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Page 45
| Meanwhile, population surveys show that nutritional deficiencies continue to be prevalent among children, teenagers, the elderly, and the institutionalized, including those in hospitals. Food irradiation is a growing concern that needs to be addressed by government regulation. Irradiated foods can cause chromosomal damage, especially in small children. A number of grassroots groups are working against the irradiation of foods, and these groups deserve our full support. Commercially grown potatoes and many of the spices on our grocery store shelves are just two examples of foods that are commonly irradiated. The person with cancer, especially, should avoid irradiated foods. Microwave ovens, which change the molecular structure of food, should also be avoided. |
| Quality and BalanceTwo Golden Rules |
| I have two golden rules when it comes to diet. The first is quality and the second is balance. To eat a balanced diet it is important to include a variety of foods. Eat many types of grains, fruits, and vegetables; don't get locked into a routine and eat the same foods daily. |
| Quality foods are fresh whole foods that are organically grown and then prepared and cooked so that the vitality that they freely give to us is not destroyed. We should honor and respect our food and give thanks every time we eat. |
| A proper diet should be balanced as follows: |
| 40 to 60 percent complex carbohydrates |
| ·20 to 30 percent protein |
| 20 to 30 percent healthy fats |
| These percentages should vary according to the season and the geographic location. There should also be a balance in the consumption of both raw and cooked foods. The advocates of raw food consumption claim that cooking destroys all enzymes and "kills" the food, but raw food is sometimes difficult to digest, particularly for cancer patients. One must always consider the individual's state of health as well as the time of year when making dietary recommendations. Generally, I suggest more raw foods and juices in the summer months and more cooked foods and soups in winter. Not only is this a healthy way to make food choices, since seasonal foods are freshet and give us specific nutrients particular to the season, but it also allows us to be in step with |
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