Last summer I read an amazing book by Michael Pollan titled In Defense of Food, An Eater’s Manifesto, a number one New York Times bestseller. This book explains three main areas we should concentrate on when it comes to healthy eating:

Eat food. 
Mostly plants. 
Not too much.

Pollan goes on to explain, in great detail, just why he recommends we live our lives in this manner. It is simple and to the point and it may change your life for the better simply by getting you to THINK about your eating habits and practices.

Fast forward.

In December, Pollan released Food Rules, An Eater’s Manual. This is a concise companion guide where Pollan lists 64 “rules” when it comes to food. Essentially, it is a repeat of the book, without all the supporting facts. Perfect if you love lists or guidelines to help you tackle working on a healthy food lifestyle.

While I won’t list all 64 food rules (sorry), here are my top three favorites that we have incorporated into our life!

1.
Avoid food products that contain more than five ingredients (his rule #6). Shocking when you try this the next time you go food shopping. Compare two bags of potato chips: plain vs barbeque. Then move on to salad dressings. Do you really want to eat salad dressing made by a bleach company? ‘Nuf said.

2.
If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t (his rule #19). Brilliant. But so many of us do this! No more granola bars for me.

3.
Spend as much time enjoying the meal as it took to prepare it (his rule #51). Believe it or not, this has actually been a challenge for us. We realized it last Sunday morning after Dennis prepared a fantastic breakfast frittata. After 30 minutes of preparation and another 10 for cooking, we promptly devoured the dish in about, oh 5 seconds flat. It was our ah-ha moment to slow down and respect the dish. And the cook.

Don’t worry. These 64 “food rules” will not feel like you are denying yourself. Instead, it should help you become in charge of your lifestyle and provide good common-sense wisdom to pass down to your children.

Now that’s health “insurance” you can count on.

Lyndi

Eat well, my friends. Eat well.