|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
- On Eating Well
What are whole
plant foods?
Why is eating mostly whole plant foods optimum?
Can I get all the nutrients I need from a diet based on
whole plant foods?
Why is growing these foods organically and locally so important?
What's wrong with processed foods?
Does eating whole plant foods mean living a life of deprivation
and sacrifice?
Isn't following a whole plant foods diet really hard and
time-consuming?
Is eating mostly whole plant foods expensive?
Why do processed foods taste better than whole foods?
What are whole plant foods?
Whole plant foods are vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes in their
natural state, unprocessed and devoid of chemical additives. These foods
contain the optimum amount of nutrients that our bodies need. A diet based
on whole plant foods minimizes or eliminates all animal products, including
meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and their byproducts.
Why is eating mostly whole
plant foods optimum?
In modern Western societies, diets rich in high-fat, high-cholesterol
animal products have been associated with many chronic illnesses and
health problems, including heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and
certain types of cancer. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies
have shown that a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
legumes significantly lowers these health risks. Because such foods are
free of cholesterol and saturated fat (mostly), but rich in
health-promoting phytonutrients, a growing
number of nutritionists, medical researchers, and health educators are
urging people to incorporate more whole plant foods into their diets.
Can I get all the nutrients
I need from a diet based on whole plant foods?
Yes. Countless scientific and medical studies have demonstrated that human
nutritional needs are amply met by a whole plant foods diet
(with the exception of Vitamin B12, now that we so effectively sanitize
our foods). All essential
human nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids,
are readily available to us in such foods. And contrary to popular myth,
no schooling in complex "food combining" techniques is necessary.
People can simply and easily satisfy all of their
nutritional requirements by eating a wide variety of whole, minimally
processed plant foods, and taking a weekly Vitamin B12 supplement. On
the whole, studies show that vegans do a much better job of meeting
their varied nutritional needs than omnivores.
Why is growing these foods organically and locally so important?
Plant foods that are grown organically - that is, without the use of agricultural
chemicals or genetic engineering - offer many benefits over conventionally
grown produce. Organic farming practices spare our environment from the
many disastrous effects of chemical pollution, such as soil depletion
and the accumulation of toxic compounds in our air, waterways, and food
chain. Organic agriculture also shields farm workers and consumers from
harmful chemical exposures. Because organic plant foods are cultivated
in a diverse, biologically active environment featuring nutrient-rich
soil, their nutritional profile is typically superior to that of conventionally
grown produce, whose nutrient content is often seriously degraded by chemical
inputs and monocultural farming methods. There are also many significant
environmental benefits to growing and consuming only those plants that
are native to the local environment, including the conservation of fossil
fuels and other natural resources that would otherwise be squandered on
transporting these foods over great distances. Also, buying from small,
near-by farms supports the local economy and fosters a sense of community.
What's wrong with processed foods?
Processed foods typically bear little resemblance to foods in their whole,
natural form. They are manufactured, "value-added" products
that are often stripped of vital nutrients and laden with excessive amounts
of salt, sugar, fat, and synthetic chemicals. Evolution did not design
humans to consume such large quantities of these substances, as is made
evident by their being associated with many health problems, including
hypertension (salt); heart disease and obesity (saturated fat); dental
caries and elevated triglyceride levels (sugar); and cancer (chemical
additives). Processed foods also require large inputs of fossil fuels
and other natural resources for production and distribution. What's more,
our modern convenience-oriented processed food culture has made preparing
healthy meals "from scratch" a lost skill for too many people.
Does eating whole plant
foods mean living a life of deprivation and sacrifice?
The idea that whole plant foods diets are bland and flavorless is a very
popular myth that we can easily dispel. Once people begin to discover
and explore the wide variety of delicious and nutritious plant foods available
at their local grocery or farmers' market, a whole new world of tastes,
flavors, and culinary aromas opens up to them. Their palates are excited
by many wonderful, subtle tastes that were unavailable on a diet centered
on processed foods and animal products. Given the opportunity to experience
them, most people will prefer the nuances and bountiful flavors of whole
plant foods, such as the delicately sweet taste of basmati brown rice
and the slightly nutty flavor of kabocha squash. Eating whole plant foods
is truly a delight for all the senses!
Isn't following a whole
plant foods diet really hard and time-consuming?
While preparing tasty and nutritious meals based on whole plant foods
takes a little more time than simply grabbing a packaged breakfast bar
in the morning and "nuking" a frozen dinner entrée at
night, no professional culinary training is required; just a few basic
skills and commitment. Given the many health and taste advantages, most
people find putting a little extra effort into selecting and preparing
whole plant foods extremely worthwhile. In fact, many people view the
time they spend gathering and preparing these foods as an opportunity
to "reconnect" with food as it was intended to be eaten -- unadulterated
by modern industrial processes. It's also a wonderful way to bring the
family together. One of the main goals of CIFC's Food Education program
is show people just how simple - and tasty! - whole plant foods eating
can be.
Is eating whole plant foods
expensive?
Not necessarily. Eating whole plant foods is actually a highly cost-effective
way to meet your nutritional needs, especially if you make an effort to
minimize your consumption of costly "value-added" processed
foods. Consumers can eat economically, healthfully, and deliciously by
sticking mainly to the produce department and bulk bins of their local
markets and skipping over the unhealthy and overpriced items in the packaged
food aisles. Also, purchasing produce directly from farmers can save you
some money.
Why do processed foods
taste better than whole foods?
The processed food industry exploits human’s natural desire for three
main flavors: salt, sugar, and fat. Humans evolved in an environment
where food was scarce, so our bodies are designed to store nutrients to
be ready for times of famine. That’s why we are drawn to foods that are
high in calories and contain flavors that are pleasing. However, now
that we live in an environment where food is everywhere, our bodies are
not able to adapt. The research on whether certain foods are actually
addictive is currently evolving. There is already evidence to suggest
that certain food components such as sugar and fat may be addictive.
However, all hope is not lost as our taste buds can adjust to eating
whole foods lightly seasoned so that you can enjoy the true taste of the
food itself without all the chemical flavorings and artificial
additives.
    
|