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We’re bombarded with information telling us to eat ‘healthier.’  While most of us understand that means we shouldn’t live solely on potato chips, cheeseburgers and ice cream, many of us are hard-pressed to understand what ‘healthy food’ really is.  After all, there’s so much conflicting information about food and diets and some new study is always popping up in the news telling us that we shouldn’t be eating this or drinking that.  So, what if someone created a lifestyle plan—not a diet—that features 100 of the world’s healthiest foods with quick and easy recipes to prepare them in a way that tastes delicious and makes you feel energized and healthier? 

Someone has.  George Mateljan has dedicated 10 years to researching and writing his latest book, “The World’s Healthiest Foods.”  Alarmed by the steady rise in obesity, he’s on a personal mission to help people eat healthier to live longer, healthier lives.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, 66% of adult Americans are overweight, increasing their risk of heart disease, type 2 Diabetes and some cancers.  “Most people want to improve their health,” says Mateljan.  “With the Healthiest Way of Eating Plan in just 4 weeks you can energize your life.  All of the information about the World's Healthiest Foods and their health benefits are backed by scientific data. Plus, the food tastes great.  If food doesn’t taste good, people won’t eat it.”

Mateljan researched cultures known for their health and longevity and compiled a list of the 100 Healthiest Foods.  “The health-promoting foods on my list contain the maximum amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for the least number of calories,” says Mateljan.  “These factors all work together to help your body function at optimum levels.  He says by incorporating these foods into your diet, you’ll have a healthier heart, better memory, and physically you’ll see differences in your hair and skin.  Your energy level will increase and if you’re overweight, you’ll shed some pounds too.

The Healthiest Way of Eating Plan provides a selection of foods to choose for each meal, along with hundreds of recipes, most of which take 7 minutes or less to prepare. The recipes are so easy you can prepare an entire meal in less than 15 minutes-- a key benefit for squeezing healthy eating into today’s hectic lifestyles.  “Most people cook the nutrients right out of their food,” says Mateljan.  “They don't realize that the way they wash, store and cook their food can result in a loss of vitamins and minerals and that overcooking can lose from 50-80% of the nutrients!  My recipes are super fast and easy and designed to help food retain the maximum nutrition.  Everything tastes so good you’ll forget that you’re eating healthy.  You won’t feel deprived and you’ll make a positive and lasting impact on your health.”

Ten little known facts about healthy eating include: 

1.   Eating fresh fruit with each meal helps the digestive process

2.   Soaking produce in water leaches out water soluble vitamins

3.   Don’t sauté with olive oil; add it to sauces and foods after they’re cooked to retain the flavor and nutrients in the oil

4.   Bell peppers may have a protective effect against cataracts

5.   Eating one large apple a day can lower serum cholesterol by up to 11%

6.   Adding fish, shellfish, flaxseeds or walnuts to one meal each day provides anti-inflammatory protection

7.   Refined sugars can lead to reduced immune system function

8.   Refined grains can lead to blood sugar elevations

9.   Whole foods high in fiber such as beans and legumes digest so slowly that many people eat them as natural appetite suppressants

10.   Three cups of green tea daily can reduce body weight and waist circumference by 5% in three months

The World’s Healthiest Foods by George Mateljan (GMF Publishing 2007; 880 pp. paperback, $39.95)

Paperback:    880 pages

Publisher:  GMF Publishing  

Available at: www.amazon.com, www.borders.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.whfoods.org