1. Should I fast? Fasting devotees would have you go for extended periods of time without food. Anything over three days without
food can definitely cause serious damage to critical organs in the body. One day fasts, repeated, such as one day per week, is probably the best way to take advantage of the benefits of fasting. Fasting is very detrimental to the overweight person because of the rebound effect - that of gaining weight rapidly when fasting stops, because the body is concerned that another period of reduced food is coming - so it goes into a decreased activity, storage mode.
2.SHOULD I BE A VEGETARIAN? There are many reasons for being a vegetarian - religious,philosophical, or a poor digestive system that does not tolerate concentrated proteins as found in meat. There are many different kinds of vegetarians: vegans, who eat only vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruit; lacto-vegetarians, who add dairy products; lacto-ovo vegetarians, who use both dairy and egg; and fishy-lacto-ovo-vegetarians who include dairy, eggs and fish. It is possible to get adequate nutrients from any of these variations with the exception that the vegan probably has difficulty with obtaining sufficient vitamin b-12. In general, genetic background will dictate your ability to tolerate a nutrient dense diet. Individuals with African or Asian descent often have difficulty with dairy products because of a genetic enzyme lack. The most important factor is your choice of adequate vegetarian protein and the use of a wide variety of foods if you are inclined to be a vegetarian. Without religious or philosophical it is probable that you will be healthier if you include some meat and fish in your diet.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
The food we have become accustomed to eating as a result of childhood learning is one of the most difficult habits to change. We are all product of the likes and dislikes we developed early in life. This diet is different. It tells you what you should eat. Try it - you'll find it easy to follow and it will bring about necessary changes for your good health.
1. Do eat a bowl of oatmeal or other whole grain cereal every morning.
2. Do eat four cupfuls of vegetables daily-half raw and half cooked. It will surprise you how many vegetables really exist. Try them all.
3. Do eat one cupful of fruit daily, preferably raw.
4. Do eat only the following fats: butter, olive oil, peanut oil. Margarine, hydrogenated and unsaturated oils are the most detrimental foods you can put into your body. ( Flax seed oil, bottled in black and kept refrigerated, is the only exception- it can be used therapeutically at one tablespoonful once or twice daily.)
5. Do reduce coffee consumption to one cup daily. Get in the herb tea habit. Drink 2 quarts of water daily.
6. Do eat your heaviest meals at breakfast and lunch, and a light meal at night. This is the hardest rule to follow for most people. Let your body rejuvenate at night, don't eat a large meal close to bed time.
7. Do eat a minimum of five serving of chicken, fish, beef or turkey each week. You can have a serving of pork occasionally. If you are a vegetarian by choice, eat seeds and nuts to supplement your diet. Eggs, cheese and dairy products may be used freely as desired.
8. Do not combine fruits or fruit juices with concentrated proteins (meats, dairy products, eggs)-this will produce gas and discomfort.
9. Do eat whole grains, freshly-baked breads and rolls.
10. Do use a seasoning salt made up of potassium, sodium, magnesium, lysine, and kelp as your flavor enhancer.
11. Be positive and happy when you eat. Your digestive system will work better.
12. Bless your food to the benefit of your body.
(Avoid white sugar and white flour products as much as possible. Since we are all sinners , set aside one day a week as sin day - on this day you can eat ice cream or whatever favorite "sinful" food you crave.)