Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2009

Food wisdom

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• PURSUE VARIETY. To this end, remember that no one food — even your beloved artichokes — can provide all the essential nutrients needed for your body to function at its best. Feed your body daily with a palette of brightly colored foods — reds, greens, yellows and oranges. These are the foods that pack in the nutrients that will keep you glowing.

• REMEMBER THE 80/20 RULE: Most of the time, make wise choices about food ... you know the drill — lots of vegetables, fruit, low-fat meat and dairy, high-fiber whole grains. But even a healthful diet can include birthday cake and ice cream.

• REFRESH. Water is indeed a life-giving nutrient — the medium for all the major metabolic activities in your body. And don't forget the natural springs of water hidden in fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, strawberries, eggplant and spinach are 92 percent water by weight. Most fruits and vegetables are at least 80 percent water.

• TAKE CARE OF VITAMINS. Here's the rule to preserve the integrity of these essential life forces in food: Cook your vegetables in a small amount of water (if any) for a short amount of time at a moderate temperature (if cooked at all). Then eat them!

• LEARN TO DISCERN TRUTH. Nutrition is a science. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet.