'mono-diet' Sometimes, this is the way to go

Eating only one food at a meal is known as a monotrophic meal. If all meals over a period of time consist of a single food, such as oranges or grapes or watermelon, this would be called a monotrophic or "mono" diet.

 Advantages of Mono Meals

There are advantages to the use of monotrophic meals, and it is recommended that at least the first meal of the day be a mono meal and preferably be of one kind of juicy fruit or melon. Obviously, the digestion of a mono meal would not be subject to digestion problems that are sometimes experienced (even to a minimal degree) when so-called compatible foods are combined.  Most fruits lend themselves very well to monotrophic meals. It would be advantageous to program at least one mono meal daily—for the first food of the day.

 Mono Diets Not Recommended for Regular Use
The use of a monotrophic diet for extended periods or regularly for several days every week, is not endorsed. The regular or extended use of a diet consisting of all monotrophic meals, i.e., each meal consisting of a single food, e.g., one kind of melon for one meal, grapes for another meal, romaine lettuce for another meal, alfalfa sprouts for another meal is NOT conducive to optimal nutrition.

Several days on a mono diet, followed by several more days on monotrophic meals, immediately following a prolonged fast—or, perhaps, during a flareup of digestive problems—may prove to be very beneficial. But people who implement diets consisting of all mono meals usually concentrate on fruit and neglect nuts and green leaves. This can be damaging, even disastrous. Such a practice may ultimately result in protein deficiencies and other serious pathological problems.

So, it may make sense to incorporate the 'mono-diet' once in while...just to settle any digestive issues - particularly over the holiday season when we consume too much all at once.

Soda pop

Sometimes, the best refreshment for a meal is a big glass of ice cold soda. But did you know that soda pop is absolutely loaded with sugar? A recent Harvard medical school study showed that the sugar in one can a day is enough to add four kilos or ten pounds of body fat a year. Drinking more than one can a day increases the chance of obesity by sixty percent.



 And forget the diet version! The reports on all the chemicals they use to artificially sweeten pop can actually create other issues ie: weight gain, desire to consume more, diarrhea, and for a few people they have allergic reactions.

A great alternative is to use sparkling mineral water with a splash or two of fruit juice. Add the juice of a lemon or lime and you've created a wonderful digestive aid.

Enjoy the fizz without the sugar - your body will thank you.

eat your greens!

Many of us don't like the flavor of dark leafy greens, so we tend to not eat them. Yet they are  filled with vital nutrients and enzymes designed to help build healthy blood and nourish our bodies.

If you don't like dark leafy greens in your salad, consider tasting some more exotic or ethnic dishes that incorporate healthy greens.

One of my favorite dishes from the middle east is Tabbouleh. You can buy a pre-mix at most grocery stores. or simply make your own. Here's my version:

1 cup pre-soaked bulgar wheat
1 bunch fresh parsley finely chopped
4 ripe med tomatos diced
juice of 1 lemon
olive oil
garlic,
salt/pepper

In large bowl add the pre-soaked bulgar, parsley, tomatos, lemon juice - olive oil (as you desire) , garlic and salt/pepper to taste. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes before serving. Yummy and packed with nutrients!