I grew up in beef country. It was meat and potatoes at just about every meal. Up until recently, when my wife prepared dinner, I would often ask, "So, where's the beef, honey?"
Then, on Friday night dates, when we were choosing a restaurant , I would respond, "Oh, WHATEVER is fine with me." That included everything from cheese-laden lasagnas, to heavy Alfredo dishes, to fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.
In other words, I used to be on a "What-ever-tarian" Diet.
But I am happy to announce that I have changed how I eat, how I think about food, and how I feel after every meal. I am now a Freshetarian.
A FRESHETARIAN is someone who:
- Eats mostly fresh, natural foods made by nature.
- Enjoys eating lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
- Can't remember how to use a can opener.
- Wouldn't really notice if their microwave was missing.
- Eats fresh, lean meats sparingly, or on special occasions.
- Can't remember the last time they ate anything "fried."
- Runs away from packaged food made in a "factory."
- Actually reads nutritional labels.
- Is or wants to be at a normal, healthy weight (BMI of 18-24.9).
- Exercises regularly in fresh air and in moderation.
- Avoids stimulants, such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and especially energy drinks!
- Is not extreme in any way, but believes in "moderation in all things."
Now I organize my diet into three distinct camps. I say "camps" because I'm not stuck in one place or another. I can pick up and move (figuratively speaking), just like I would move physically from one place of residence to another.
This is where I LIVE:
- Raw fruits and leafy vegetables
- Raw nuts and seeds,
- Slightly cooked, non-starchy vegetables
- Dried or preserved fruits
- Whole grains and legumes
- Olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and honey.
This is where I VISIT:
- Fresh, lean white meats
- Plain yogurt
- Skim milk
- Fresh cheese (not aged)
- Farm-raised eggs
These are the places I AVOID VISITING:
- Beef, pork, lamb
- Anything fried
- Refined foods and pasta
- Frozen or packaged meats
- Foods made in a factory (chips, etc).
- Any and all fast foods.
The bottom line is this: I'm done being a What-ever-tarian. I'm also fed up with the VEGAN movement and with any and all "extreme diets" being promoted out there.
I prefer "natural." I prefer "fresh." I prefer "moderation" in all things. Here is what one of my typical dishes looks like:
This FRESHETARIAN SALAD includes: red leaf lettuce, baby spinach, garden tomatoes, black olives, raw nuts and seeds, queso fresco (fresh cheese), raisins, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tspn of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt.
So, tell me about your experience with the three food camps mentioned above. Also, I could use your help in starting this Freshetarian Movement.
Want to be part of something NEW? Post your comments here or email me at freshetarian24.9@gmail.com.
Coming soon: FRESHETARIAN.org. Feel Better. Live Longer.
