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Natural Awakenings Atlanta

The Journey to Healthy Eating

In this age of heightened awareness of the importance of a healthful diet, there are about as many opinions as there are people in the world on the best way to eat. Whether it’s vegans versus carnivores or vegetarians versus raw foodists, the debate is endless. It can be truly overwhelming to try to digest all the latest news on healthy and unhealthy foods and make a decision about the “best” diet to follow. Make it a goal to constantly grow and make positive changes. Research and gather information and make informed choices. Take small steps toward fabulous health by following some of the ideas listed here. If you currently eat dairy products and eggs, try limiting these foods to twice a week and switching from conventional to free-range, organic products. Try almond, coconut or hemp milk instead of cow’s milk, or raw goat cheese in place of pasteurized cow’s cheese. Avoiding dairy can help limit the formation of mucus, as well as lower cholesterol and body fat. If you currently use white sugar, high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, switch to stevia, raw honey, pure maple syrup, agave and dates. Stevia has a low glycemic index and dates are high in potassium and fiber. For those accustomed to eating red meat, poultry or pork, eliminate preserved meats and switch to grass-fed organic beef and free-range poultry. In the seafood department, look for wild fish and eliminate canned tuna, shark and other high-mercury fish to have less exposure to chemical pollutants. Get rid of iodized white table salt and switch to Himalayan salt or use celery salt, kelp or dulse seaweed. This will help reduce blood pressure risk and increase nutrients and minerals. When buying highly sprayed produce such as strawberries, celery and spinach, buy organic. This will reduce your exposure to toxins and chemicals and reduce runoff pollution to water supplies and wildlife. Replace coffee, caffeinated energy drinks, sodas and sweet teas with herbal tea, yerba mate and lots of alkaline water. This will put less stress on the adrenal glands, reduce exposure to chemicals and help you get better sleep. Limit alcoholic beverages to organic and biodynamic wines, or make rejuvelac champagne. Wine is technically “raw” and organic varieties may have fewer or no sulfites, but remember to drink more water, because consuming alcohol can lead to dehydration. A final step in creating optimal health is to add a daily smoothie and a fresh raw green salad with living sprouts to your daily routine. Substitute one cooked food for something raw and you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle and a healthier more energetic life. Relax, enjoy the process and don’t stress out.  Food is to be enjoyed.

Beet Greens Salad

Ingredients: 2 cups chopped beets 2 cups chopped beet greens ½ cup chopped onion 1 clove chopped garlic 1 cup raisins ⅔ cup orange juice ¼ cup sesame oil 1 tsp Himalayan salt ½ tsp cayenne pepper

Directions: Mix first five ingredients. Combine juice, oil and spices and pour over salad.

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