Healthy Living
Hippocrates once said “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Although that was said over two thousand years ago, it couldn’t be closer to the truth. We live in a society that promotes a quick fix easy way out mentality. Many looking to lose weight or have a healthier well-being turn to the latest trendy diets, such as the Paleo, Atkins, South Beach, all potato diet just to name a few. In my opinion a Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean type diet is by far the healthiest and has the most nutritional value.
The Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean diet emphasize the use of olive oil, fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes as primary foods. Red meat, dairy, and sugary sweets are not eaten on a regular basis. Since saturated fat and cholesterol are only found in animal based foods, this diet is very low in both. Instead healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids provided from olive oil and fish are the primary source of fats. On this diet, you obtain protein from legumes, nuts, and fish instead of red meat and poultry.
I also believe it is a necessity to supplement a raw, organic, whole food vitamin into your diet. From many years of soil depletion the food we consume does not have the same nutritional value as say our grandparents did. In 1992, the official report of the Rio Earth Summit concluded “there is a deep concern over continuing major declines in the mineral values in farm and range soils throughout the world.” This statement was based on data showing that over the last one hundred years, average mineral levels in agricultural soils had fallen worldwide- by 72% in Europe, 76% in Asia, and 85% in North America. Most of the blame lies with artificial chemical fertilizers. It has now been said that you would have to eat ten times the amount of fruits and vegetables to get the same nutrients as humans did in 1950.
As Americans almost everything we eat is cooked, processed, or microwaved. Phytonutrients, which includes antioxidants, give fruits and vegetables their radiant colors and are important in the prevention of chronic diseases, most notably cancer. These are the compounds that nature created to keep us well. However most vitamins and phytonutrients are destroyed or damaged when cooked or processed above 130 degrees so they’re less available for assimilation. In short, when you cook your food, you’re destroying the nutrients. That is why it is extremely important to consume as much organic raw leafy greens on a day to day basis as possible.
We have to remember that in nearly every diet in the world, whether meat, vegetarian, or vegan there are many deficiencies. So whatever diet you choose remember a fresh high raw diet high in minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, enzymes, and photo chemicals is the absolute key.
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About The Author
Lance
Lance Long is the owner and operator of LLSPEED Sports Development. Lance played six seasons in the National Football League as a wide receiver, for the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, San Fransisco 49ers, and the Detroit Lions. Lance was a part of the 2008 Arizona Cardinals NFC Championship team. Prior to that he attended Mississippi State University where he was voted team captain following his junior season. Was an Academic All SEC honoree all four years. He attended Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, Michigan. Lance was apart of the 2000 & 2001 Division 1 State Runner Up football teams. He lettered in football and track all three years. Grew up in Sterling Heights where he played his youth ball with the Sterling Heights Redskins.Recent Posts
April 12, 2016
Hippocrates once said “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Although that was said over two thousand years ago, it couldn't be closer to the truth.
March 7, 2016
Athletes all over the country are training harder than ever with the dream of one day playing for their favorite college team. The truth is however, only a small fraction will ever make it past high school athletics.