Alright. Let’s wrap this up. I’m glad I read Dr. Weil’s book and gave his program a try, but I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I won’t be embracing every part of the program.
Here’s what I’m taking away from it:
1) The walking regimen. I hope to keep it up through the winter months by walking on a treadmill at the gym.
2) The reduction of processed foods. I definitely read labels more wisely now, and I avoid trans fats and high fructose corn syrup like the plague. I try to buy products that are made from mostly natural ingredients. (Thank you, Trader Joe!)
3) I’m also committed to buying whole grains, eating fish once or twice a week, and keeping a good stock of fruits and vegetables in the house at all times. It’s amazing how satisfied the kids are to snack on carrots and apples and peaches when that’s all I have to offer. And I’m even discovering that an apple will often appease my finicky sweet tooth. Who knew?
4) I’ve gotten lax about taking my vitamins, but I’m trying to get back in the habit.
This is a condensed version of what I’ve learned from Dr. Oz and Dr. Weil in the last two months. I ought to print out this list and keep it in my purse but I haven’t done that yet.
Say NO to:
- trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils of any kind)
- polyunsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame, and soy)
- margarine
- vegetable shortening
- cottonseed oil
- high fructose corn syrup*
- enriched flour
- saccharin
- aspartame
- Splenda (gasp!)
- artificial coloring (such as FD&C red #3)
- foods where more than 30% of calories comes from fat
Say YES to:
- fresh fruits and veggies
- broccoli
- cooked greens
- fish (particularly wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, herring, and black cod)
- olive oil
- expeller-pressed canola oil
- whole grains
- ginger
- garlic
- flaxseed
- soy
- simple ingredients**
* Did you know that most breads contain high fructose corn syrup? Pepperidge Farm is one of the few that I’ve found that does not. I buy the 15 Grain from the Whole Grain line. It does have crunchies, and the kids (and I) balked at first. But it has a nice soft texture, and they’ve gotten used to it. Especially if I take pity on them and cut off the crusts. Pepperidge Farm also has a nice assortment of breads with a smooth texture if you don’t like the crunchies, and I believe all are free of high fructose corn syrup.
UPDATE: I now buy Pepperidge Farm’s Soft Honey Whole Wheat. No crunchies, tasty and delicious, and no high fructose corn syrup or trans fats.
**One tip to remember is not to buy foods where the ingredients list contains more ingredients you don’t recognize than those you do. Sun Chips and pretzels both have a very simple list of ingredients that I can actually pronounce! My kids love them, so I keep them around.
I read the Healing Stories throughout the book (there are many, and some are quite spectacular) but I guess I’m still skeptical. I’m also skeptical still about some of the advice (like the water-borne toxins and toxic energy sources).
I also am conflicted about the value of organic produce. We have so much freshly grown local produce available that I have a hard time buying organic when it seems less fresh and frankly, inferior in quality.
I look for milk that is free of growth hormones. I’d love to buy organic, but sticker shock usually prevents me. I buy organic chicken occasionally, but again, the cost factor is prohibitive. Weil doesn’t address this in his book, but I’m uncomfortable with the growth hormones in our meats and dairy products. Since I don’t intend to give up meat, I would really prefer to buy organic.
So this ends my series of posts on Optimum Health program. I realize these posts have been lacking in entertainment value, but I’ve learned a lot and I hope you have too!
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{ 8 comments }
Nature’s Own is another brand that does not contain HFCS. I work hard to avoid it, as well.
My husband and I started eating healthily several years ago, we didn’t notice the change until we “backslid” and felt like slugs. That alone is enough to keep us on track. . . most of the time.
On the contrary, I think they were very entertaining. Educational, too. I’ve gotten a lot out of the “series” myself and will be re-darkening the doors of my local Trader Joe’s. Thanks for all the work you did for 8 weeks, not only testing out the theories but also writing about your experience. Mostly I’m happy you feel better, even if it’s “just” the yogurt. I’m going to try that, as well. Hugs – M
Target’s brand Archer Farms has a bread that contains no HFCS. They have both whole wheat and multi-grain.
I did not know that about HFCS and bread! Good to know!
I do the same thing about the hormone-free milk. It’s scary to think how many artificial hormones milking cows are given, and how it affects women and little girls, particularly!
My big thing is never buying meat that is packaged with carbon monoxide. I always wonder when I see folks at the grocery buying it if they know what they are getting.
High Fructose Corn Syrup sneaks in where you least expect it. Brownberry makes a good bread without it. Great post!
processed foods are sooo bad for us and I never knew how bad until I had to go on my candida diet. but, boy are they hard to get away from!
Great wrap up!!
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