Thursday, August 13, 2009

On Nutrition


[Photo: natureshelpermedical.com]

When I first started this journey the focus was almost exclusively on the material. At the time, the Enemy was readily identifiable and physical. There was a huge house I no longer desired. There was a job that was meaningless to me. There was stuff to get rid of, debt that controlled me and extra money I didn't really need.

And then, somewhere along the way, the journey became internal. Suddenly, I started reevaluating everything. From confronting certain family demons to questioning the value of marriage and child-rearing, the focus of this blog became more varied and three-dimensional.

And now it's time to add a new layer to this journey.

NUTRITION
I have always led a healthy lifestyle. Or, to be more precise, I have always sought to live the kind of lifestyle people considered healthy. It sounds good on paper: I exercise regularly, avoid caffeine and eat “healthy” meals. Having added yoga and meditation to the mix, you could forgive me for thinking that I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle.

And yet, somehow, I feel like I'm missing something. For one thing, traveling across the country on a bicycle has really changed my internal body chemistry. There were weeks during this trip when there was nothing to eat but hamburgers, fries, chili dogs and carbonated drinks. In fact, at one point, my addiction to Sierra Mist became so pronounced that I literally had daydreams of chugging some down as I was bicycling along the shoulder of an interstate highway somewhere in Kansas.

I'm also pretty unnerved by all the seemingly contradictory information out there regarding nutrition. There was a time when I felt a had a pretty good grasp on what “healthy eating” meant. But no longer. Seriously. How can I claim to know anything about nutrition after watching a documentary like “Food, Inc.,” or perusing some of the food-related commentary on such venerable blogs as Choosing Voluntary Simplicity and Cage Free Family?

HELP!
Bottom line, I want to completely reassess my understanding of nutrition and so-called “healthy eating.” And I am hoping you guys can help me:

1. Basic Facts. It would be fantastic if I could find links to online sources that discuss nutrition and healthy eating. I am specifically looking for independent, apolitical, and impartial commentary that does not promote a specific nutritional plan at the exclusion of all others. At some point, I would love to delve deeper into the merits of specific nutritional diets but I'm just not there yet. I want to get the lay of the land before committing to one thing or another.

2. Detox? I may be getting ahead of myself here, but can you guys discuss the benefits, practicalities and possible side affects of detoxing after my bike trip? It might make sense to focus on this once I reevaluate the meaning of “healthy eating” (see point 1. above) but I really want to get started on something like this ASAP.

In some ways, this is the most daunting topic I have confronted on this blog. I'm not expecting to figure it all out overnight. I'm not even certain that I will be able to commit to the kind of nutritional plan that best suits me. All I know is that I have tons of questions and very few answers.

53 comments:

Unknown said...

The very best advice I have is to take it ONE STEP AT A TIME... BABY STEPS.

http://ediblearia.com is a great source for this stuff. Yes, I'm a little biased here. It's my dad's site, but when I started talking to him about nutrition he was chugging at least a 12 pack of diet soda, 2 pack of cigarettes a day, and most of his meals came from a drive-thru or a freezer box.

These days he's all over the internet as a nutrition go-to, and he's earned it. He's also got the single guy wants to keep it reasonable aspect going.

Other than that... read. Read until you find what speaks to you, what motivates you, what makes you able to change. I'm a huge, huge fan of Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. Outside of being a really complete book about nutrition and a direct challenge to the "diet dictocrats" it's filled with simple recipes that can be easily followed or altered to suit your higher culinary tastes.

Outside of that, know where your food comes from. Really. Not in a "my food comes from happy organic cows raised on Horizon brand family farms" either. Organic does not mean organic in the sense that most consumers believe that it does. Dean foods/Horizon Organics is a great example of this. Know where your food comes from and be responsible enough to abstain if you cannot get what you want from a responsible, truly sustainable, organic grower. If we even want a *choice in the future we have to be willing to make the hard ones now.

xo

Unknown said...

I know exactly what you mean. For me, once i got my nutritional needs under control, lots of other things fell into place. The demands of digesting food that is completely inappropriate for you body can go far beyond pure calorie cost.
The first thing i would do if i were you, would be to check out the book "The 80-10-10 Diet" by Dr. Douglas Graham. I have been reading about nutrition for years, and as a scientist (i'm a computational chemist active in research) this is the best book i've found that gives an unbiased account of what our body has evolved to eat using actual references of research studies. I know you specifically asked for books that didn't detail a specific diet, but if you want, you can just read the first half of this book for a great intro to the human body from a nutritional evolution perspective.
I myself eat a 95% raw vegan diet and absolutely love it. It took a while to get here, but i've never felt so healthy and had so much energy. Good luck on path, and remember to be patient with yourself as you experiment with different styles of eating. Believe me, when you start to clean out, junk comes up...emotionally, physically...etc.
~

Family on Bikes said...

I think the best thing is to eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies and whole, natural foods. That about sums it up! People make nutrition so complicated, but it really doesn't have to be.

We notice it a lot on our bikes - if our diets get really bad, we start feeling our energy levels plummet. YOu don't notice it so much when you aren't pedaling a heavily-laden bike up hills all day, but it really makes a difference!

Nancy
www.familyonbikes.org

jon said...

bodyecologydiet.com
permaculture.org
earthship.org

jon said...

bodyecologydiet.com
permaculture.org
earthship.org

Anonymous said...

Check out www.whfoods.org

Fairly well balanced and helpful.

Meg said...

I'm actually a bit skeptical when it comes to detoxing, beyond just eating a healthy, high fiber diet and drinking plenty of water. Seems like a lot of programs are more about selling than science. So, tread carefully and beware of snake oil salesmen!

Eat whole foods as much as possible. Eat a lot of raw stuff -- but all raw is not necessary or even best, imho. In fact, stay away from any diet that limits your diet severely. Variety is good! We're supposed to be omnivores! The problem is, we think of variety as different packaging when it's more of the same: corn, soy, wheat, and other simple carbs. On a related note, check out the glycemic index as well as glycemic load of foods. That's a biggie!

If you eat animals, eat animals that got to eat natural diets. Don't eat sick animals if you can help it. And factory farmed animals are generally sick, very literally. But there are more sustainable, healthy sources of meat and meat can definitely be part of a healthy diet.

Read Michael Pollan. Specifically: Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and then Botany of Desire. VERY good books about what is wrong not just with our farming practices, but even our general ideas about "nutritionism".

Anonymous said...

I'm also pretty unnerved by all the seemingly contradictory information out there regarding nutrition.

Exactly. My unscientific advice? Listen to your body and find what works for you, regardless of what this week's politically correct diet is, regardless of what other people push. Pay attention to how you feel after eating various foods--do they energize you? Leave you bloated? Give you a quick rush followed by a "food coma?" Don't get legalistic about it, and don't get sucked in by all the "scary" stuff you read. Keep it simple. The human body is amazingly adaptable and resilient, and different people all over the world live long, healthy lives on all kinds of diets.

Debbi said...

I'm with Amy. Listen to your body. Eat what works for you best. Go for balance (in food type and nutrition) and moderation. If you have the occasional sugary treat, it won't kill you--just don't make a habit of it or binge.

As for health studies, good luck trying to find one that won't be contradicted later or by another study done by someone else. (I've been cynical about studies ever since I worked at EPA.)

I think a lot of healthy eating comes down to common sense.

Now, the issue of sustainable eating is separate. And that's where knowing the real source of your food comes in. Plus the various books Meg mentioned.

LAS said...

I agree with the Michael Pollan suggestion. "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver is a good starting place too. She discusses the importance of eating seasonally and locally. Neil Barnard and Andrew Weil have both written books on nutrition and I found both their approaches interesting and memorable.

I don't think any of this will give you a specific way to eat, though. There is no one clear path.

As for "detox" though, I have to offer an opinion. If you eat properly, your body detoxes itself. You can never go wrong increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables - eating one "raw" meal a day (smoothie, salad, raw nuts, etc.) helps a lot too. I would be wary of a specific detox program.

Mia said...

I'd like to second the recommendation to read The Omnivores Dilemma and In Defense of Food.

Kevin M said...

You sure you're not just sick of eating burgers and fries for months straight? I felt the same way after going on vacation in June. It was nice to come home and cook our own meals again.

I don't eat as healthy as I could, but there's something to be said for balance, too. Actually, since having our son 2 years ago we've learned to eat a lot better - incorporating more fruits & veggies into our diet to ensure he gets the stuff he needs.

Please share whatever you discover though, so we all can learn something too.

Anonymous said...

My suggestion: Dr Esselstyn's book. He is an esteemed Cleveland clinic heart surgeon, who advocates a vegan diet for heart health, and backs up his claims with an extensive study and some pretty impressive research findings.

Here goes: http://bit.ly/gyh4J

Jack said...

@Aimee,

I love your one step at a time advice. Beyond the practicalities of changing your diet, it just appeals to me given how anal I am about getting everything right, at the right pace.

Will check out the site and the book...If you trust it I will as well, though I have a feeling some of this stuff is more for when I get the basics down.

@E,

That book sounds perfect. Love anything that might be peer-reviewed and has good cites. Notice that it's been referenced by other readers. Will have to check it out.

@Nancy,

I agree with you completely. There where times during my last tour when diet definitely had an impact on the ride. Always tried to eat no less than 4 hours before going to bed and leaving heavy stuff for lunch. Sadly, there were slim pickings in terms of veggies and fruits at times...

Jack said...

@Jon,

SWEET! Love these. Permacuture.org has always been cool. I definitely prefer links to actual physical books now that I am mostly on the road.

@Anonymous,

Never heard of it, but I like how they have links on the benefits of each specific food. Looks like a good resource.

@Meg,

Yeah, already on the Pollan bandwagon, specially after Food Inc. The detox stuff intrigues me but I get your point on snakeoil. I just wish there was a peer-reviewed study on a specific detox that was actually beneficial...and, yes, learning about meats and how to approach that. This is all soo cool.

Jack said...

@Amy,

That's probably very good advice, and not just for nutriton. I'll keep it in mind as I continue pouring over this stuff.

@Debbi,

And that is what's so frustrating. I am always so focused on getting the lay of the land before committing to something. And, in this case, I want to rely on independent science. But it sure seems as if the advice changes on a dime...

@LAS,

Ummmm...maybe a fast is in order. I am getting the feeling that a medically sound detox doesn't exist...And thanks for the book suggestions. At barnes and noble at the moment so will check those out.

Jack said...

@Mia,

Already on it. After Food Inc, honed in on those immediately. Thanks.

@Kevin,

Well, you might be onto something. By the end of the trip I was definitely longing for fruits and vegetables. Maybe I just need to reinforce what I already know and have always followed. But I do want to look at the issue from a fresh perspective.

@Anonymous,

Thanks for the suggestion. Never heard of the guy, but still at the bookstore...will check it out.

Srividya said...

I come from a culture with a food tradition that has evolved over several centuries. But I still find myself grappling with what constitutes "healthy" eating. The nutritional advice you get is confusing and often contradictory. So I have given up trying to follow any advice and go with what my body tells me. Seems to be working.

Marissa said...

Beans. That is all.

meli said...

I don't have time to read through all of the replies, so I apologize if this book has already been recommended

The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_China_Study

Give it a looksy, see if it speaks to you...

Frederik said...

Oh and forget detoxing. Even if it's true, it's of secondary importance, after a solid diet. A healthy body will detox itself.

Buck16 said...

Wait, wait, wait. Back the truck up here ...

Are you saying hamburgers, fries and chili dogs ARE NOT a part of a balanced diet?

Sure, and cows say 'moo' just because they got tired of saying 'quack'.

Thanks for all the links and info folks, I'm going to check it out too, as my wife and I are always talking about eating healthier and fresher ...

Oh and The End of Food (Thomas Pawlick I think) is a very interesting book on how little nutrition is left on our grocery store shelves – even in fruits and vegetables.

Mike said...

I just do my best to stay away from processed foods. I know there is so much more to nutrition, but I think eating natural food instead of science projects is probably a really good step.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you have posted this! I've been going through this same thing, thinking about the effects food have on my body. I'm currently pregnant with my second child and would love to make sure everything I'm eating is helping her out also. So I will definitely be reading all the comments. Sorry I have no helpful advice. I was/am living the same kind of "healthful" life you were. One thing I have noticed though is when I do eat fast food or grease laden food I feel depressed the rest of the day. It's interesting that fast food even affects the brain chemicals. It's obvious once you think about it, but it takes experience sometimes. Anyways thanks again for the post.

Thanks!
T

Spork said...

Jack, please, "detox" is a myth, you will find no peer-reviewed articles because the idea flies in the face of everything we know about the body. I hate to characterize something as "new age bullshit", but detox definitely falls into that category.

Sure, periodic fasting might be helpful, it could even promote a spiritual renewal...all other claims are beyond reason. Just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

I think the detox stuff is pseudo science and ultimately just all placebo effect.

Maybe oh I don't know a balanced diet?

Frederik said...

I always thought I was a healthy eater as well, until I came across the website of the Weston A. Price foundation. If you're someone who values solid arguments, this is going to be unsettling. As always, read with a critical eye.

My personal impression atm of what is good nutrition:

- avoid processed foods as much as possible, always ask yourself what people would have eaten centuries ago
- our bodies (teeth, intestines, eyes...) are designed for both vegetable and animal food. So no vegetarianism.
- Fish caught in the wild seems healthier than farmed fish or farmed meat (everyone knows those are fucked up). One of the benefits of wild animals are omega3 fatty acids (which are also present in certain vegetable oils but those are fucked up for another reason - see below).
- fats: most vegetable oils should not be heated, and even used cold most are of questionable quality (due to use of heat & pressure during production). So use heat-resistant oils or 'classics' like olive oil and butter.
- if you add up all the foods you eat in a day, they should be hugely varied and they are probably not

I'm still learning though, I don't have all the answers. This is a work in progress.

Linda said...

I agree with Cage Free Family: slow is the way to go.

I've been trying to change the way I look at food and the things I eat for a while now. I believe in choosing 'clean', organic food as much as possible (as opposed to ready made meals and such). And reading labels. When you see the contents in some foods, you lose your appetite...

I (like so many women) have been obsessed with thinness all my life, but has recently begun to change that. Instead of giving my body barely what it needs in order to stay thin, I've discovered that the spirit, like the body, has it's needs. Eating is about enjoyment and sensuality, as well as nourishment for the body. I think that's easy to forget when there's new "scary" nutrition facts and advice every day. I've just discovered the Slow Food Movement, which started in Italy (where else :)?). Carlo Petrini have written several books on the subject.

I also like Joanna Blythman's "The Food We Eat", even if it's a bit outdated and deals with the British food industry. She has some good points, though. She's written other books and articles on the food industry as well.

I've ordered "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan, and am looking forward to reading it.

As for detox, I don't believe in it. What I DO know, is that fasting messes your body up. I too think that a healthy body detoxes itself. However, dandelion tea is good for getting rid of toxins (but it tastes disgusting).

I've also tried a macrobiotic diet, and felt great while on it. But the cooking is time consuming and the rules are quite rigid, which I don't like. But as a detox diet for a limited time, it works. "Modern-Day Macrobiotics" by Simon Brown and "The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics" by Jessica Porter is two good books (i know the latter is for girls, but read it anyway - it's good :)).

Take care!

Linda said...

Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon

Jack said...

@Srividya,

That's probably the right attitude. I wonder if after all the research I do I just come to the same conclusion.

@marissa,

Not a bad addition to one's diet.

@Melissa,

Nope, not at all. I'll check out the link and see what it's about. Not in the bookstore till next week though...

Jack said...

@Concojones,

That seems to be the consensus, at least on this post. I may be moving that way myself.

@Buck16,

:) And thanks for the info on the book. Second on my list, after checking out others earlier in this thread at barnes and noble the other day.

@Mike,

I'm with you, but, honestly, I don't even know what “processed foods” means. Well, I do and I don't. That's why I want to really do some research on this stuff.

Jack said...

@T,

Congratulations! I have a feeling our nutritional requirements will be different for some time, but I think we are both benefiting from everyone's input.

@Spork,

As I said above, I think that view is definitely the consensus on this post. Maybe what I need is a fast to restart the motor...

@fatstupidamerican,

See above. Definitely detecting a pattern on the detox issue. Good to know there is a consensus.

Jack said...

@Concojones,

Not a bad summary. Coincides with most of what I'm seeing, minus the vegetarian stuff. Maybe anyone reading this post should start with this comment.

@Linda,

Yeah, the slow and easy suggestion is tops. Like the suggestions (had heard of the SFM before and thought it appropriate), even if is chick-related.:) The macrobiotic stuff is familiar but need more info. Wow...there is so much to think about...

@Linda,

Thanks! Someone mentioned it at the store the other day.

Meg said...

Re: processed foods... if it doesn't look much like it did when it was growing, consider it processed. That includes anything with flour. If there are ingredients that you don't recognize or can't pronounce, it's probably very processed. If it has a long shelf-life and/or you can get it at a gas station, it's probably VERY processed.

If it comes in a box, don't eat it. If it comes in a bag and especially if you can eat it straight from the bag, you probably shouldn't eat it, either. Bags beans are o.k. -- better than canned, in fact. Rice isn't really great health food, but it'll do in moderation and it's better bagged than boxed.

Look for foods that don't have ingredient lists on them! You'll find them on the perimeter of the grocery store. Fresh is best, followed closely by frozen (maybe better than fresh sometimes if you're going to cook it anyhow, but doesn't cook/taste as well, imho). Canned & dried usually have additives and both lose nutrients through heat and/or time.

And remember, healthy foods rarely come with health claims because it's barely packaged or branded most of the time! Avoid stuff that does! It's usually the equivalent of putting a vitamin in a donut and calling it health food. That includes stuff like cold cereal, "nutrition" bars, sports drinks, etc.

Unknown said...

hi Jack-
Since coming to volunteer at Ratna Ling I've been exposed to a lot of Eastern ideas. First Buddhist in nature, it's now moved to traditional chinese notions of body and mind and health and also Ayureda health.
The Eastern perspective on the body is COMPLETELY different than the Western perspective. I didn't look though all 34 comments posted so far but I'm willing to bet most direct you to western sites which will likely contradict one another or give prescriptive kinds of advice as if our bodies are all the same or all need the same things (e.g. Vitamin D is good, eat less dairy, etc).

I'd suggest getting an Ayurveda book on amazon or, an excellent source is a book called Healing With Whole Foods. It's got this body mind connection on-going through out the book. I think you'll like it.

Sorry this is so long! Contact me if you have questions or want more info.

Mary

Unknown said...

p.s. There are lots of Ayurvedic fasts and fasts in Healing with Whole foods. What I like about them is that they aren't fasts where you don't eat anything but they talk about eating in specific ways or specific foods (for your dosha or body composition) for a certain period of time.

check it out :)

Jennifer @ Conversion Diary said...

My life and health completely changed when I gave up sugar and processed foods. It was also a really simple place to start: If it's not something I could make by hand if I lived in a farm, I didn't eat it. Really easy litmus test.

Also, if you're looking for an inspiring book that's a fun, easy read, I recommend Real Food by Nina Planck (who was raised by intellectual farmers, tried all sorts of fad diets, ended up researching her way back into whole foods eating and ended up starting the UK's first farmer's market). I've read TONS of books on the subject of nutrition, special diets, etc. and this one was one of the most calm, apolitical approaches to the subject I've seen.

Also, this is a little off topic, but there was a really interesting discussion of fasting and the connection of food and spirituality here at my place a while back.

Best of luck!

frugal zeitgeist said...

Jack!

I just read your twitter feed. I live in New York. Haven't commented much, but I'm an avid follower of your story. Coffee?

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your testimony.
I am interested in the health and the food
Hippocrate said " That the food is your medicine! "
I am French and my references are it for many.
I find very interesting the reflections and the receipts on the raw food ( book :"Raw Energy" - Leslie and Susannha Kenton - it in english ) and the books of Taty (http: // www.taty.be/ in french (sorry)
Friendly
christine
my blog is
http://vie-simple.vox.com/

Buddy said...

Brad Eselstyn wrote about a completely plant based diet, and being an uber carnivore I thought it was completely whacked. But he advised to try it for a week and I loved it so much I did it for months and my blood chemistry turned great again and my body was like a well oiled machine.

T.Colin Campbell writes about the same thing in the China Study, which notes that the longest healthiest lives tend to belong to the plant based dieters, with the simpliest diets.

That being said, I've read and tried low fat, low carb, anabolic, sugar busters, Montignac, etc., etc., and noted that sticking to a 'plan' is not for me.

It all evened out when I started working through Julia Child's 1st book and started looking for the freshest and most delicious food around.

My diet naturally evened out, and then I read about plant based nutrition and incorporated that and, so far so good.

What it eventually boiled down to was learning preparation techniques, realizing it's supposed to be delicious, seeking freshness and knowing where my food comes from when possible, and of course the best advice of all.... keep it simple.

So I'm considering spending a month or two in France starting in October, but that's a separate story.

I look forward to reading about your own experience.

Buddy

Susanne said...

Maybe read Michael Pollan's "Defense of food". 9 Rules:

1. Eat food. Though in our current state of confusion, this is much easier said than done. So try this: Don’t eat anything your great-great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.
2. Avoid even those food products that come bearing health claims
3. Especially avoid food products containing ingredients that are a) unfamiliar, b) unpronounceable c) more than five in number — or that contain high-fructose corn syrup.
4. Get out of the supermarket whenever possible
5. Pay more, eat less
6. Eat mostly plants, especially leaves
7. Eat more like the French. Or the Japanese. Or the Italians. Or the Greeks.
8. Cook. And if you can, plant a garden
9. Eat like an omnivore

Grtz,

Susanne

Nicole said...

Jack, here's two books, I'd recommend...

1. In Defense of Food
2. The China Study

I think you can maintain a healthy diet as long as you practice balance and everything in moderation.

Akila said...

The best advice I can give you on nutrition is not to listen to other people but to listen to your own body. 50% of people who talk to me tell me that vegetarianism is a terrible diet, while the other 50% think it is the only way to live healthfully.

A perfect example: a friend has a sodium deficiency. That means that while the rest of the world is told to eat low-sodium everything amd that salt can be a killer, his doctors have advised him to pour on the salt. Otherwise, he is a perfectly healthy guy, but when he doesn't eat salt, he starts to feel terrible and his blood pressure drops.

Personally, we eat a lot of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, and try to buy the freshest eggs and milk possible. But, we don't do those things because we follow a specific diet: we just find that we feel best when we are eating that way.

Anonymous said...

Check out
Dr. Fuhrman - website and books
The China Study
The Health Promoting Cookbook
The Pleasure Trap

People who choose to eat the highest nutrition foods and avoid the empty foods are "nutritarians". This is often vegan but you can be vegan and eat total crap.

I only found nutrition after beginning to simplify my life. I think when you pursue money and stuff you also pursue rich foods and lots of it. Once you lighten up you see that the the heavy rich food is also bad for you.

Eating well is also a true life changer.

Anonymous said...

Sorry I posted twice thinking my first one did not make it. Now I see that they have to get your approval before showing up. Please delete one of the previous and this one. Thanks. Brendan

Mary A said...

Seeing Food, Inc. and reading The China Study convinced me to try a whole food plant-based diet for awhile. It's been a month and I feel better. I am doing this in a relaxed way, so that I am not denying myself.

In fact, I have had no desire for either beef or chicken ever since Food, Inc., although I know that organic grass-fed meat is probably fine, at least in moderation.

There is a doubt in my mind, because Campbell of The China Study is really credible. The guy is a scientist who grew up on a dairy farm and did research at Cornell! I know it took a lot to convert him to a whole foods, plant-based diet.

Now I am reading something else that says something else entirely, and I am not sure what I think, except that I believe the confusion it is causing is leading me right back to what Amy and some others said - about listening to your body.

Jolyn said...

Yes, Michael Pollan, specifically "In Defense of Food". And Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Mineral".

I'm a little late to this post, but I felt so strongly about those titles/authors I had to check to make sure they were mentioned. I wasn't disappointed!

(LOVE LOVE LOVE your header! I've been following you on facebook, too, but it's been awhile since I clicked on my google reader link to go to your blog page...)

Jack said...

@Meg,

You have the most common-sense, easy to follow advice. That's precisely what I need at this point. Maybe later I will be in a position to, for example, know what those ingredients are and WHY they soundn't be consumed. But for now, I am following you.

@Mary,

Actually, this appeals to me. REALLY interested in Buddhism to begin with. Email me if you get a chance.

@Jennifer,

What sucked was that the B&N I was at the other day didn't have the Planck in stock. Good advice as always.

Jack said...

@Frugal,

It was so great meeting you.

@Christine,

Saw your blog when you posted this comment. Don't worry, my French is passable. We have tons in common.

@Buddy,

Your eventual conclusions sort of encapsultate where I am now. Good luck on your trip. You are going to have a great time. :)

Jack said...

@Susanne,

I'm down with all of those. And wrote them down directly from the book as summary rules.

@Miss Scorpio,

Yeah, checked out the China study last month. Intriguing for sure.

@Akila,

Tend to agree with you completely. See my latest post on this.

Meg said...

Glad I could help makes things! After all, nutrition is very important but also a very complex subject and there are so many seemingly contradictory claims -- though usually those "contradictions" make more sense if you consider that you should be eating a varied diet. Most foods have good sides and bad sides, it's mostly a matter of eating enough variety so that things balance each other out (again, a big reason I'm not into very restrictive diets).

Jack said...

@anon,

Very good point regarding wealth and nutrition. i have a feeling its why i can fous on this issue now.

@Mary,

You've done the research and maybe coming full circle to listening to your body is the way to go. See mt latest post on this for more.

@Jolyn,

No worries, got them in early. And thanks for reading. :)

Lynn Shwadchuck said...

Hi Jack,

I've been living this diet for the four years since I quit my own high-paying career to live simply in the country. My partner of one year encouraged me to spread the word about my very efficient, healthy, green and cheap total eating program, the 10 in 10 Diet (the name is from the 10:10 plan to reduce CO2 emissons 10% in 2010).

Please visit the site.
http://www.10in10diet.com/

Cheers,
Lynn Shwadchuck
Sharbot Lake, Ontario, Canada