Judy E. Buss

OK, last year your New Year’s resolution to improve your diet got tabled after “the dog ate your cookbook”… The good news is that any day of the year is suitable for resolving to change our lives for the better. As a new year begins, however, we tend to be more open to re-evaluating our habits, including those related to health. Such introspection often leads many folks to realize that they are digging their own graves with a fork and a knife by overeating or consuming unhealthy fare.

Those who have already made positive dietary changes and stick to them, are filled with excitement upon discovering how rewarding a healthier lifestyle is, and how much control they do have over their well-being: They feel more energetic and motivated; enjoy scrumptious, guilt-free cuisine; better weight control; and enhanced mental performance, including memory.  Culinary improvements also help prevent, or greatly diminish, debilitating diseases in the present as well as later in life.

The human body is made up of trillions of cells charged with performing billions of elaborate biochemical tasks every second of our lives. What we choose to put in our mouths has a profound effect on these chemical processes. Eating is primarily a health issue; considering it mainly as entertainment, relief from boredom, tension, or merely for stopping hunger pangs, results in nutritional deficiencies and toxic overload. This leads to a great deal of suffering, diminished quality of life, and medical expenses.

When we focus on wellness first while making food choices, we are not forced to give up culinary pleasures. A healthy diet is every bit as delicious, and does not mean we are condemned to graze 24/7 at “Cows-R-Us.”

Eating habits are learned: a member of a rainforest tribe, most likely, enjoys munching on insects, grubs, etc. With a reason and a purpose, attitudes can be altered: No one is obligated to participate in a culture which fills every minute of the day with commitments, multi-tasking and addiction to electronic devices. Shedding unnecessary activities and fiercely adhering to a trimmed-down schedule, allows for more time at home preparing nutritious meals, savored calmly at a table. Tired, overscheduled people have no energy or time left for nurturing their health.

Gradual dietary improvements, one day at a time, have a greater chance for success than administering “shock therapy.” By making sweeping changes overnight, one is doomed to failure. So put on your steel-tipped boots and (gradually!) kick out of your life white bread, white pasta, white rice, excessive amounts of sugar and fat. Oust sodas, fried food, artificial sweeteners, full-fat dairy, frozen meals, canned food, junk and fast food. All of these are over-processed and practically devoid of nutrition. They are filled with harmful additives which may include food color, artificial flavors, fillers, preservatives, thickeners, gum, MSG, large amounts of sugar, sodium, etc. Replace these with whole foods such as an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruit, millet and bulgur (which can be found in health food stores), brown rice, barley, beans, lentils, quality whole grain bread, pita and wraps, whole grain pasta, spices, dried and fresh herbs, olive oil, lean meat cuts, fish, nuts, and seeds. Such basic, inexpensive, and nutritious ingredients present an unlimited number of possibilities for making invigorating raw vegetable salads, steamed vegetables, aromatic soul-warming soups, versatile whole-grain dishes, pasta salads, lip smacking sandwiches, and more.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but no more than half a cup during and immediately after a meal. Other beverages, consumed in moderation, can be all-natural, hot or cold home-made lemonade (made with lemon juice and honey), and herbal teas, natural fruit juices, low-fat or skim milk, soy, or rice milk.

Cooking healthy cuisine does not take more time than its unhealthy counterpart. Avoid attempting to make elaborate, time-consuming dishes or your resolution will shrivel on the vine…  With renewed determination, enjoy a health-promoting, scrumptious cuisine. Happy and Healthy New Year!

“Mission Nutrition” Tips and Recipes from Judy E. Buss, Syndicated Eating-for-Health Columnist

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