Welcome to my Real Food in Raleigh blog! My family and I follow what we call a "Read Foods Diet" based on wisdom from the Bible and the work of Dr. Weston Price (1870-1948). In a future post I will share my personal story of becoming a Real Food Mama, but for now I will just share some basics about our diet. Yes I know there are many diets out there, but I think ours is the best! I have lots of family members and friends who suffer from chronic illnesses and while I know disease will always be a tragic part of this life (until we get to heaven), I believe many of these diseases are due to our modern lifestyles and diet. I long to see my friends and family living fuller and healthier lives, I WANT TO LIVE A FULLER AND HEALTHIER LIFE. I believe eating a traditional diet based on age old Biblical wisdom and that of traditional cultures is the healthiest way to eat. Here are the three basic guidelines of our diet:
1. If God made it is good (fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, meats)
2. If humans made for only the last 150 years it is not good (i.e. do not eat processed, packaged foods, white flour or white sugar)
3. If humans have made it for thousands of years it is probably very good (i.e. yogurt, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, cured meats, traditionally fermented soy sauce-to name just a few)
I know that is WAY oversimplified, but for someone who is just getting started with following a traditional diet, this is a good way to think about it. Here is a list from the Weston Price Foundation's Dietary Guidelines:
1. Eat whole, natural foods.
2. Eat only foods that will spoil, but eat them before they do.
3. Eat naturally-raised meat including fish, seafood, poultry, beef, lamb, game, organ meats and eggs.
4. Eat whole, naturally-produced milk products from pasture-fed cows, preferably raw and/or fermented, such as whole yogurt, cultured butter, whole cheeses and fresh and sour cream.
5. Use only traditional fats and oils including butter and other animal fats, extra virgin olive oil, expeller expressed sesame and flax oil and the tropical oils—coconut and palm.
6. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably organic, in salads and soups, or lightly steamed.
7. Use whole grains and nuts that have been prepared by soaking, sprouting or sour leavening to neutralize phytic acid and other anti-nutrients.
8. Include enzyme-enhanced lacto-fermented vegetables, fruits, beverages and condiments in your diet on a regular basis.
9. Prepare homemade meat stocks from the bones of chicken, beef, lamb or fish and use liberally in soups and sauces.
10. Use herb teas and coffee substitutes in moderation.
11. Use filtered water for cooking and drinking.
12. Use unrefined Celtic sea salt and a variety of herbs and spices for food interest and appetite stimulation.
13. Make your own salad dressing using raw vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and expeller expressed flax oil.
14. Use natural sweeteners in moderation, such as raw honey, maple syrup, dehydrated cane sugar juice and stevia powder.
15. Use only unpasteurized wine or beer in strict moderation with meals.
16. Cook only in stainless steel, cast iron, glass or good quality enamel.
17. Use only natural supplements.
18. Get plenty of sleep, exercise and natural light.
19. Think positive thoughts and minimize stress.
20. Practice forgiveness.
