Introduction

"If it wasn't around 150 years ago, you shouldn't eat it!" This is generally Doctor Jamie Wright's opening line when discussing food. Many people want a list of do's and don'ts but, things are much simpler when we learn that we need to avoid processed foods, and embrace whole, natural state foods.

Eat Real

Why have a 150 year rule? 150 years ago, in the 1860's people ate much differently than they do today. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, some meat, eggs, and dairy were all part of the diet. Things were organic, grown in small batches, and had no preservatives. Grain was grown organically and was used in small amounts.

"Beginning in the late nineteenth century, food began to be mass produced, mass marketed, and standardized. Factories processed, preserved, canned, and packaged a wide variety of foods."¹ The food revolution of processed foods really began in the 1890's when trans-fats were invented. The first processed foods were introduced around 1910. Oreo's, Aunt Jemima Syrup, Marshmallow Fluff, and Crisco were first to come to market. "During the 1920's, a new industrial technique--freezing--emerged, as did some of the earliest cafeterias and chains of lunch counters and fast food establishments. Increasingly processed and nationally distributed foods began to dominate the nation's diet."²

Eat Right

"So what can I eat?" you may be asking. It's simple- if God made it, you can eat it! There is no Lean Cuisine tree in anyone's backyard, but there could be a fruit tree. Eat things that are natural and raw if possible. Raw nuts, fruits, and vegetables should be the staple of your diet. Adding cooked meats, eggs, and other items should be done in a healthy, and minimal way, when possible. Try going to the grocery store and finding one new "whole food" to taste each week.

It's almost impossible to overeat fruit, nuts, seeds, vegetables, etc... but it's very easy to overindulge in processed foods because they have been developed to make you want more. Researcher, Dr. Bellow at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior says that, "either continuous eating or binge eating a high fat, high sugar diet alters opioid receptor levels in an area of the brain that controls food intake. Opioids are a family of chemicals with actions similar to those of morphine; however, opioids exist naturally in the brain and have been linked to feelings of pleasure and euphoria."³

Eat Regularly

How can you follow this teaching in the real world? It's simple! Remember, this is how people have eaten regularly for centuries! Start with one meal a day and decide that you will only eat "real" food for that meal. Maybe dinner is simplest for you because you are not in a rush. Prepare a large salad, then add in some chicken breast and some olive oil and a splash of vinegar. If you're more of a meat and potatoes person, cook a roast in a crockpot, along with some organic potatoes, onions, and carrots. This will make your meal preparation much simpler over time. Our website has some great whole food ideas for you as well.

Remember that when you eat regularly, you are much less likely to have unhealthy cravings!

Breakfast and Lunch without Processed Foods? Agh!

Many people wonder how in the world they can begin their day without cereals or have a lunch without a sandwich. There are some easy steps you can take to begin your journey to eating with the 150 Years Rule.

For breakfast, try hard boiling and then peeling eggs over the weekend. They can live in your refrigerator the whole week and be ready to go in the morning or for a packed lunch. Smoothies take about 3-5 minutes to make in a blender, and are much faster clean up than bacon, eggs, and toast! A handful of raw nuts can give you an extra protein boost. If you want to get really crazy, add your favorite nut butter right to a smoothie and taste!

Lunches can take a few minutes to prepare, but it's well worth the time and energy. Start by slicing and bagging up all of your fruits and veggies for the week on the weekend. Carrot sticks and berries become just as easy to "grab and go" when you have them already bagged. You can also bag up preservative free lunch meats, shredded beef or chicken, and even raw nuts. If you get some sturdy storage containers, you can also put baby greens salad mixes in containers for the week. I use ziplocks taped to the top with vinegar and oil to be sure I have some dressing.