be well
 THE WHOLE TRUTH
ABOUT
FOOD
By Carol Anne Wasserman
Eating more whole, minimally processed foods can have astounding effects on overall health. Many people choose macrobiotics as a natural alternative in fighting life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer. But macrobiotic foods can also help combat obesity and premature female hair loss.
In past generations, Americans consumed naturally grown and raised foods in sharp contrast to today’s typical American diet of processed, factory-made foods. The consequence? Increasing health problems prior to old age.
The common misconception about macrobiotics is that it is a rigid diet. It’s not; simply incorporating more healthy foods into an existing lifestyle can lead to permanent weight loss, make menstruation and menopause pain-free and cure digestive troubles (IBS, constipation, diarrhea), to name a few.
The best macrobiotic foods to eat more of include: whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, wild fish, free-range poultry, grass fed beef, and organic dairy foods. Just as sugar and salt lead to cravings for more, healthful foods have a similar effect. The nutrients in vegetables and whole unprocessed grains (such as brown rice) are so essential for our regular functioning, that eating them regularly overtime will lead to cravings for those foods.
Try incorporating any organic vegetable and a whole grain into your meals once a day (or every other day). It’s not necessary to give anything up. Adding quality food into your existing way of eating will lead to a more healthful lifestyle.
WHOLE granola
Mix together: 1 cup each: raw sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, unsweetened shredded coconut, 4 cups rolled oats and
2 pinches sea salt.
In another bowl add: 1 tbsp. almond extract, 2/3 cup oil (unrefined, cold pressed, raw, and/or extra virgin.) 1 cup brown rice syrup and
1ž2 cup maple syrup.
Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
Bake: 50—55 minutes at 325º F. Stir every 10 minutes for the first 30 minutes, then every five minutes until done. Granola is ready when slightly browned. It will still be sticky when you remove from the oven, but transfer to a bowl and stir until cooled. Add 1 cup dried cranberries (without sugar).
—Wasserman
Carol Anne Wasserman (MacrobioticMagic.com), is a holistic health counselor with a private practice in Manhattan. |
