Earlier this week I saw an episode of Dr. Oz where one man set out to try ALL the diets on the market to find out what works and what doesn’t (and then write a book, of course). His big take away was:
1) Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and avoid the aisles. I thank Carole for sharing this tip with Mitch and I many years ago. It’s a great one.
2) Eat the colors of the rainbow. He got that tip from his vegan friends. There is no arguing that by doing this we are filling our bodies with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and lots of other big words that all translate to good health while consuming minimal calories.
3) Eat like a baby, which simply means use small plates, bowls AND utensils.
You may notice none of his top tips were anything fancy or any special combinations or deletions of foods or worse yet, food groups. Though he set out on this journey for information, he did lose about 20 pounds. He had a lot of interesting tips on getting people to eat more veggies, but I can’t advocate dipping veggies in sugar or adding crunch to a salad by topping it with a few Cheetos. I just can’t. He did have one kindof crazy suggestion about taking a swig (but then spitting it out) of an energy drink before a workout. Claims that the body will think it had some sugar, but it really didn’t, and you will have a more energized workout. I can’t help but think there might be some rebound effect…if the body thinks it had sugar, wouldn’t it want more later?? Not sure on that one. I admit I did it that night before heading to the gym for 2 classes. I can’t say it made a difference either way. Try it and let me know what you think. Finally, he had a suggestion for leg cramps that many of us who workout suffer from. He said (and Dr. Oz agreed that there is scientific proof of this) that 2 ounces of pickle juice will stop a cramp in 85 seconds. As one who suffers with occasional thigh cramps during the night that are incredibly painful, I might have to try this. Dr. Oz says we used to think it was the salt and potassium in pickles that worked for cramps but given how quickly this supposedly works, he claims there is something more going on that is detected in the tongue, and eases the spasm.
I wake up grateful this morning for the arrest of George Zimmerman. Sometimes you have to hold tight during a waiting game and hope that the process is just taking time. What a well spoken, bright special prosecutor they brought in to handle this case.
Vegan Feast Thursday returns after a few weeks off. Can’t wait to see the “kids.” If you are coming, bring your appetite for some new dishes. Also, barley lentil soup is already made. Fresh string beans from the garden will be just a part of the many colors of the rainbow.
As always, I thank you for stopping in for a quick read. Have a fabulous day and as you choose YOUR foods for the day, consider the colors of the rainbow, which would make for a great meatless meal (or 2). Thanks for taking care of yourselves and each other. Much love.
