American woke up to the fact that our food supply in this country is abysmal upon the publication of the book, The Omnivores’ Dilemma, by Michael Pollan. People were so frustrated by the contents of the book he was deluged with comments from readers asking, “What can I eat?” In response to this outcry, he wrote a sequel, In Defense of Food, with the mantra: “Eat food, mostly plants, not too much.” Pollan’s ideas aren’t new, but in all of the confusion of strategic news sound bytes, corporate politics and obesity headlines, his voice seems to have risen above this cacophony—and we should all pay attention. Having taught the topic of nutrition for over 10 years (at the University of Colorado), I shared much of this information with my students. Given the relationship between nutrition and health, not to mention the relationship between stress and nutrition, this information cannot be understated.
• Stress Tip(s) for the Day
Pollan offers over 64 “rules” for healthy eating, here are just a few, and most likely these are not too different from what you heard growing up from your mom or grandmother. In the words of poet Robert Bly, “I’m going to read it again.. this time, pay attention:
1. Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food (e.g., margarine, and all processed foods)
2. Avoid food products with ingredients that no ordinary human would keep in the pantry.
3. Avoid foods that contain high fructose corn syrup
4. Avoid food products that contain more than five (5) ingredients
5. Avoid foods you see advertised on television.
• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Pollan’s newest book, Food Rules is a quick read and a good reminder of what we should be doing in terms of eating.
Totally unrelated to food, here is a link send to me by a colleague. Some of the people interviewed here have been speakers at several conferences I attend regarding health and consciousness.
http://www.voiceentertainment.net/
• Photo of the Day:
I was invited by the people at WELCOA to create a webinar on the topic of Stress and Nutrition. This is one of the (colorful) slides I used of some dried beans and peace (no processed foods here).
• Quote for the Day:
“ If a third grader cannot pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it.” (e.g., all the chemical preservatives in processed food to prolong shelf life). — Michael Pollan
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
