What’s the ideal diet?

There is always a debate about what’s the best diet for large populations? Or what’s the ideal? What would be healthiest for everyone? I say that it varies from person to person. There are several general guidelines which I think are beneficial for most:

1) Eat LOTS of vegetables (about 6-8 servings) and small amounts of fruits (1-2 servings).
This may come as a surprise to some, but grouping the fruits and vegetables together in one category has done quite a dis-service. Vegetables and fruits are NOT equal in the value that they offer to our bodies. Both have antioxidants, but living on 6-8 servings of fruit a day would pose quite a detriment because of the amount of sugar intake (even though it’s ‘natural’ sugar!).

2) Stay away from processed foods.
If it comes in a bag, a box, or a can, its probably not meant for consumption! I always ask myself the question, did it come out of the earth this way? If not, how much did it have to go through before it appeared on this shelf?

3) Eat small amounts of animal products- that means meat and dairy.
Of course, not all animal products are created equal. Red meat poses a higher cost than benefit. Fish on the other hand may be beneficial (with reservation about the origin of the fish). Research has repeatedly shown that animal products have oxidants which make the body age quicker. The costs of eating these foods in general are higher than the benefit. However, there are people out there that benefit from the consumption of these foods. Each individual has to figure out what works for his/her body- and may benefit from the guidance of a nutritional specialist.

4) Eat a variety of foods.
Don’t you get bored eating the same thing day after day? Of course! That’s your body telling you it’s time to switch it up. If your body is not giving you that signal, just know that we weren’t meant to eat the same thing everyday– for example, bread, cheese and pasta. Rotate your grains, beans, vegetables, and meats if you choose to eat them. This will ensure that you intake a broad range of nutrients and prevent your body from becoming sensitive to any one food.

5) Eat less.
We really consume a lot more food than we really need. If you eat 6 times a day, eat 5. If you eat 5 times per day, eat 4. Simplify! Most other citizens of the world do not have the opportunity to eat as much as we do, and yet they are doing quite well. Again, eating alone speeds up the aging process. Because your body has to expend energy to digest, it takes a little bit of the vital force. This is why rishis back in the day, ate but once a day- if that! And, they lived way beyond 100 yrs.

6) Drink lots of water.
I need not say much about this… everyone knows. The general guidelines are 1/2 your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 100 lbs, you need at least 50 oz of water daily.

7) Eat consciously and slowly.
Ideally, we want to in a quite space. We chew our food 60-75 times, take an hour to eat, and don’t do it in front of the TV or engaged in conversations on the phone or internet!

I think there are so many diets that promote themselves as the best “new” diet, getting very detailed about exact portions, how many times to eat, etc etc. In general, I would say that most diets have the above guidelines underlying the exactness. So, my view is that the ‘exactness’ varies from person to person but these underlying principles are applicable to all. And here they are… enjoy your way to healthy eating!