live; they do not live to eat. They do not follow food plans in the widely used sense of the word; they simply eat correct foods in moderation. Neither portions nor calories are counted; common sense prevails. Accordingly, I advocate I food plan that closely resembles those chose by the Sicilians and Okanawans. Simply eat the right foods in reasonable proportions and eat three or more meals per day incorporating these simple guidelines.
The core of the food plan comprises (1) fresh fish, chicken and lean cuts of red meat; proteins are essential to both energy and maintenance of muscle mass. And (2) abundant servings of nutrient rich vegetables such as tomatoes, field greens, green beans, peppers and all cruciferous vegetables. Whole grains are also important. Fats should be in the form of olive oil and other monosaturated oils, not in the form visible animal fats, most saturated and unsatered oils, butter or most cheeses. Drink copious amounts of water to properly hydrate your body and assist in flushing out wastes in the kidneys.
Done correctly, this food plan approach becomes more of a lifestlye........a way of living and eating without the burden of counting calories or keeping track of points under some popular food plans. If it has been refined, is difficult to pronounce, contains excessive simple sugars, contains excessive amounts of salts and preservatives.......it is to be avoided. Eat real foods and eat them in sensible portions. And if you incorporate physical activities and strenuous exercise in your lifestyle, you will have taken yet another critical step towards leading a healthy and fulfilling life.
Lastly, though not least in importance, open yourself up centuries old practices known to calm shattered nerves, improve moods, add muscle tone and build the immune system. Massage, reflexology, yoga, aromatherapy and energy healing and balancing are products of antiquity yet are as vital and relevant as ever.
Thank you for visiting my side and enjoy! Namaste.
