I’m a fan of Rilke’s wise advice to “live in the questions.” But lately, ever since we launched our popular “101 Revolutionary Ways to Be Healthy” app, I am getting one question that always leaves me flummoxed: Of all 101 Ways, what’s your favorite?
The problem is, there’s no way I can choose just one. I love them all. And so that question keeps nagging at me — but in a nice way.
Recently, under the pressure of preparing a lecture, I did manage to narrow down a top-10 list, but I had to mix and match a bit to get there.
So here, in no particular order, are my top 10 acts of acts of healthy rebellion:
- Don’t believe most of what you’ve been told about health — especially by large, conventionally-minded “authoritative” organizations.
- Forget about quick fixes (fad diets, weight loss pills, miracle drinks and powders, etc.). They don’t work, and often make matters worse.
- Eat whole foods, real actual foods (not products, not diet stuff) and learn how to prepare them in ways you enjoy. A few sub-points here:
- If you are eating mostly whole foods, don’t worry too much about calories and fats.
- Do be afraid of trans fats, rancid fats, crappy industrial vegetable oils, factory-farmed meats, and industrially processed meat products.
- Eat lots of plants, especially dark leafy greens and brightly colored veggies. They are packed with phytonutrients and fiber, and they also help you adjust to your taste preferences in healthier directions. (For more advice on that front, see “Paleo vs. Vegan.”)
- Minimize your intake of flours (even “whole grain” flours) and sugars. They set the stage for inflammation, high cholesterol, insulin imbalance, cravings, mood imbalances, weight gain and even certain cancers.
- Avoid preservatives, artificial sweeteners, added flavors and other non-food ingredients.
(Read the rest of this article, which first appeared in Experience Life magazine.)
