Eating for Nutrition not Taste!

I love this quote by Michael Eades M.D. and Mary Dan Eades M.D., authors of Protein Power:

"The medical problems that confound us today will probably amaze scientists in the twenty-first century as they puzzle over why we medical pioneers of today were unable to reach out and grab the obvious, why we were so advanced in certain areas of medical treatment yet so abysmally deficient in others. Why, they may ask, could our surgeons perform open-heart surgery so skillfully as to make it a routine operation while at the same time our nutritional experts couldn't determine the optimal diet for preventing most of the problems necessitating that procedure? Why spend so much time and effort developing complex surgical techniques and other wondrous medical procedures that prolong the life of the diseased body for a few months or, at best, a few years instead of focusing on nutritional changes capable of prolonging healthy life for decades? Why can't we see the big picture?"

Interesting! Nutrition is what it's all about! The human body needs nutrition - plain and simple - for real health. And if you want a healthy body, you must learn to eat for nutrition and not taste.

Often, when trying to encourage others to eat new or simple foods, I hear: "Oh, that tastes nasty!" Just think about it: food is usually only in the mouth from 5-15 seconds, yet in the body for up to 24 hours (or months if it goes all the way to the cellular level). So does it make sense that you would eat foods only for taste?

If you will notice, marketers get buyers hooked on the tastes of 1) sugar, 2) salty, or 3) buttery (creamy, rich, etc.). So if it's not sweet, salty or buttery, most tend to think the taste is flavorless. The truth of the matter is that most wholesome foods have their own rich flavor that we often overlook if our taste buds are geared to sweet, salty or buttery. So how do you eat for nutrition not taste?

1) Enjoy the flavor of raw foods just by themselves. You don't really need to salt the cucumbers or tomatoes, or dip all veggies in a dip, or dip fruits in sugar or fruit dips. They have great flavor just by themselves. Try eating them alone!

2) Steamed or cooked vegetables, baked potatoes or sweet potatoes are often piled high with butter, sour cream, seasonings, and much more. Maybe a little salt and spicy seasoning (pepper, hot red pepper sauce, Spike, seaweed granules, etc.) can be added, but all of the fats are really unnecessary.

3) Learn to eat nuts raw - no salt, no roasting, no added fat. They are much healthier that way.

4) Desserts, pastries, candies, sodas are addicting. Get out of the sugar trap by eating raw fruits, raw nuts, whole grains, and foods high in antioxidants. These will naturally be more satisfying and filling, and actually relieve your cravings for sweets.

5) Omit fried foods and processed foods. So many people are 0bese because their diets consist of high fatty foods. You don't need them. Choose raw, baked, or lightly steamed foods instead.

In summary, enjoy the taste of wholesome foods that are as close to nature as possible. As you do, you will become accustomed to these foods and acquire a taste for real nutrition!

At the Health Retreats, the focus is on the importance of nutrition and preparing great quality nutritious meals. If you have not attended a retreat yet, this is a life changing experience and is where you will learn all about how to enjoy living a healthy lifestyle.

The Couple's Health Retreat is only offered once a year and is coming up right away. Don't delay and reserve your spot now at:
Couple's Health Retreat: http://erleentilton.com/healthretreatC.htm
Women's Health Retreat: http://erleentilton.com/healthretreat2.htm

For your best health,
Erleen Tilton