Healing with Food Newsletter

Build Your Energy & Health

Accompanying recipe: Beef Goulash

I’m going to tell you one secret that can make a huge difference to your vigor. But first, do you know which of your body systems uses up most of your energy? Unless you’re running a marathon, it’s your digestive system.  Indeed, it takes oomph to transform even one carrot stick into nutrients that will replenish your energy bank.

Over your whole lifetime, consider how many carrots--let alone other foods--you’ve eaten. Indeed, your digestive system has done an amazing job of extracting energy from your meals. Thanks be.

Now, consider all the foods and beverages that you’ve eaten in the last 24 hours. Jot them down on a two-column list with “Easy-to-Digest” foods in one column and “Hard-to-Digest” foods in the other.  But, before you start your list, here are the guidelines:

Easy to digest foods are freshly prepared from whole (versus refined) ingredients and prepared to enhance digestibility. A good meal also has balanced nutrition with adequate protein and quality fats and quality—but not excessive—carbohydrates. Additionally, good digestion requires dining in a relaxed and pleasant environment.

Hard to digest include packaged, refined, grown or processed with chemical additives, stale, left-over or fried foods; any allergens or foods that you are sensitive to; excessive (for your condition) raw or cold foods; and excessive carbohydrates (sweets, fruits and/or grains). Additionally, foods eaten when stressed or while standing, driving, walking, watching television, at the computer or reading the newspaper put a burden on your digestive system.

Now, look at your lists. Reflect. To gift yourself with more energy, you’ll skillfully support your digestive system by favoring easy to digest foods. For additional support, see my online articles, recipes and books.  Indeed, the secret to enhancing your energy and well being is as near as your next luscious and thoroughly enjoyed meal.

No matter what your health complaints are (obesity, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, weight problems, cancer, allergies, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease or another degenerative illness), apply this secret and bask in the results.

May you be well nourished!

Rebecca Wood