Jimmy Graham, MD

Health Matters - Booking Matters Magazine

March 04 Reprint

 We Are What We Eat!

 I want to alert you to a problem of importance in our community, but, first I want to use an illustration:

 Imagine yourself driving down Interstate 75 traveling faster and faster (There is no speed limit that is enforced).  You can drive as fast as your car will allow you.  The faster you go the more out of control you feel, but you continue your trip.  Suddenly, you noticed that there is a multi-car accident ahead and you need to stop.  You have plenty of time to slow down and stop but you have no brakes!  Just as the people in the wrecked cars in front of you have found out; tragedy is awaiting you!   

Hopefully, this example will get your attention.  If you are one of the millions of Americans whose eating habits are out of control, you too are heading for disaster.  For what it is worth, “We Are What We Eat!”

 In this country, we have over the years violated every rule concerning nutrition.  We have polluted our water sources, rushed food to the market, substituted processed foods, which have little nutritional value (but taste yummy) and have helped to fuel a new industry called “fast food.”  

Let’s return to the beginning.  The ideal nutrients for the body are found in the Bible.  In Genesis, Chapter 1, verses 29-31, the Living Bible says, “And look! I have given you the seed-bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.  And I've given all the grass and plants to the animals and birds for their food."  Then God looked over all that he had made, and it was excellent in every way. This ended the sixth day.”

 It is clear, that in this scripture, God intended for us probably not to eat meat.  I am not a proponent of vegetarianism.  But in my clinical and personal opinion, the pendulum has swung too far to the other side; we simply eat too much meat! 

 The most nutritious foods: 

Grow in the ground

Swim in cold water

Fly

 This list would include vegetables, fruits and grains.  It would include coldwater fish like salmon, mackerel, bass and sardines.  The creatures that fly include wild fowls and turkey.  Notice that chicken, cattle and pigs do not grow out of the ground, fly or swim in cold water.  These meats, however, make up the majority of the meat consumed by Americans.

 For the next four weeks do the following (I added one step): 

1. Stop drinking all sodas, soft drinks, flavored and sweetened drinks including all diet beverages.  Substitute water (6-8 glasses/day.  This is important.)
2. Exercise three times weekly for 45 minutes (walking is excellent)
3. Fast meat on Mondays and Wednesdays (You can do this!)
4. Fast on Tuesday.  (Fast all solid foods for at least one meal that day.  If possible, every meal that day.  See instructions in my book on Fasting in Chapter 6.)

(Continue your present meal plan, however; be sure to follow steps 1-4 above.)

 Remember: We Are What We Eat!  Let’s slow down before our health becomes a wreck!

 Read Chapter 2 (We Are What We Eat) in my book “52 Weeks, A Physician’s Guide to Weight Management & Health.  If you do not have a copy of the book yet, visit my website www.actsonepublishing.com, click on the tab “How to Order.”  Also, send me an email (actsonepublishng@aol.com, whenever you have questions or concerns.  Be sure to keep me informed of your progress. 

*The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.