Spokesman June 2010

What is “real food” and how can it help you in your journey to good health?  Real food in essence is food that has not been altered by processing.  Many processed foods are nutritionally “empty” as they fail to provide us with the essential nutrients we need to feed the cells of our body.   Hundreds of studies have shown that “real food” or “whole food” can improve and maintain your health more than many of the supplements or drugs people take on a daily basis.  In addition, there are even more studies that have shown how the wrong types of foods can actually cause harm or help create many of the disease processes we experience today.  

Decades ago, the presence of high fructose corn syrup, artificial additives (such as colors, flavors and sweeteners), enriched products and partially hydrogenated oils were not used in our daily diets.  Foods in our fields were not sprayed with pesticides or grown by genetically modifying them.  When the masses of fake foods were created, the increase in human diseases rose. 

Real food is nutrient dense.  It is food that our bodies were meant to enjoy and are close to natural as possible.  Real food keeps us healthy and vibrant.   There is a strong correlation between food and health.  Many people believe that if it is sold in the store that “it must be safe” for them.  This is farther from the truth than ever before.  Foods are created in labs by food companies that want to fool our tastes buds into believing that if it tastes good then it must be good for you.  This marketing concept is wrong.  These foods are “created“ to stay on the shelves longer and still look great to eat. 

Processed foods have been altered from its original natural state. As soon as a natural food is altered in any way, it starts to lose nutrients.  Does this mean you only have to eat raw food?  No. It means that every day you need to try and eat as much whole foods as you can with a combination of other foods that you like.  Whole foods can be eaten raw or cooked (steamed, baked, and grilled).   Refined foods are foods that have been altered to last longer.  Totally processed foods are laden with chemicals and do not resemble its original form.

Making healthy whole food choices can improve many areas in your life including your skin, weight and energy level.   When we fill our body with non-processed, chemical free foods we can also improve our body’s ability to fight illness.  How to get started?  Go to your pantry and refrigerator; look closely at the percentage of processed or refined foods you consume.  Learn to read food labels.  If you cannot pronounce it then don’t eat it. Consume as much whole foods as possible.  When you learn to avoid additives, chemicals and highly processed foods from your diet, you can radically improve your future.  Make it your health goal to consume at least 75-80% of non-processed foods into your diet today.  “Change Your Health, Change Your Life” is my company’s trademarked saying.  I truly believe that when you live with that concept, your life will improve!

Susan is a registered nurse who is extensively trained and certified in Nutrition, Stress Management and is a Life and Organizational Coach.  Her practice Balanced Health 101 is located at 901 Delaware Ave.  Susan can be reached at (575) 491-5036.