posted September 14, 2004 12:09 PM         

As I do more reading on HEALTHY nutrition, I'm finding it more and more difficult to find foods that provide the nutrition you need without preservitives, artificial colors, and so on.

I have never had a consistant eating pattern, I eat only when I'm hungry, which is once a day, and only what I can fit in the palm of my hand. It's not an intentional diet plan, it's just what works for me. I weigh about 140lbs, so I know I'm not starving myself.
I HATE!!!! vegetables, they have always made me vomit, unless they are well disguised.
I really don't like to even put food in my mouth, I would prefer to drink it. Is a liquid diet safe?, doesn't the body need substance for a healthy digestive system?
Another very big problem I have is at this time I cannot afford bottom dentures, and am unable to chew anything hard, or semi hard.

Is there a healthy, well balanced liquid diet out there without all the unneeded crap that is put in our foods? Also, my son is supposed to avoid products with the above mentioned artificial ingredients. But it wouldn't be healthy for him to be on a liquid diet only. I don't know what to do. I do take vitamens, to try to make up for the foods I can't eat.

If I had a choice, I would take a pill a day that contained everything healthy your body needed. But I need to provide a diet for my son, and It's soooo difficult to shop for healthy foods in my area, except the supermarket. There are so many products he shouldn't be eating!!! Any references you guys could offer, I'd appreciate it!!!!
Or at least a place to start.

posted September 14, 2004 01:09 PM         

Now I don't know if there's much that you can do after you HATE!!! vegetables so much. Have you tried to have your own garden? I don't know anything about your living conditions or the money you can afford to spend on food, so I can't really recommend specific stuff.

Another way to eat veggies is to 'drink them' Get a juicer and start drinking veggie juice.

Eating organic as much as possible is also very important.

Avoiding junk like all kinds of processed food (paste, white bread, all frozen meals, meat products like hot dogs, sausages and so on; canned food...) is a key.

Drink plenty of pure water. I think Gia explained somewhere how you can make pure water through reverse osmosis. Some people distil it as well.

Good luck to you!

Remember adopting a healthy diet and life style is a battle that never ends.

posted September 14, 2004 01:16 PM         

First of all, you better start liking veggies, because you need the FIBER from veggies and fruits. Fiber from fruits and veggies fight cancer from manifesting in different organs in your body. You also need the vitamins and minerals from them. Taking pills doesn't substitute healthy eating, nor does it fully substitute for vitamins. FOOD is FUEL. Your body is a machine, like an automobile.

There are many healthy breads out there, such as those made by Alvarado Street Bakery, or Ezekiel bread. Trader Joe's makes their own whole grain bread called "California High Protein Bread" which is similar to Alvarado Street's variety.

I don't eat hardly any preservatives, or artifical colors, etc. When I do, believe it or not I can taste the chemicals. We buy our food at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, which carry most brands without preservatives, etc.

How do you feel about salads? I love red leaf lettuce's and you can make a scrumptious salad every day, with a variety of yummy seasonal items such as lemon cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, even a fruit salad. Variety lessens boring eating.

What about almond butter? It's very healthy for you.

Have you thought about taking a nutrition class in your area?

Please follow this link and consider looking into this book, "Staying Healthy with the Seasons", by Elson Haas. http://www.elsonhaas.com/

I am getting ready for work so that's all I have time for right now.......
I am just trying to help, I hope you are not offended

posted September 14, 2004 01:17 PM         

Ingredients

2 tbsp. good-quality barbecue sauce
2 tbsp. sesame seeds
1 tbsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. Cajun spice
3 skinned, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 2-by-1/4-inch strips
1/2 cup red peppers, coarsely chopped
1 cup cucumber, coarsely chopped
1 cup yellow squash, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup celery heart, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
2 cups regular or low-fat sour cream
Juice of one lemon

Directions

Whisk together the barbecue sauce, sesame seeds, oil and Cajun spice. Set aside.

Place all the chicken pieces inside a zip-top bag. With the smooth side of a meat mallet or the bottom of a saucepan, gently pound the chicken until flattened. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and brush with the sauce.

Place in a preheated 375-degree oven and bake for 6 minutes. Turn, brush the other side with the sauce, and bake another 3 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine the peppers, cucumber, squash, celery heart and basil in a food processor or blender. Process until the vegetables are finely chopped. Add the sour cream and lemon juice, then pulse until well blended.

Place the dip in a bowl centered on a serving platter. Brush the chicken one more time with the sauce, then arrange the chicken around the dip and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Then with regards to the liquid food - liquidize your fruit - milk is high in protein, so make your own milkshakes, add yoghurt or whatever to add some lushness. At least you know what's in it - and with fresh fruit, y'can't go wrong. Cereals too.

Failing that, nuts, bugs and berries always work well for us birds

Gotta dash, feathers need a wash

posted September 14, 2004 04:14 PM         

These ladies have given you some wonderful, sound advice. I know how hard it can be to find good, wholesome food. It's work. But it's worth it.

I would recommend you include some serious greens in your program, some Super Food. I use Dr. Shulze's stuff, it's the best, IMO. www.herbdoc.com
Every morning begins with SuperFood in a blender with fresh water, fruit (strawberries and a banana) and some other goodies I throw in there.

Yin is right about pasta and white bread.Much as I love the stuff, think about it--it's made from the same stuff you use to put up wallpaper! How can that be good for your colon? Luckily I love whole grains. Ezekial bread...MMmmmMmmMmm

I can't imagine not wanting to eat! I'd rather find a deeeelicious food that I can eat and eat and eat and eat with no repercussions!

posted September 16, 2004 10:42 AM         

There are tons of soups you could make and liquidize. Also if you look in your supermarket there are loads of healthy foods.
Nuts, fruit, rice, tofu, fish, veggies. I don't understand why people find it so difficult. I do eat pasta and dairy. You can buy healthy pasta. Semolina and eggs have nutritional value you know. All in moderation. You can do it!

posted September 16, 2004 11:51 AM         

I eat similarly to you, Gia, though I am eliminating soy/tofu, as the more I read about it, the more detrimental I know it to be for my health.

And one day a week I treat myself to some junk food. But--by saying junk food, I still generally make relatively healthy choices. I avoid trans fat--which of course means avoided nearly everything in most grocery stores.

posted September 16, 2004 03:38 PM         

Cheesecake homemade with the correct ingredients can be healthy. All in moderation. I honestly believe it takes longer to think about it than to actually do it. Cooking is a breeze and you don't have to slave for hours just keep it simple.

Philly,

Liquidize your veggies and make a soup. That way it's easy for you to eat them. You do need veggies. If you lived next door to me I'd have you round every day. Just to show you how easy it is.