Today I’m going to let you in on a secret about my personal nutrition philosophy and my personal program to stay healthy. It hasn’t changed radically over the many years that my interest in nutrition intensified. As a child my mother would explain to me that every sore throat or cold I suffered was due to my not eating correctly. I was brought up thinking it was my responsibility to eat a healthy diet or suffer the consequences. We didn’t eat many sweets because we ate satisfying meals. Quantities were not limited but, no one requested seconds or ate snacks all day long, you ate only at mealtimes and enjoyed both the food and the company. My family always returned to the table after dinner dishes were washed to have tea. A strange practice for non-British New Yorkers, but one that I think is worth keeping. I still can’t sleep well without a cup of tea.
This is not to say that I did not eat processed foods or have my share of ice cream like the rest of the neighborhood. What I did do which I have tried to do with my own family is to consider food in relation to health and balance it with enjoyment. I learned to prepare foods that I thought were healthy in a way that my family and I would enjoy them. As I learned more about nutrition, I realized how much is still unknown about the effect food has on individual health and I became more accepting of other’s dietary patterns. Throughout the years I participated in many food fads including every weight loss diet that was popular and went from a high carbohydrate focused diet pattern to a high protein diet pattern always including as many vegetables and fruits as possible. I avoid fried foods and sweets with a focus on protein and vegetables whenever there’s a choice. I eat eggs, walnuts and almonds to keep from feeling hungry and plan ahead so I’m never stuck eating from vending machines or fast food outlets where my choices are limited. I also try to get some exercise in everyday if possible including walking or lifting weights. Somehow this has worked for me since I’m still the same size I was in college and I feel good most of the time.
