The Time of Year to Harvest Your Health

Summer has come to an end and many of us are busy adjusting to new school and carpool schedules, but we need to take a harvest timeout. With the turn of the seasons, we are faced with a cornucopia of choices when it comes to eating well, with produce emanating from our gardens and filling the local farmers’ market. The abundance of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables is a timely reminder for us to re-center our bodies and minds, and that healthy eating is simply a matter of taking advantage of the foods available to us this time of year.

Many of us have tried to lose weight and eat healthfully by following some sort of diet, and have failed. Unfortunately, most diets will eventually fail because these diets don’t take into consideration that humans want – and need – to enjoy eating. We don’t evolve to count calories, drink liquefied greens, or deny ourselves every treat dreamed up by the pastry chefs of the world. Most of us will inevitably become tired of taking part in the latest fad-diet, go back to the way we were eating, and gain the weight back. Many repeat this cycle until they eventually conclude that they can never lose weight.

Instead, the secret to losing weight and being healthy is living a lifestyle you are comfortable with, including a balance of exercise, healthful eating and the occasional indulgence.

There are some diets that can work. These diets avoid extremes and recognize all the nutritional principles our bodies need, including healthy fats, protein, carbohydrates, and water. A popular choice for a diet that works is the South Beach Diet. This diet began simply as recommendations that Dr. Arthur Agatston was making to his patients. Eventually, Dr. Agatston wrote these things down and now millions of copies of his books are in print.

This diet essentially promotes balanced eating, which is what makes it so popular. You don’t count calories or weigh out portions. As long as you’re sensible, you can go to anyone’s house and eat anywhere. Most people on this diet lose weight gradually, the way one is supposed to loose weight, and feel better because it does what eating a balanced diet does – resets your sugar receptors and reduces the craving for carbohydrates. By not banning particular foods and encouraging balance, when you do have a brownie or other treat, you’re satisfied with just one.

Another popular diet is the “Mediterranean diet.” The secret to this diet is how people in Mediterranean culture eat. In Italy for example, people sit down for relaxed meals. They begin with an appetizer, or antipasto. Then, when they move on to a pasta or main dish, they are adding the carbs on top of the fats or proteins, which slow down the absorption. Whereas here in the U.S., we’ll sit down and finish three quarters of a pound of pasta with some sauce within 15 minutes and feel hungry again much faster.

As Americans, we need to take a step back, slow down, and re-examine how we eat. Autumn is the perfect time to do so. We’re outside, more active, can visit a farmers’ market, ask questions about the food, and even enjoy samples.

A freshly pulled head of lettuce and a tomato taken from the vine is healthier than frozen or canned vegetables, and sliced apples with local honey are better for you – and can taste better – than a processed dessert.

With the arrival of fall, we must harvest the goodness that the soil, sun and water provide. If we embrace wholesome foods and an active lifestyle, and remember that eating is meant to enhance our bodies and spirits, dieting will take care of itself.

Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.