The Beauty of Food: Coosing The Right Foods And Eating For All The Right Reasons

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Food doesn’t have to be a four-letter word. In fact it can be a fortifying and rejuvenating experience.

In fact, many experts agree that food is not only essential for keeping us alive, but for keeping us happy, healthy and young in body, mind, and spirit.

The primary problem with food, is not merely the fact that we eat too much of it, but also that we eat for emotional comfort and pleasure, and all the wrong foods at that. Professionals point out that while flavorful feasts should be a source of comfort and pleasure, it should be because we are comfortable and pleased with our choices and the fact that they are helping contribute to our health and well being.

Experts suggest that our daily diet is the number one source of nutrition and inoculation with many foods containing within them the untapped secrets sought by Ponce de Leon himself.

From fit physiques and energy, to warding off illness and aging (at least significantly slowing down the aging process) experts note that eating is an “art” unto itself. Industry officials note that aging is a sort of chronic ailment that is self induced and which ultimately has a fatal result. Furthermore they note that living longer goes fork in hand with living (and eating) smarter. Wrinkles and other chronologically based/associated “breakdowns” are caused not necessarily by foods, but by the effects foods have on our bodies.

Most foods that taste good, experts remind us, are not good for us. They cause internal and external deterioration that has both visible and invisible side effects. The biggest, baddest culprits are, of course, things we’ve grown to love most (chips, pretzels, donuts…which are really not even foods…pasta, breads, and just about anything full of sugar and starch). Our safest source of nutrition in fact should be things that are literally GROWN. In fact, professionals are quick to point out that food should be a controlled substance and just like anything that can produce temporary satisfaction and euphoria should never be abused.

A toast to your health. Besides cutting back on toast (especially those made of white flour) you should start by cutting back on your portions. Food should be consumed and not the other way around…though it IS best to eat several small meals throughout the day. If you must indulge your carbohydrate craving steer clear of foods laden in carbs and starches such as white potatoes and white breads. Choose instead nutritious substitutes including sweet potatoes, yams and whole grain cereals (such as oatmeal) and breads. Don’t be fooled by labels. Whole wheat is not necessarily whole grain and many store brands contain lots of sugar. Consider darker breads such as pumpernickel and rye and opt for whole grain or seven grain breads of store bought whole wheat.

Snacking throughout the day is also important, especially if you don’t have the time or leisure to eat intermittently. According to aficionados, you should stock up on (raw) nuts (I can remember an uncle of mine having bags upon bags of nuts handy when I was a kid…and to this day, he maintains a complexion most of us have never seen). Nuts contain many of the essential nutrients and oils necessary to fortify our hunger and our nutritional requirements. Almonds and walnuts are the most highly recommend. Five handfuls of fruits and vegetables daily are also mandated. And, experts suggest feasting on nut or other foods containing essential fats before indulging in foods featuring sugars, including certain veggies and fruits.

You’ll also want to include an amble amount of grains and legumes. Consider assortment of old fashioned oatmeal to a variety of dried beans and grains such as buckwheat and barley.

You won’t have to “fish” for compliments if you reel in a protein pack fish feast a few times a week. You will genuinely be looking and feeling better. While experts DO recognize the concerns associated with certain types of fish, they emphasize that there are plenty of great fish in the sea including tilapia, cod, mahi-mahi, bass, flounder, even shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, crab, and lobster (if cholesterol is not a problem and if they are prepared properly and not swimming in sauces, butter, etc.)

Poultry is also an excellent choice for protein as long as it’s lean and skinless. Experts recommend turkey and chicken breast as a primary staple.

Additional sources of protein include eggs (preferably organic and brown), plain yogurt, plain kefir, (low fat) cottage cheese and tofu. Professionals also point out the benefits of drinking at least one glass or milk or milk substitute per day. Both contain essential vitamins such as Vitamin D and calcium for healthy skin and bones. However, if you are opposed to dairy you can receive the same nutritional benefits from orange juice (preferably fresh squeezed and with some of the rind still on it) and via vitamin supplements.

Mixing up your diet, literally, is also highly recommended. Salads and an array of fruits and vegetables (especially the boldly colored ones, including deep green and leafy veggies containing foliates which help prevent cancer, high blood pressure and other ailments.) are an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrition. And, according to experts, on of the brightest, red-hot foods is the tomato. No matter how you slice it, this juicy fruit can help decrease cancer, arterial aging, heart disease, stroke, memory loss, impotence, and wrinkling of the skin, among others things. Raw or cooked tomatoes are quite appealing but professionals recommend enjoying this lycopene rich food as a sauce with a little olive oil and a little healthy fat.

Spices are another healthy way to maintain your zest for life. Add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, dill, marjoram, parsley, turmeric, cayenne pepper, ginger, lemon, mint, sage, and basil to foods such as poultry, meat and fish. Use cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and such in baked goods (including sweet potatoes, etc.), “sweets”, cereals, and desserts.

Wash away signs of aging (especially wrinkles) and potential health issues by drinking enough (water) to stay hydrated and healthy. Professionals recommend at least 8 glasses of fluids daily. They also suggest a glass of red wine with dinner. Red wine contains tannins that are good for your heart. Other beneficial beverages include green tea, Acai (found in natural and health food stores), and unsweetened pomegranate juice, as well as green juices that also include spirulina.