I grew up with poor eating habits, eating too many foods which contained sugar, fat and white flour products. There was an abundance of food in my home and I was encouraged to eat and enjoy the food my mother prepared. By the time I was six years old, I had developed a compulsive overeating disorder. I was grossly overweight most of my life. In my thirties, I developed high blood pressure, requiring the need for medication. Despite the fear of medical problems, I was unable to stick to any diet plan. Enjoying good tasting food and having an eating disorder was an almost deadly combination for me.
In 1989, my husband and I adopted a six-year old boy. I realized this child needed a loving mother. It occurred to me that if I didn't get control of my eating, I would die an early death and deprive him of having a mother who truly loved him. I located an eating disorder program near my home and spent the next four years learning about my disorder, developing self-esteem and taking responsibility for my life. Shortly after I "graduated" from this program, I read Ruth Winter's book, called "Poisons in Your Food." It changed my outlook on the quality of the food produced in this country. Having evolved to a place where I wanted to be as healthy as possible, I began investigating organic foods. I learned where to find health food stores, cooperatives, restaurants and related services. I was excited about all this new information, but I wanted to refine my daily routine even more. In 1994, I was fortunate to meet Dr. A. Heyer, a certified nutritionist, based in New York City. Along with a lot of valuable advice, information and a list of organic foods to eat, he suggested that I eliminate wheat, sugar, yeast, milk and fermented products from my diet. I went home with all this new information, filled with hope and excitement. Those happy feelings soon turned into confusion and doubt. How was I going to make meals which my family and I could enjoy? If I chose to follow Dr. Heyer's advice, what was I going to eat for breakfast the next day? The answers to those questions did not come quickly or easily. Within the first few weeks of trying to follow this new way of eating, I felt lost, alone and very hungry. I wasn't eating very much because I felt disoriented and unsure of all the foods available for me to eat and how to actually prepare the food. I had been a very good cook, yet suddenly I felt unable to prepare the simplest recipe. With the help of many people, I learned how to rethink my way of cooking and eating. I began to try foods that I had never eaten before. I also discovered healthier substitutes for the ingredients I no longer eat. By using these substitutes, I could use my old recipes or most cookbook recipes to make a healthy meal. I continue to experiment and try new ideas all the time. Today, my family and I enjoy wonderfully prepared foods. By using your time efficiently and wisely, you too can create healthier versions of the recipes you have been using and enjoying.
In the four years since changing my eating habits numerous and wonderful physical changes have occurred. I have lost 130 pounds. I no longer require blood pressure medication, because my blood pressure is always within normal limits. Despite the fact that I was diagnosed with diabetes four years ago, my blood sugar levels are always within normal range and my cholesterol has dropped from 200 to 144. I feel great and I rarely experience any physical discomfort or illness. My commitment to choosing foods which are right for me is an important element in the good health I enjoy today. I eat mainly vegetables, proteins, beans, lentils, fruit and soy cheese products. I rarely eat certain carbohydrates (pasta, breads, cakes) and grains such as (rice and oatmeal), since I tend to gain weight. I snack on dry roasted sunflower seeds. I take vitamins, minerals and supplements which enhance my food plan. I also maintain a regular exercise program which includes aerobic work outs and weight lifting. I drink water that has been purified by a reverse osmosis filter system and decaffeinated herbal tea. I am not on a diet and so, this is not a diet book. I offer this as an alternative way to work with food. I do not count calories and I do not have to worry about my fat intake, since I use only butter, grape seed, canola or olive oil and soy cheese products in very small amounts.
I wrote this book because I thought it would help Dr. Heyer's clients as they changed their eating habits. Soon after the book became available to the public, I realized that people with food and chemical allergies, medical problems and people wanting to make healthier food choices were eager to learn about alternative ways of cooking. I invite you to try my style of cooking. I wish you good luck and good health.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me by regular mail or E-mail.
