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There's a movement going on around the U.S. in response to the diabetes and obesity epidemic. People who are serious about their health have begun to trade some of the time they might have spent on the couch or in front of the computer to shop wisely and cook healthier meals. It's called the slow food movement.
For PH'ers, being overweight puts extra strains on the body and we all know what excess sodium and calories do to us. While "convenience" foods may taste good, they have no place in a PH'ers diet as calories and sodium content is typically very high. If you're addicted to fast food, you'd be wise to cut down or save it for a special occasion.
The food we eat every day has the power to contribute positively or negatively to our overall health. Dr. Oz, a cardiologist who has gained popularity recently for his informative television appearances and his straight-talking books on diet and health, believes that food is medicine. If you begin to look at food in that way, making healthy food choices makes absolute sense.
Of course we all have a well-established relationship with food which won't be easy to change especially if we've trained our taste buds to crave salty foods. For the salt lovers among us, a radical change in diet may hold little appeal. Keep in mind that changes don't have to be made all at once and also, any change you make will be helpful to you no matter how small. You'll have a greater chance of improving your overall diet if the changes are gradual. And if you view finding out more about healthy options as a journey of discovery, you might find that you enjoy the whole experience.
Of course there is always the problem with time and energy especially for PH'ers. It is understood that many of us have limited energy which we parcel out on any given day with great care. It is acknowledged, eating well takes a bit more thought and planning, but it's possible to do without breaking your energy bank. Fresh vegetables for a healthy, homemade soup, for example, can be chopped while you're seated and once the concoction is simmering, you just cover it and walk away.
If possible, involve your family in this journey. Start by adding a new healthy food to your menu every week and make learning about it a family affair. Explore the grain isle of your market and try a new grain (not a mix or blend with sauce, but a raw material). Have you heard of Quinoa? It's a healthy, nutty-tasting grain naturally high in protein, calcium, potassium and magnesium that can be cooked in 20 minutes just like rice. There's a link below if you are curious about this ancient and nutritious food.
If you're in the process of evaluating your diet, are looking for ways to reduce dietary salt, or would like to know what's in that fast food they sell in your town, we recommend that you refer to the online resources listed below.
Share your food adventure with us. Send your comments / feedback about this article here. With your permission, we will post your comments to inspire and inform others.
The World's Healthiest Foods
Sodium Content in (some) Common Foods
How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Fact Label
Calorie and Fat Gram Chart for 1000 Foods
Fast Food Comparison
Fast Food Nutrition Facts
Sodium Content of Common Fast Foods
Nutritional Profile - Quinoa |
