Get Back to Basics

When life becomes overwhelming, and it's hard to focus, that is precisely the time to return to the basics, to keep it simple and real.  When it comes to food, that means start with the food groups which are:  fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and protein substitutes, dairy and dairy substitutes and healthy oils. The single ingredient foods from these groups are the most nutrient dense, filling, healthy and low in calories, sugar, saturated fat and sodium.  A balance of the food groups creates satisfied eating, improves the chance for weight loss, reduces cravings for sugar and aids digestion.

Food has long been valued for its medicinal properties.  For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, depending on the ailment and the organ, there is a corresponding food to consume to create healing and balance.  Fast forward thousands of years, to my own childhood when my grandmother called chicken noodle soup "Jewish penicillin."  We aren't Jewish, but the soothing comfort of hot soup that is simple and satisfying no matter what religion you are can do the trick.  This is another version of going back to basics, i.e. what is simple is what will often work best.

Over the years, the science of weight loss and nutrition has evolved.  So has our eating.  We know things now that we had no clue about before.  My grandfather was a diabetic.  In the 70's, he was given a baked potato instead of french fries because that was thought to be healthier for a diabetic.  The fact is that while the baked potato wasn't fried, it had just as many carbs as the french fries and was not really any "healthier" for a diabetic.

More recently, there has been a major misunderstanding about cholesterol.  We all have good cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol in our system.  Certain foods are known to add to the "bad" cholesterol--namely saturated fats.  We now know that the overconsumption of saturated fat (and sugar) is the leading cause of obesity in the world not cholesterol.

Moderation in all things--including moderation itself is the key.  The sweet spot in our eating comes from choosing mostly healthy foods most of the time with a dash of extras thrown in to keep us interested and satisfied.  By filling up on the basic food groups, our bodies get what they want and need--fuel.  By adding in a few treats now and then, our minds get what they want--something more exciting.  By finding a balance, we enjoy life more fully.  This is the "sweetest" spot of all.