After our last Joy of Healthy Living – healthy, balanced meals – we have the final Joy in our series! We’ve gone through the 4 Horsemen of the Foodocolypse and have completed the series; we are ready to end it with a great one: Garden-Fresh Food.
Besides the fact that there are a number of delicious fruits – fragrant mangos, lush kiwis, ripe berries – and loads of exotic produce that can accentuate a meal – spicy peppers, sweet pineapple, succulent butternut squash – putting a higher percentage of “plants” in your meals is a great way to be healthy!
There is a great TED Talk by Dan Buettner that went out finding groups who had the largest amounts of people who lived past one hundred to find their secrets. If you want to hear all of the video – and it’s worth it – check it out.
The breakdown Dan gives is simple. People that lived this long had a few things working for them. They were active. They had strong social ties. And they consumed mostly plants.
This backs up other studies and it mirrors what whole-food guru Michael Pollan lays down as his mantra for eating well. He breaks it down into 7 words: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
The fact is that plants are less calorie dense; you get full quicker. And they are full of amazing nutrients. And I’m sure you can think of 3-5 fruits or other garden-fresh food that you love to eat – right off the top of your head.
So, one of the best ways to enjoy food is to find exciting and tasty fruits and vegetables to spice up your meals and your snacks. It’s a great way to experience the joy of healthy eating.
