Fit for Life

1. Embrace living foods for optimal health and weight loss

Living bodies require living food.

Living foods are vital. These are raw, unprocessed foods that contain active enzymes essential for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. By increasing the proportion of living foods in your diet, you provide your body with the tools it needs to function at its best.

Benefits of living foods:

• Rich in enzymes that aid digestion
• Higher nutrient content compared to cooked foods
• Alkaline-forming, helping to balance body pH
• Support natural detoxification processes

Transitioning to a diet with more living foods doesn't mean giving up cooked meals entirely. Start by incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and sprouted grains into your daily routine. Aim for a balance of 50% living foods and 50% cooked foods to experience significant improvements in health and weight management.

2. Understand the crucial role of enzymes in digestion and metabolism

Metabolic enzymes are the body's labor force.

Enzymes are catalysts. They facilitate countless biochemical reactions in the body, including digestion and metabolism. There are three main types of enzymes: food enzymes (found in raw foods), digestive enzymes (produced by the body), and metabolic enzymes (responsible for cellular functions).

Key enzyme facts:

• Cooking destroys food enzymes, placing a greater burden on the body to produce digestive enzymes
• The body has a limited capacity to produce enzymes
• Conserving enzyme production for metabolic functions can potentially extend lifespan

By consuming more living foods, you reduce the body's need to produce digestive enzymes, allowing it to allocate more resources to metabolic enzymes. This shift can lead to improved overall health, increased energy, and more efficient weight management.

3. Prioritize fruit consumption for energy and vitality

Fruit stands entirely alone in its uniqueness.

Fruit is nature's perfect food. It requires minimal digestion, provides readily available energy, and offers a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants. Contrary to popular belief, fruit does not cause weight gain when consumed properly.

Guidelines for optimal fruit consumption:

• Eat fruit on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before other foods
• Avoid combining fruit with other food types
• Consume fruit in its natural, raw state for maximum benefits

Incorporating more fruit into your diet, especially in the morning, can lead to increased energy levels, improved digestion, and natural weight management. Start your day with fresh fruit or a fruit smoothie to experience the transformative power of this living food.

4. Balance living and cooked foods in your diet

As long as you are making an effort, it's right.

Gradual transition is key. While the goal is to increase living food consumption, it's important to make changes gradually and sustainably. Aim for a 50/50 balance between living and cooked foods as a starting point.

Tips for balancing your diet:

• Start with fruit-only breakfasts
• Incorporate large salads with lunch and dinner
• Choose one cooked item (protein or starch) per meal, not both
• Experiment with "Main Course Salads" that combine living and cooked elements

Remember that perfection is not the goal. Any increase in living food consumption will benefit your health and weight management efforts. Be patient with yourself and focus on progress rather than perfection.

5. Recognize the importance of proper food combining

Proper food combining has been a subject of study and numerous books for at least three-quarters of a century.

Food combinations matter. The theory of food combining suggests that certain foods digest better when eaten separately or in specific combinations. While not universally accepted, many people find that following these principles improves digestion and energy levels.

Basic food combining guidelines:

• Eat fruits alone or on an empty stomach
• Don't combine proteins and starches in the same meal
• Consume vegetables freely with either proteins or starches

By following these guidelines, you may experience reduced digestive discomfort, improved nutrient absorption, and more efficient weight management. Experiment with these principles to see how they affect your own body and energy levels.

6. Harness the power of the body's natural cycles

There are three activities associated with eating and turning food into body-cell structure.

Body cycles optimize function. The body operates on a 24-hour cycle with three distinct phases: appropriation (12 PM - 8 PM), assimilation (8 PM - 4 AM), and elimination (4 AM - 12 PM). Understanding and working with these cycles can enhance digestion, detoxification, and weight management.

Aligning with body cycles:

• Eat most of your food during the appropriation phase (12 PM - 8 PM)
• Avoid late-night eating to support the assimilation phase
• Consume only fruit or light foods during the elimination phase (4 AM - 12 PM)

By respecting these natural cycles, you allow your body to function more efficiently, leading to improved health and easier weight management. Pay particular attention to supporting the elimination cycle by avoiding heavy foods in the morning.

7. Beware of the dairy and calcium myth

The Chinese consume no cow's milk or dairy products, yet they have among the lowest rates of osteoporosis in the world.

Dairy is not essential. Contrary to popular belief, dairy products are not the best source of calcium for human health. In fact, countries with the highest dairy consumption also have the highest rates of osteoporosis.

Alternative calcium sources:

• Leafy green vegetables (kale, collard greens, spinach)
• Sesame seeds and tahini
• Almonds and almond butter
• Fortified plant-based milks

Focus on obtaining calcium from plant-based sources, which are more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Additionally, consider factors that affect calcium balance, such as vitamin D intake and reducing consumption of calcium-depleting foods like excessive animal protein and caffeine.

8. Avoid processed foods and harmful additives

This stuff isn't food; it's an insult to life.

Processed foods harm health. Many modern processed foods are filled with artificial additives, preservatives, and empty calories that contribute to weight gain and poor health. These foods often lack the nutrients and enzymes found in whole, living foods.

Common harmful additives to avoid:

• Artificial colors and flavors
• High fructose corn syrup
• Trans fats
• MSG (monosodium glutamate)
• Artificial sweeteners

Instead of relying on processed foods, focus on whole, natural foods that provide real nutrition. When shopping, stick to the perimeter of the grocery store where fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains are typically located. Read labels carefully and choose products with minimal, recognizable ingredients.

9. Incorporate moderate exercise for overall well-being

Walking produces results in short-term training and in long-term health benefits equal to any other aerobic exercise, including jogging.

Movement is medicine. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. However, you don't need to engage in intense workouts to reap the benefits.

Simple exercise strategies:

• Aim for a 20-30 minute brisk walk daily
• Use a rebounder (mini-trampoline) for low-impact cardio
• Practice yoga or stretching for flexibility and stress relief
• Incorporate strength training 2-3 times per week

Remember that consistency is more important than intensity. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. Even small increases in physical activity can lead to significant improvements in health and weight management.

10. Cultivate a positive mindset for successful weight management

You are what you think you are; it is done unto you as you believe.

Mindset matters. Your thoughts and beliefs play a crucial role in your ability to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Cultivating a positive mindset can help you overcome obstacles and stay motivated on your health journey.

Strategies for developing a positive mindset:

• Practice daily affirmations related to health and weight management
• Visualize yourself at your ideal weight and health
• Celebrate small victories and progress
• Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities
• Surround yourself with supportive people

By aligning your thoughts with your health goals, you create a powerful partnership between your mind and body. This positive mental attitude can help you make better food choices, stay consistent with healthy habits, and ultimately achieve lasting weight management success.

Last updated: August 18, 2024