My Food is My Medicine

Approaching food as medicine is a healthy approach but there is no one diet that is suitable for all people. Diet should be based on factors such as health status, ancestral lineage, blood type and age.  My family history and my error of living leads me to focus on diabetes and cancer prevention strategies. As such I am attracted to a Mediterranean-style diet with some modifications. Modifications that place an emphasis on low-glycemic carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins. I incorporate more healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil and I try to reduce saturated fats such as butter, margarine and shortening.  

Glycemic index is a way to describe how carbohydrates in individual foods affect blood-glucose levels. Since starchy foods like white bread, white potatoes, and many types of rice are digested rapidly and raise glucose quickly, those are minimized. I aim for a high intake of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. I include whole grain pasta and legumes such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and nuts are staples. Moderate amounts of dairy, primarily cheese and yogurt. Herbs and spices are used to flavor foods. When salt is needed, I aim for Celtic, kosher, or Himalayan Sea salt. To address cancer prevention, I minimize heavily processed foods to reduce toxins (especially processed meats) and I try to reduce sugary items. In place of sugar, I lean towards using honey, stevia, monk fruit, maple syrup, and molasses.  I detox regularly and focus on good gut health that includes taking pro and prebiotics.  I also shy away from known carcinogens like tobacco.

As a type O positive person, I consume meat, but I stick to lean meats and moderate my protein consumption.  Fish and poultry are consumed more frequently than red meat, which is limited. Staying hydrated is an ongoing concern so I keep my bottle of clean water nearby. I think it’s a good idea to have a dietary plan, since disease prevention is a key to longevity.

Conclusion

To be healthy we need to eat clean, toxin-free, nutrient dense food, drink clean water, breathe clean air, get a healthy dose of sleep, relaxation, and regular exercise.  Gardening holistically provides nutrient dense toxin-free food. Gardening also re-connects us with nature, keeps us moving, and leads to a host of health benefits.