Do we have too many options in the grocery store?

After listening to some lectures on macrobiotics I began thinking about some ideas that are foundational in the theory of macrobiotics.  I'M NOT SAYING EVERYONE NEEDS TO EAT A MACROBIOTIC DIET.  I just want to share this idea...let it sit in your mind and ponder the truths with in it.

America has been the land of plenty since the end of WWII and recovery from the Great Depression.  We are possibly the most glutenous country in the world.  We want everything and we want it now.  Don't get me wrong, this is the mentality that makes us the greatest nation in the world.  We are the land of go-getters and opportunity.  But perhaps this is what has led us down the path of sick care instead of health care.  Our quality of life, is far from the top when it comes to overall health, life span, and frequencies of preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.  We spend almost three times the amount of money per capita on our health care in America compared to other Westernized countries, we have the most access to the greatest medical break throughs and procedures in the world, yet we have one of the lowest life spans.

When we walk into our grocery stores we can have any kind of food from anywhere in the world at any time of the year from any climate.  We can even genetically modify some of these foods to grown in unnatural climates.  Is this natural?  Perhaps we have too many choices?  Stop and think for a moment that perhaps Mother Nature knows what we need to eat.  Think about nutrition over time.  Think about what the caveman ate during the Ice Age.  Perhaps fruits, vegetables, animals etc grow and thrive in their environments because their meant to be there.  Is nature telling you what you need to eat?  There is a reason strawberries don't grown in Alaska, or people from tropical climates don't eat fatty meat.  Every climate is blessed with the foods that are needed by in its inhabitants.  Think about what foods are in season...these are the foods that Mother Nature intended you to eat.  Think about what foods are historical and traditional to your region.  This is what Mother Nature intended you to eat.  Perhaps dabble in the world of "localvore" (eating locally).  Get back to nature, you'll finally feel like yourself.

Live well!

Ladies...Lets talk about IRON

Iron deficiencies are common for many women, especially aging and pregnant women.  If you an active lady, growing teen, aging goddess or a mommy-to-be you might be feeling tired because of low iron.  NOW...I know what your all thinking!  "OK, I'll just eat more red meat."  Might I warn you of its high fat and cholesterol content.  Although red meat has its perks be wary of these facts.  There are a variety of plant based foods that contain lovely levels of iron and provide you with a variety of other vitamins as well!  I'll take the plants!  So...next time you run to the grocery store try these WHOLISTIQUE wonders!

Dried apricots
Spinach
Swiss chard
Basically any green leafy veggie
Parsley
Dried tomatoes
Beans
Sprouts
Dried coconut
Dried currants
Raisins
Olives

Try sprinkling the dried fruit on your oats in the morning or in your cereal.  Add some greens to your favorite juice!  Or make sun dried tomato pesto pasta!  The possibilities are endless!

Live well!