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Food for Thought

This article from Everyday Health lists five foods to avoid if one suffers from Bi-Polar Disorder:
Caffeine
Alcohol
Sugar
Salt
Fat
They are all likely to impact mood swings according to this report.

Well, thank goodness I do not have that disorder.  If I had to give up those things, my mood would be pretty stable, though--dark, dreary and miserable, but stable that way.

I can say that I am most grateful that I have few restriction on my daily diet.

I am also grateful that I can afford (at least for now) to eat a variety of foods.  According to an Associated Press article in our newspaper this morning:

"People who spend the most on food get the closest meeting federal guidelines for potassium, dietary fiber, Vitamin D and calcium...Those who spend the least have the lowest intakes of the four recommended nutrients and the highest consumption of saturated fat and added sugar."
The point being made was that too many people cannot afford to follow the new U.S. nutritional guidelines as advertised by a plate of salmon, leafy green vegetable, and rice pilaf.

I guess that has to mean wild caught Alaskan salmon, organic kale, and some exotic blend of rice and spices.

Because I don't really believe most people can't have a fairly balanced and nutritious diet on a reasonable budget.

I mean, there an awful lot of high-priced junk food and processed foods to be had in any American supermarket--even the "health food" places.  It's not just about money.  Time, traditions, values, choices, motivation, and good old appetite all enter into it.

I got my book, A Homemade Life, today and I have already read a third of the way through.  In case any one is wondering why I seem a bit food obsessed today.

Speaking of...supper last night was rustic olive and roasted red pepper pizza done on the grill.  The topping was a chopped mix of black olives, garlic, a couple of anchovies (seriously), and roasted red pepper topped with mozzarella cheese.  I'm not Italian, but sometimes I play one in the comfort of my own kitchen.

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  1. AnonymousAugust 4, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    True I don't buy salmon but I eat Kale a bunch and it is really cheap. I agree that one main reason not to eat well is the time it takes. It does take a bit longer to prepare. But then if we get to live longer, that balances out.
    Arkansas Patti

    ReplyDelete
  2. LindaAugust 4, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Wow, I wish I could eat in your kitchen. That pizza sounds better than wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Janett BrownAugust 5, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    Exercising and eating healthy is the secret for a long healthy life.
    Thank you for this great post.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JuneAugust 5, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    It's much easier to avoid Bad Food in the summer when a snack can be a cucumber or tomato fresh off the plant. Quick, easy, healthful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mary FloranceAugust 5, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    My husband and I have a diet which is almost fat and salt free after his emergency quadruple bypass in 2008. He was thin, exercised and had passed a treadmill test. Shortly after retiring in 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer - so no soy products for me. We have eliminated all red meat and it is truly a challenge to cook. We rarely eat out because there is so much sodium in restaurant food. I have learned to alter many recipes and we have some wonderful, flavorful, guiltless meals.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SianAugust 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Good to hear you are enjoying the book :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sally WesselyAugust 5, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    I wish I could drop by for dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  8. marciamayoAugust 6, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    It's just a good thing I don't suffer from bi-polar disorder. That's a list of my favorite things.

    ReplyDelete

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