Many of my clients typically come to me once they or a family member face a major health crisis. It frustrates me because most of these issues could be prevented. I do not want to see that happen to you, so, let’s not wait for the health problem let’s get in front of them so we don’t need to face them later.
You have probable heard these keys to health a hundred times before but they are always worth repeating, particularly starting the New Year.
As we go through life, hopefully we hit a point at which we say, “I want better health! Most of the time it hits us hard when we have family and friends that we see fighting health issues like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Being a witness to this hopefully becomes our wake up call or rallying point. This is the first step in their new journey. It starts with a thought and then action. However, many people think it but don’t follow through. I have tried many times to understand why they won’t follow through and can only come to one conclusion. They love the food and unhealthy lifestyle more they fear disease and illness. I have had clients with stints from blockages; insulin dependent diabetes and high blood pressure say they would rather take their medication and keep living their lifestyle. At this point we go our separate ways and I am always left confused and saddened.
After several years of counseling people about health and nutrition I remain as confused as ever by the human psyche! I just can’t fathom why someone doesn’t want better health.
If you will follow a few of these health building principles you can prevent many health issues. The more you can incorporate the better. It doesn’t guarantee a perfectly healthy life but is does mean you greatly reduce your risk of future disease and illness and a quicker recovery if you do face illness.
Don’ts and Limits
- Avoid refined and processed foods as much as possible. They may contain preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, hormones and food colorings all of which are anti-nourishing.
- Avoid all commercially raised red meat, poultry and fish.
- Limit the intake of red meats and pork.
- Avoid all artificial sweeteners. They cause a disruption in our neurotransmitters and nervous system and can cause major health issues.
- Avoid all dairy from cows. It’s highly inflammatory and associated with many adverse health conditions.
- Avoid any trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils), they cause heart disease and cancers
- Avoid vegetable oils other than olive oil and coconut oil for cooking (others are inflammatory).
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods that turn to blood sugar quickly. Sugar is high inflammatory and cause hormonal imbalances and lowers our immune system. Flour based foods turn to blood sugar quickly.
- Limit grains to no more than four servings per day. They cause cravings when eaten to often. The best grains are oats, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat and wild rice.
- Avoid gluten as much as possible. Glutens are very inflammatory.
- Stop the sedentary lifestyle, move more.
Do’s
- Eat fresh organic produce often. This includes mushrooms!
- Try to eat every color of the plant world everyday; red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, green, and white (they are healing foods)
- Reduce simple sugar intake this includes limiting high sugar fruit intake to limit fructose intake. The best fruits are berries, green apples, peaches, pears, plums and bananas that have green tips and are bright yellow.
- Eat more omega 3 foods (chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, salmon, herring, sardines)
- Make nuts and seeds a part of your daily diet. They are highly nutritious and heart protective. Eat walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds etc…
- Make beans and lentils a part of your regular diet. They are a great source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and many nutrients.
- Use spices often. They are some of the most powerful and healing foods we can eat. Some of the best are raw cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, mustard seeds, clove, ginger, garlic, oregano, thyme, cayenne, cardamom, basil, sage, coriander, cumin, turmeric, curcumin and black pepper.
- Drink green tea’s (give Matcha tea a try) and hot chocolate made with raw cocoa. They are very rich in powerful antioxidants and nutrients.
- If eating meats and fish make sure they are free range, organic and the fish are wild caught.
- Drink at least 80 ounces of pure water every day. Drink even more if you sweat a lot.
- Get adequate sunshine.
- Get a good nights sleep!
- De-Stress, stress is a silent killer. Try yoga, exercise, massage, positive affirmations, water aerobics, positive thinking and a healthy diet to help manage stress.
- Exercise at least 5 days a week. Exercise doesn’t have to be hard, just consistent. Our body needs exercise to be healthy. It boost our immune system, removes toxins, helps balance hormones, improves our insulin response, helps regulate weight, gives us energy, improves mental focus, improves our balance and makes our heart and vascular system healthier.
- Make it a point to do a random act of kindness for someone. It will greatly enrich your life.
Summary
If you avoid foods man has altered and stick to foods, as they exist in nature you can’t help but be healthier! Additionally, sunshine, sleep, water, exercise, stress management and a positive attitude can work wonders for your health. I also recommend making Vive!™ part of your daily dietary routine.. Vive!™ will nourish your body from head to toe providing optimal nutrition for optimal health.
Healthy Wishes
Wally Bishop C.N.C.
The contents of this blog is not and should not be considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Related articles
- 2014 Trends for Healthy Eating (irishnewsreview.net)
- 6 tips for preventing heart disease (foxnews.com)
