Thread: The -IDEAL- diet for every day

Not to lose weight, merely to help one stay healthy and active!

I'm curious, because right now I know I'm probably not eating well enough (I skip breakfast and forget about lunch, by the time I get hungry it's evening), but I'd like to change that. Now I had the choice between just buying random stuff and devouring it, I thought it might be clever to check with you folks here

I know the brain requires a lot of material, in some cases more than the body, right? Anyway, I think -any- diet (as in, eating pattern) would be better than what I'm doing right now. My goal is to be healthier and, basically, help my mind to run as best as it possibly could. ^_^

So! If you've got any great ideas, shoot!
Thanks, btw

The Japanese will tell you seafood is good for the brain. But they'll add that nori promotes strong black hair. :wink:

I limit ground beef of dubious origin. Because the beef industry has not honestly cut the protein recycling loop, which causes (mysterious) prion disease AKA mad cow/CJD. I don't intend to be kicking myself in 30 years with Alzheimer's and proof it is buildup of bad proteins.

Actually, "random stuff" is a varied diet, which is good.

Eat more vegetables than you have appetite for.

Be careful with most meat actually. Toxins such as pesticides are becoming a real problem and they are more concentrated in animal fat than anything else.

Eat lots of fish. Along with that make sure to get lots of tea. Fish is contaminated with mercury and the tannin in the tea helps remove heavy metals from the body. Besides the mercury fish is very good for you. I eat fish almost five times a week.

Start to learn how to cook. I have organic produce delivered to my house every week. It's seasonal so I don't decide whats in it. I make it my goal to create somewhat healthy and tasty meals out of all of it.

Things that are great for you. Fish, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, and lots of veggies. Fruit is not as great as it sounds. It's not bad for you, per se, but isn't much different than eating a well made pastry as far as health goes (i.e. it's still loaded with sugar). However, fruit is better than fruit juice, as it still has fiber. Sugar is absolutely necessary for life but, in our modern times it's far more abundant than it needs to be so basically you don't need it because your going to get it somehow. I usually stick to rice and noodles myself.

Do you like chard or collard greens? Here's a good recipe: Get a bunch of collard greens and chop them up a bit but not too much... they're going to shrivel up anyways. Put some extra virgin olive oil in a wok and heat it up on medium low. Too hot and the oil starts to denature and then it's bad for you. Chop up some Garlic (five or six cloves, remember garlic is very good for you) and yellow Onion (about half an onion should do) and put them in the oil. They should sizzle a bit. Get a 1/4in think slice of Pancetta (if you haven't had Pancetta before than trust me, a 1/4in is more than enough) and drop it in there (you can slice it before or after you cook it). Once that's been going for a bit add all the greens; there should be enough to overflow the wok a bit. Put some water in the wok (not too much) and cover it. The steam will wilt the leaves into a little pile. Stir occasionally until this has happened. Alright, now add a little red wine vinegar (also good for you) and salt and pepper to taste.

The idea is for the greens to cook in the fat of the Pancetta so make sure it's been cooked enough before putting the greens in. It has a great flavor. I believe it's traditionally eaten with corn bread but I usually just have it plain or with some toast. When I do this it usually makes enough for three or four.. or in my case two because I really like it. It doesn't look like much but a little Pancetta goes a long ways.

Other good, easy foods are: Sushi, Soba, Udon, Stir Fry, Curry, anything you can come up with. As long as your using lots of veggies you should be fine. Omega 3s are very good for you and you'll find an abundance of these in fish and flax seeds.

But yeah... I second what Pong says. Random and veggies. Japanese have a very healthy diet... sadly they don't use many spices.

Happy cooking!

-EDIT-
Ack, you shouldn't have got me started on this...

Just something to think about. Till fairly recently in human history food was the primary goal of our lives. Now most of us take it for granted. There are restaurants everywhere and our jobs have nothing to do with food so we end up not knowing anything about it. If you look not too far back you'll find that most people's jobs revolved around growing, preparing, and selling food. The reason our ancestors were so fit is because they spent their days hunting. Hopefully this perspective will influence more respect for what you eat. On my day off before my work week I try to spend about six hours cooking and preparing meals for the week ahead. With a little practice most of your home made stuff will be cheaper, tastier, and healthier than most restaurants/fast food joints. Healthier means better focus, means saving time which means more time for making better food... and the cycle continues.

Now if only I could get fresh fish delivered to my door, I wouldn't spend so much on sushi.

Haha, thank you both!

Randomness, fish and veggies.
I'll try that recipy some time, sounds nice! And yeah, I agree with you, DaBOB; it's a secundairy reason for me asking this. It's rediculous that I know so little about food, especially concidering there might be a situation at some point (you don't know when, why or how) one might not be in the position to have someone else cook -- since it's such a crucial part of life, food, it'd be best if I'd know a little about it is well

Primary goal is still getting that brain to top speed, but if I learn enough about how to do that, the secundairy goal would be helped out as well, I figured

Originally Posted by Inevidence

Not to lose weight, merely to help one stay healthy and active!

I'm curious, because right now I know I'm probably not eating well enough (I skip breakfast and forget about lunch, by the time I get hungry it's evening), but I'd like to change that. Now I had the choice between just buying random stuff and devouring it, I thought it might be clever to check with you folks here

I know the brain requires a lot of material, in some cases more than the body, right? Anyway, I think -any- diet (as in, eating pattern) would be better than what I'm doing right now. My goal is to be healthier and, basically, help my mind to run as best as it possibly could. ^_^

So! If you've got any great ideas, shoot!
Thanks, btw

Porridge for breakfast
Seafood salad and fresh fruit for lunch - with advocado
Chicken roast dinner for supper
Pudding of your choice
Water throughout the day + 1 fruit juice
Banana before bedtime with glass of skimmed milk

Meanwhile I just wrote an article on mood food, this includes details re brain foods!

See here:
http://stress-relief-4u.blogspot.com...they-help.html

Three average square meals a day, 2 litres of water and throw in fruit and veg everyday. Mix up every day what you have, don't eat the same things over and over. Variety is the spice of life.

Originally Posted by Inevidence

It's rediculous that I know so little about food, especially concidering there might be a situation at some point (you don't know when, why or how) one might not be in the position to have someone else cook -- since it's such a crucial part of life, food, it'd be best if I'd know a little about it is well

Don't worry, I was the same way up to about two years ago. I used to live off of cheese quesadillas and peanut butter and jelly (not that those are all that bad but that's ALL I ate). I think it was because my father was a cook when he was younger and so he did a lot of cooking at home and I was a little rebel kid who wanted nothing to do with my parents.

Originally Posted by Inevidence

Primary goal is still getting that brain to top speed, but if I learn enough about how to do that, the secundairy goal would be helped out as well, I figured

Healthy diet, regular exercise (particularly hip and back flexibility), good sleeping habits and, if you can, some meditation. You work these into your life and it will seem as though you have added hours to your day because of how your efficiency increases. Here's a fun little story. I started some cooking after meditation and knocked the knife off th counter. Without a flinch or a thought I calmly reached down a caught it mid air. After a few seconds I realized what I had done and am glad to still have my toes. Anyways, the moral is that good focus, and stress free, healthy living can save you.

Thanks a lot for your responses ^_^

Sorry I didn't respond any sooner, past few days've been a bit busy here.

Originally Posted by 425 Chaotic Requisition

Three average square meals a day, 2 litres of water and throw in fruit and veg everyday. Mix up every day what you have, don't eat the same things over and over. Variety is the spice of life.

I have read a study which says that mineral water is overrated as there is no evidence that 2 liters of water is really good for you and that you should give up tea + coffee and substitute them for mineral water. Not 2 liters but 1/2 liter a day should do it.

Originally Posted by wienertakesall

Originally Posted by 425 Chaotic Requisition

Three average square meals a day, 2 litres of water and throw in fruit and veg everyday. Mix up every day what you have, don't eat the same things over and over. Variety is the spice of life.

I have read a study which says that mineral water is overrated as there is no evidence that 2 liters of water is really good for you and that you should give up tea + coffee and substitute them for mineral water. Not 2 liters but 1/2 liter a day should do it.

One Liter is about 33 fluid ounces. I've had 72+ ounces of water on a hot day before and still been thirsty. It all depends on the individual, the environment and the work. If you can keep from being thirsty (by drinking water regularly) than your doing good. If you don't specifically feel thirsty but your skin is dry, or your eyes aren't at their top or are just itchy, or you are getting muscle cramps the first thing you should think of is water. Most people, in the US at least, don't drink enough water. They get thirsty and grab a soda which is incredibly unhealthy and increases the level of dehydration.
Everything is relative. You can't just say there is a specific amount that you should or shouldn't have, you should just listen to your body.

Avoid sugar and drink plenty of water (plenty does not equal 1/2 Liter or 2 Liters).

Tea is very good for you. Not only for the tannin but for the caffeine as well. Coffee contains a relatively large amount of caffeine and the body can start being resistant faster. Caffeine shouldn't be used to "wake up" the body, that's what sleep is for, but it has been shown to increase focus and peek performance. Tea has a healthy amount which will give benefits without causing dependence or resistance. Caffeine is probably the most abused substance in the world, next to tobacco and alcohol, but when used in moderation, for purposes such as learning or training, or just enjoying a glass of lovely tea, it is great.

Originally Posted by Inevidence

Not to lose weight, merely to help one stay healthy and active!

I'm curious, because right now I know I'm probably not eating well enough (I skip breakfast and forget about lunch, by the time I get hungry it's evening), but I'd like to change that. Now I had the choice between just buying random stuff and devouring it, I thought it might be clever to check with you folks here

I know the brain requires a lot of material, in some cases more than the body, right? Anyway, I think -any- diet (as in, eating pattern) would be better than what I'm doing right now. My goal is to be healthier and, basically, help my mind to run as best as it possibly could. ^_^

So! If you've got any great ideas, shoot!
Thanks, btw

Besides all the helpful stuff you've had already on this thread, you might find the evolutionary perspective interesting.

Evolutionary theory tells us that we (bodies and minds) developed our current forms in the 'stone ag', and a number of people therefore advocate some form of Stone Age Diet as possibly the most suited to us.

I feel that the principle is pretty sound, but don't get faddish about it: after all there are very few plants or animals around that haven't changed since the stone age - in particular our demosticates are very different. So the food you get in your supermarket, no matter how well you choose and how 'organic' you go, is still in a sense artificial food - it is a creation of nature, but guided by the hand of man over the last 12,000 or so years. Stone age people didn't have those...

Eat less and live longer!

Apparently scientists have discovered that living on the brink of starvation actually extends lifespan significantly

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0502143834.htm

Perhaps I won't treat myself to a chip shop tea this evening after all!

Originally Posted by sunshinewarrior

Originally Posted by Inevidence

Not to lose weight, merely to help one stay healthy and active!

I'm curious, because right now I know I'm probably not eating well enough (I skip breakfast and forget about lunch, by the time I get hungry it's evening), but I'd like to change that. Now I had the choice between just buying random stuff and devouring it, I thought it might be clever to check with you folks here

I know the brain requires a lot of material, in some cases more than the body, right? Anyway, I think -any- diet (as in, eating pattern) would be better than what I'm doing right now. My goal is to be healthier and, basically, help my mind to run as best as it possibly could. ^_^

So! If you've got any great ideas, shoot!
Thanks, btw

Besides all the helpful stuff you've had already on this thread, you might find the evolutionary perspective interesting.

Evolutionary theory tells us that we (bodies and minds) developed our current forms in the 'stone ag', and a number of people therefore advocate some form of Stone Age Diet as possibly the most suited to us.

I feel that the principle is pretty sound, but don't get faddish about it: after all there are very few plants or animals around that haven't changed since the stone age - in particular our demosticates are very different. So the food you get in your supermarket, no matter how well you choose and how 'organic' you go, is still in a sense artificial food - it is a creation of nature, but guided by the hand of man over the last 12,000 or so years. Stone age people didn't have those...

unfortunately we also experienced a rapid evolution during the domestication/agricultural phase. No doubt this has affected our dietary customs and needs.

Originally Posted by Absum!

Eat less and live longer!

Apparently scientists have discovered that living on the brink of starvation actually extends lifespan significantly

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0502143834.htm

Perhaps I won't treat myself to a chip shop tea this evening after all!

It's more like eat less sugar. Many people who eat lots of sugar don't eat enough veggies. So eat more veggies.

Here's some more links: Human Hormone Blocker Found To Help Prevent Obesity And Diabetes and Leanness, Not Diet, May Be Key to Long Life - Study

Basically the studies show that by reducing sugar absorption. Ideally you would just want less sugar in general because it has other poor health effects besides weight gain. Sugar is necessary for life to function but unless you're physically training every day you're probably consuming more than you need.

wow, you've all been very helpful. DaBOB: I've got plenty of time to try some meditation; I absolutely don't want this to turn into a religious debate, but I thought perhaps it made a difference to mention that I'm a christian before I ask if you've got some helpful pointers as to what to do. I know the point is generally to clear your mind of everything (I suppose that'd work like a defragmentation of sorts?) but besides that I really wouldn't have any idea what I'd be doing.

Originally Posted by Inevidence

wow, you've all been very helpful. DaBOB: I've got plenty of time to try some meditation; I absolutely don't want this to turn into a religious debate, but I thought perhaps it made a difference to mention that I'm a christian before I ask if you've got some helpful pointers as to what to do. I know the point is generally to clear your mind of everything (I suppose that'd work like a defragmentation of sorts?) but besides that I really wouldn't have any idea what I'd be doing.

Well, the "way of life" or "philosophy of life" that I have related to the most is The Way of the Samurai which is basically Buddhism. But I identify and study as much of all faiths as I can. That aside I can tell you that meditation is the simplest thing to speak of and the hardest thing to do.

We all have time for meditation because, in theory, a healthy meditation practice makes up for it's lost time in efficiency yet someone like me who knows and has experienced this still can't seem to meditate more than once or twice a week.
Socrates came to realize that the more we learn the more we realize there is more we haven't learned. Thus by learning we become more humble where by not learning we become more ignorant (or oblivious to what we don't know). Because of this many uf us science minded peoples can get restless and not want to waste time sitting and "doing nothing".
So far the only way I have figured to get past this is to just make myself do it. Weighing the benefits will always come out positive in the long run.

So how does it work. Well there are tons of ways to do it. You want to be in a comfortable and relaxed position but have good posture (shoulders back, chest up, eyes level, tongue at the rough of the mouth). You can get a fancy meditation cushion (zobuton) or you can just sit in a chair. Then you just focus on some part of yourself. I like to count my breaths and be aware of the sensation of air coming in and out of my nostrils. Inhale, One, Exhale, Two, Inhale, Three... till Ten. Then start over. I like to sit for at least twenty minutes but find that I usually start to get well focused by then so I would recommend thirty to forty for the best results (you may have to start with 5 minutes and build up). Your mind will wander. Don't avoid it or judge it just remember to breathe and count the breaths. You will go in and out. The more you meditate the more problems you will resolve and the easier it will be to focus. If you get sleepy than that probably means you haven't got enough sleep and falling asleep is ok. I try to stay awake but generally it's best to meditate after plenty of sleep so that you aren't falling asleep in the first place.

Another aspect which I believe is referred to as "mindful awareness" is sort of like an active meditation. Everywhere you go and during everything you do try to keep a conscious awareness on yourself. It's easy to get carried away in a task and forget that it is you doing the task. Just take a second and imagine yourself in the third person. Take some deep breaths. Be "mindful" of yourself and what you are doing, as apposed to just doing it.

So that's the short and sweet version. I hope it helps. Meditating in groups can also help you keep your focus and lets you relax more.

Good Luck.

Once your mind is cleared and your body relaxed the Samurai recommend imagining yourself dieing in every way possible... but that's just another perspective.

Poultry meat - duck, goose, chicken - fresh vegetables and plenty of red wine. Try to eat with other people.