Seems kinda obvious, but so much of what we think of as "food" is really a processed food-like substance. So, to begin my journey into eating healthier, I've decided to adopt Michael Pollan's advice from his book "In Defense of Food" which is "Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Six words that imply volumes of readjusting to the American diet - at least THIS American. I've already started making several changes like buying more organic foods and making food from scratch. My mother thinks I've digressed back to the dark ages because I'm making my own bread. Still there is more work to do and like my quest to become more friendly to the earth, this will take several steps and no doubt some trial and error. So I decided that I need some sort of formula to begin with...something to follow to keep me on track. So based on Mr. Pollan's advice, here is my first draft:
- At least 3 vegetables and 2 fruits/day - preferably fresh and not all in one meal
- Meat once a day and only the size of a deck of cards
- At least two milk products/day for calcium
- Whole grains, only
- 3 meals, last one no later than 6 pm
- A healthy snack is allowed mid-morning and mid-afternoon, if needed.
Six bullet points for six words. The key for me will be the "not too much" part of the equation. And of course the secret trips to Dairy Queen or to pick up malted milk balls at the drug store will have to stop...sigh!
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