Natural, healthy eating... need some tips.

[NaturalJo]

I'm wanting to live healthier and in the last year switched to making my own chemical free cleaning supplies & soap now I want to really look at my eating.

Please recommend to me your favorite natural, healthy eating cookbook, website or food brand.

Thanks for your help!

Sincerely,
NaturalJo

[justpeachy92]

Dr. Oz
http://health.discovery.com/fansites/droz/droz.html

[justpeachy92]

http://eatingwell.com/

http://www.foodfit.com/login.asp

[NaturalJo]

Thank you so much for passing along these links! I greatly appreciate it! I look forward to really checking them out in the next couple days.
If anyone has a healthy eating cookbook they'd like to recommend - please do!

NaturalJo

"Make time for the quiet moments, as God whispers and the world is loud." - unknown

[M55FF]

Sometimes you have to look at these matters as a "investment" and long term. I bought a vitamix machine although it was about 400 dollars. Now I can skip store bought smoothie mixes, ice cream and many other store bought treats not to mention use whole food ( less waste) as well as get superior nutrition.

[quiltergirl]

We are meat eaters, but our main focus is fresh fruits and veggies. I haven't really found one cookbook that does it all for me. I do have a couple of vegetarian cookbooks I use for veggie recipes but they are so old I doubt they are still in print. But remember not all vegetarian cookbooks are created equal. I would look for one that emphasizes the fresh stuff more than the "meat replacements."

I also have created and am still adding to my own collection of recipes from health food stores, healthy living magazines and some product packaging -- although I use very little processed food anymore. I cut them out and put them on pages I keep in a 3-ring binder.

If you have favorite organic brands check and see if they have a website. Stonyfield Farms (the yogurt people) have an e-mail "moosletter" that has recipes as well.

Another good place to get fruit and veegie recipes is http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

And remember you can always make substitutions. If a recipe calls for canned, you can use fresh. You can also substitute organic brands for non-organic ones.

Finally the changes are not going to happen overnight and they will build on each other. The most important thing for me was doing my own homework -learning as much as I could about nutrition and healthy eat then putting together what works for us.

[imforpeace]

I would absolutely cut out red meat, processed flour, granulated sugar and convenience foods. I make meals from scratch and then freeze portions so I don't get the urge to go through the fast food joints. Also increase your fiber and water intake.
Do these few things and you will feel amazing!!! {with exercise as well}

[annymoll]

We have followed the Pritikin Lifestyle Plan for over 20 years.There are several cookbooks you can read at the library, used bookstores, or even online.I love the recipies.The selections are labeled under Good, Better, Best, with all nutritional content.

[COUNTRYBUMPKIN]

I have found that the more raw foods I can consume on a daily basis, being fruits, veggies and raw nuts, green powders, the better I feel. I just finished reading a good book called The Live Food Factor, A Comprehensive Guide To The Ultimate Diet For Body, Mind, Spirit and Planet.

[forHISglory]

I follow a modified Adkins low carb diet and have for years. It keeps my weight down, gives me great energy, and has helped my cholesterol count. There are several Adkins books on the market, but they also have a web site that I found immensely valuable.

Contrary to popular thought, a low carb diet is not just pigging out on meat. It is balance with meat and vegetables and limited starches.

[KJayEsq]

As a certified fitness freak, I prefer the Body For Life diet over any other and you can make it even better if your protein source is tofu or organic chicken/turkey/fish and you go with organic fruits and veggies.

That being said, I agree with imforpeace - cut out red meat, sugar, processed flour, and convenience foods. Stay as far away from trans fats as you can. Not only are trans fats horrible for you, they increase inflammation in the body - a very bad state of affairs.

Drink lots of water and try to incorporate green tea into your diet.

For supplements, I like vitamin C, E, and B-50 complex. I also take Flax Seed Oil and Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM. I do take amino acid supplements as my training load increases too.

[NaturalJo]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share these things with me! I appreciate it!

Natural Jo

[NaturalJo]

Thanks for the info & Congrats on the iron man & triathalon!
I ran the Chicago Marathon for the first time this past fall!
I survived despite it being cancelled due to record heat. It was my first marathon.
Jo

[suki]

I love my Moosewood Restaurant cookbook! (vegetarian)

[NaturalJo]

Thanks so much!!