Eating as Close to Nature as Possible

There is nothing more important to our health than eating and drinking in ways that provide nourishment that the body can use. What we put into our body can either build the body up enabling it to repair, heal and even prevent, or tear the body down and invite disease. Studying nutrition is a lifelong pursuit, for there is always more to learn. It can seem intimidating at times, trying to sort out all the facts and options for the nutritional choices we make. However, I believe there are a few basic guidelines that can help us simplify this process and assist us in staying on the wellness track. Let me summarize several of these important principles that will hopefully help us all to improve the quality of our diets.

Organic is a Must

As much as possible, consume only organic foods that have been grown without the use of toxins such as pesticides, antibiotics, or other artificial substances like the waxes and colorings often applied to fruits and vegetables. For example, an orange, in the wild, is not actually "orange." It is more of a greenish-yellow color, but most commercial growers inject orange dye into the skin because that is what consumers are used to. In a similar way, apples, cucumbers, and other produce are often waxed to "improve" their appearance and lengthen shelf life.

Whether it is produce, meat, baked goods, or dairy, be sure you know the sources of your food. Oftentimes it is easier to find organic foods from local farmers or growers or from a health food store or co-op in your area. Most of the commercially grown food available in the grocery store are laced with unnatural additives and preservatives.

A new concern has sprung up in the last few years: GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). By altering the natural genetic configuration of foods, scientists have created substances that are either nutritionally deficient (because the body cannot recognize or utilize them) or downright harmful to the body. The commercial growers love this because these foods are easier and cheaper to produce and tend to last much longer on the grocery store shelves, but we consumers are getting the short end of the nutritional stick. Only buy and consume foods that are GMO-free.

Go Heavy on Fruits and Vegetables

If there is a dietary change that could be called the most nutritional and beneficial choice one could make, that would be the inclusion of more raw, organic fruits and vegetables. Organic fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses that provide numerous vitamins, minerals, oxygen, water and phytochemicals to nourish our bodies and protect us from disease. Eating them raw is best, as cooking destroys some of these elements.

Many vegetables are also a fine source of protein, particularly those in the bean and legume family. Substituting such foods for other protein sources like meat and dairy is also a powerful step towards wellness. Not only are most meats and dairy products excessively high in fat and calories, but unless you choose organic sources, these foods are some of the most toxic choices available commercially.

What About Water?

In addition to eating the right foods, the amount and quality of water that you ingest daily is the most influential factor that will determine your good health (or the lack thereof). Most Americans are severely dehydrated, often because they quench their natural thirst with poor choices such as sodas and other sweetened, caffeinated drinks. Learning to drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of pure, filtered water daily has a profoundly positive effect on one's health. Our bodies are made up predominantly of water, and this marvelous substances plays an integral part in literally every process of the body, from the cellular level up. As we have discussed, eating the correct foods is critical, but without an ample supply of pure water, the body cannot properly absorb nutrients or eliminate waste products. Additionally, water plays a key role in bowel health, which has a significant impact on the performance of the immune system.

In short, the best ways to eat as naturally as possible are to go organic; eat GMO-free; load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; and drink plenty of pure, clean water to help your body absorb all this good stuff and eliminate waste. Using this plan as a foundation for your daily diet will be a huge step towards wellness.