How to see the white light
Rooted in pleasure and cultural tradition, our eating rituals set sail early in life.
Growing up as a preacher’s grandkid, family life revolved around the congregation, choir and after-church pitch-ins. Filigree lace cloths covered buffet tables groaning under weighty platters of chicken fried in shimmering pork fat, unctuous white gravy, dumplings, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, potatoes au gratin, marshmallow smothered sweet potties, mashed potatoes,
psychedelic Jell-O molds, deviled eggs, ice cream, cream pies and Cool Whip.
Recently, I observed a rotund man of the cloth eating a double portion of biscuits and sausage gravy with hash browns swimming in yellow grease.
I wanted to ask him if he was aware of the hypocrisy as he feloniously assaulted his temple.
I somehow managed to bite a hole through my tongue.
Each year, millions of Americans needlessly die from diet-related cardiovascular disease.
To avoid this, I’m gently suggesting: begin to cut back on or avoid white foods such as AP flour, instant white rice and oats, full fat dairy, high marbled meats, Alfredo Sauce, refined sugar, salt, excessive potatoes, mayonnaise, marshmallows and the constellation of faux-foods prepared with them.
Americans digest more than 50 pounds of animal fat yearly. The National Cancer Institute cautions high meat consumption is linked with cancer risk. Instant white rice is a waste; the bran and germ removed from rice are splendid sources of minerals and vitamins; ergo it lacks essential nutrients even after enrichment. Try California long-grain Basmati Rice.
American’s obediently guzzle fizzy beverages, but they’re loaded with high fructose corn syrup and toxic refined sugar; building blocks for cholesterol, obesity, liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Just 13 teaspoons, the sugar in one carbonated drink, debilitates the temple’s immune system by 33 percent. Thirty teaspoons shut it down for a day. Is it worth it? Plus, sugar draw candida bacteria like moths to a flame.
Salt overload increases risk for hypertension, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, cataracts, brittle bones, asthma, dementia and early death. The American Heart Association says one teaspoon a day. Studies show alloxan (makes white flour look clean and beautiful) destroys protective beta cells in the pancreas. White bread is a highly refined wheat product mechanically stripped of vitamins and minerals and essential fatty acids. In 1943, the editors of Nutrition Reviews were dismayed at the government’s decision to proceed with enriching flour.
Try brown rice, millet, grits, oats, quinoa, and barley; reduced-fat dairy, Kombucha, fortified almond milk, navy beans, skinless chicken and turkey breast, and Farmer’s Market organic fruits and vegetables.
Avoiding white food is the first step to improving family health. We can’t totally dodge harmful ingredients in the botched Standard American diet template unless we’re enlightened. Be resolute. You’ll have a new lease on life.
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