Being a Nutritarian

I promised, a few weeks back, to update you on how I'm tweaking my mostly raw, vegan lifestyle to a nutritarian point of view.  First, let me preface that I think the whole process should be fun and the best approach to be open minded.  This is a work in progress, and rather than holding myself to the strictest standards I will always feel reasonably comfortable compromising here and there.  That said, my primary interest is taking the best possible care of myself, in a SUSTAINABLE manner, so that I can feel great, look my best and enjoy life to the max!

I've always been fascinated by how nutrition affects the way our bodies operate and ultimately, the way we feel and function as a result.  Through my research, I came across the highly regarded, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, auther of the excellent book, "Eat to Live," among others, and creator of the Nutrient Density-based food pyramid below.  Dr. Fuhrman explains the scientific evidence and first rate studies behind the very latest findings for how a "high-nutrient, vegetable-based diet style is the key to optimal health, increased longevity and disease prevention." In fact, he states, "high-nutrient eating, as a therapeutic intervention, is most often MORE effective than drugs and surgery at restoring health from chronic diseases."  

Fuhrman isn't shy about exposing the myriad myths and total misinformation propulgated by industries with a vested interest in consumers buying their products (dairy, animal products, grains to name a few).  Neither is he shy to point out the current recommendations/food pyramid guidelines offered by the FDA are totally off base, "listing protective foods as 'side dishes,' and allowing the vast majority of calories to be obtained from nutrient poor foods."  The bottom line is that it's important for each one of us to become experts on our own bodies and how to support them, rather than blindly following the advice of industry-biased experts, the government, or even doctors (most of whom don't receive training in nutrition). 

What has become lost in the bombardment of messaging & advertising all skewed to sell products, is the simple fact that our genetics have only a 10% impact on how healthy we are-- the rest is very much in our hands!  But that sort of information doesn't support a dependence on pharmaceuticals/insurance/products being sold by billion dollar industries.  Therefore, the majority of the population get brainwashed into thinking osteoporosis, obesity, heart disease and breast cancer are a matter of either time or fate. 

The truth is the foods we choose to put into our bodies have the power to heal, protect and nourish us in incredibly powerful ways!  For example, Dr. Fuhrman points out, the very battle on breast cancer is being approached from the absolute wrong angle.  There are tons of proven studies that show how specific nutritional application can kill/reverse/prevent breast cancer cells.  

He states, "Mammograms for 'early detection' are not the only defense and do not even offer significant benefits. The scientific evidence shows that women do have the power to protect themselves against breast cancer with powerful preventive lifestyle measures." "[There are] foods that help to prevent the cancerous transformation of normal cells, and keep the body armed and ready to attack any pre-cancerous or cancerous cells that may arise." 

But do many people know about this?  Why not? Aren't these simple, preventative measures a huge part of the message to be spreading?

Once you've equipped yourself with just some the amazing knowledge behind how nutrition works, (check out www.diseaseproof.com) there will be no stopping you on your own quest to benenfit from the power it can have on your life.  It's a little shocking at first, to realize most of what we've been taught is good for us, isn't in fact good for us at all.  However, read up on the impact of dairy, animal products, excessive protein and processed food consumption and it won't be hard to start phasing them out.  Read up on the amazing benefits of eating greens, berries, mushrooms, seeds and beans and you'll be running to the grocery store to fill up on everything you've been missing!  The great part is that you'll begin seeing the benefits almost immediately. 

Later this week I'll be presenting a wonderful Nutritarian lunch option both adults and kiddos will love! (In fact Jim and I have it for lunch quite often.)  I'll also share a resource for an awesome 1/2 hour full-body workout I've been doing 3 times a week which is excellent for toning, strengthening and cardiovascular training in one quick, fun workout.  One of the best kept secrets out there may be that you don't have to kill yourself to have a killer body!  My personal approach to nutrition and fitness has been to find a SUSTAINABLE way of eating healthy and staying fit.  I want to be happy and active until I'm at least 120 years old!  Combining a nutritarian diet (with my own personalized modifications) and a consistent yet light approach to exercise removes cravings and keeps me energized.

Dr. Fuhrman's Nutritarian Food Pyramid.

 

Are you thinking about becoming a Nutritarian?

Have you ever experimented with a Vegan or Vegetarian Lifestyle?

 

You may also enjoy:  Sweet & Tangy Power Green Juice!

&

Cozy Tuscan White Bean & Veggie Soup!

 

**I am not a healthcare practitioner or provider. To the extent that any information is provided through this website, it is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute or substitute for medical advice or counseling, the practice of medicine including but not limited to psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, the creation of a physician-patient or clinical relationship, or an endorsement, a recommendation or a sponsorship of any third party, product or service by me. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements available on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Comments

[isa]

awesome post! i'm a nutritarian as well and i love hearing about others and their adventures!

[juliane]

Isa,
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the article. It's really great to hear from a fellow nutritarian! How long have you been following the nutritarian lifestyle? You must be full of energy & healthy as can be!
Thanks for commenting. Have a lovely day:-)
~Juliane

[Melissa (Peters) Resar]

Hi Juliane. I love this article. I just bought the Eat to Live book and I am very excited about starting my new eating. Keep the great articles and recipes coming!!!!

[juliane]

Hi Melissa, So glad to hear you're enjoying the book also. It's such a great resource and incredibly eye-opening. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your comments! Have an awesome day:-) ~Juliane