I'd like to be your new Health Coach!

First of all, let me say that there is nothing like putting oneself on a diet and successfully losing weight to give one a smug sense of self-righteousness. But you also learn some things along the way that make the journey to losing weight a lot easier. And when you see people you care about struggling, you want to help them if you can! So I thought I'd start a purely volunteer and low pressure blog about getting healthy and losing weight. In that order.

I firmly believe that we are on the precipice of a major change in how we look at the food we eat, and what is considered "normal American food". Every day a new report comes out that points out that what is called the Standard American Diet is actually what is causing our high rates of heart disease and cancer, plus diabetes and obesity. Remember, there was a time not long ago that doctors thought smoking was healthful! So don't be naive and think that because the Dairy council says drinking milk is healthy then it must be!

The diet book we'll be reading and diet we'll be following is called the Engine 2 Diet. It is a very reader-friendly book, with lots of yummy recipes. It is what they are calling "plant-based" which means emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. There is NO dairy products, animal products, or added fats. I'll leave it to the author to explain the cancer-causing properties in animal proteins. This isn't theory folks, this is reality. An amazing amount of people are finding out about this stuff every day. Soon it will be the norm.

Enough theory, let's start with a practical approach. I'll announce the official start date of the diet soon, but for now lets start with "Prep Time." I want you to think about adding a raw salad to your diet, every day. Personally, I look forward to a "Big Salad" at lunch. I try and make 3 days worth of salad at a time, to save on chopping time. Throw every raw veggie in there that you like, the more colorful the better. Go easy on the nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and avocado, but don't leave them out if you want them. Throw on a cup of kidney, garbanzo, or soy beans too. Can't finish it all? Save it for dinner or a snack.

What about salad dressing? Don't mess it all up with using a high-fat dressing. The best choice is to mix up your own. The easiest is two tablespoons of white wine vinegar, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, two tablespoons of real maple syrup, a sprinkle of Italian seasonings (or whatever). Put a tiny half teaspoon of olive oil if you MUST but try it without. If it is too strong, dilute with a little bit of water. There are lots of fat-free dressing recipes on the web also, or experiment with your own. If you have a really nice vinegar, many times that is all you need to use. The next best choice is a fat-free or very low fat commercial dressing. I like the Newman's Own Salad mists, 10 sprays is only 10 calories! And it's great.

That's enough for now, next time I'll tell you the recipe for the BEST BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE in the world, and it is so healthy you'll be starting the day feeling great!!