DIET

I grew up on bicultural “comfort” food: American meat and potatoes and Brazilian barbeque, black beans and rice. I loved deserts. Portion control was second and, sometimes, third helpings. I still eat what I want but I have taught myself to want things that are good for me, in smaller amounts. In my 50’s I developed elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both linked to heart disease. I tried a statin drug for a while. It worked well but made me feel weak. I quit it and took stock of my diet. The upshot is that I decided to give a vegetarian diet a try. After two years, I do not miss eating animals at all. I do eat some dairy and eggs. I try not to be too fanatical and for a special occasion will break from my diet. I cut out all added sugar. I never thought I would drink coffee or tea without 3 teaspoons of sugar. No more. I like them better without. Most of my meals are prepared at home from unprocessed foods. I haven’t darkened the doors of a BK or MacDonald’s in years. Do I feel deprived? Heck, no!

I love fresh foods, salads, stir fries, roast veggies, smoothies, etc. etc. Best of all, my cholesterol and triglycerides are back to where they were when I was in med school and my weight is within ten pounds of what it was when I was in college. Best, I feel great. I don’t take supplements. I’ve gone with and without them. Can’t tell the difference.

I can’t improve on Michael Pollan’s advice from Food Rules- An Eater’s Manual in which he summarizes a healthy diet in seven words: Eat food, mostly plants, not too much.