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The ABC’s of Health: Let’s Dive into Water!…

Posted by Morley Robbins on January 23, 2010

In my earlier posts, I’ve been concentrating on setting the stage for making lifestyle decisions to enhance your health and wellbeing. Hopefully by now, you’ve gained some insight into your Attitudes, Beliefs and Commitments that might be keeping you in your present state of health – whether it be ideal, or in need of some ideas…

Today we’re going to focus on WATER. We may live on the “third rock from the Sun,” but in reality it’s a Blue Marble or should we say a “blue marvel.” Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, albeit much of it oceans and ice, but nonetheless, we are blessed with an abundance of this vital elixir of life. And thank heavens for that. While we can go weeks without an adequate food supply, we can only last a few days without water.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the water content in our body: it comprises 80% of blood, 73% of the brain, 73% of muscle, and 22% of bone. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting thirsty just thinking about that…Without a sufficient and steady supply of this life-sustaining fluid, many of our major bodily processes would simply shut down.

So, let’s explore the wonderful world of water: what’s its role in keeping us healthy, how much is “enough,” what’s the best kind of water to drink and does blessing our water really make a difference?

What Good is it Anyway?
 It’s pretty clear that Oxygen is essential for life. Just hold your breath for a minute or two (if you’re a gifted athlete…) and see what happens. But for some odd reason, we don’t seem to recognize the essential role that water plays in our life moment-to-moment. Truth be known, it’s involved in almost every bodily function. Fundamentally, water has two primary roles in our body: life-sustaining properties and life-giving functions. Here are just a few notable activities of this amazing liquid:

• Converts food into energy
• Key energizer for the brain
• Foreman of the neurotransmitters
• Acts as a giant cooling system to regulate body temperature
• Carries oxygen and nutrients to ALL our cells
• Protects & cushions our vital organs & joints
• Keeps the liver & kidneys functioning effectively
• Helps to metabolize fats
• Detoxifies and removes waste from our bodies
• The basis for ALL our fluid secretions (saliva, lymph, tears, etc.)

Come on, admit it, NOW you’re getting thirsty! There’s simply no end to its value in sustaining life, but also in enhancing our overall health and well-being.

So How Much is Enough?
 We’re constantly reminded: drink 6-8 glasses of water a day! But is that based on scientific evidence? Is there any solid basis for that perennial reminder?…

I recently had the pleasure of reading one of the most important books on getting and staying well: Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, by Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, MD. If this book is not in your “health library,” please be sure to add it to your collection! He is a practicing physician in Northern Virginia who presents a compelling rationale and solid evidence for the importance of increasing the ingestion of water in our daily routine. His specific recommendations for “how much” are simple and clear:

• 1 oz. of water for every 2 pounds of body weight, AND
• 1.5 oz. of water for every 1 oz. of liquid with either caffeine or alcohol.

In terms of how to do this during the course of a day, he advises drinking a glass of water an hour before each meal, another glass 2-3 hours after each meal and a final glass just before going to bed. The beauty of this approach is that he simplifies the times when it is best to drink, make sure we get sufficient volumes of water to prevent dehydration, and most importantly, explains why our bodies need this much water.

Now, this may seem like a lot of water (which was my initial reaction when I read this), but the number of degenerative diseases that result from insufficient water are far too long to list here. He makes a convincing argument for role that a lack of water plays in hypertension to high cholesterol to asthma and countless other conditions plaguing our society. All because of a lack of water…

And be careful not to deceive yourself into thinking that because you’re drinking fluids, i.e., fruit juices, coffee, diet soda or similar types of drinks, that you’re getting sufficient amounts of “water.” While I agree that these drinks are liquid, they do not metabolize the same way pure water does. And given the amount of caffeine most of those drinks have, the diuretic effect only adds to the daily hydration needs your body craves, as noted above.

That may not be what you want to hear, but we at Liberation Wellness are dedicated to providing you with the truth on this blog site. And besides, if you’re really seeking to improve your health, there’s nothing more fundamental than a steady supply of good, clean water.

What are the best Sources of Water?

Ideally, we should get our water from a spring that has worked its way from the mountains. Not likely for many of us, and certainly not practical. Just for the record, I’m not a fan of tap water having read one too many articles about studies done of public water supplies across the country. The latest is the “Toxic Water” Series being written by the New York Times. In the latest installment written December 16, 2009, they point out that some 60,000 chemicals are now being used across the country to “treat” our water supply – only 91 are regulated by the federal government!

So that leaves either bottled water or filtered water. I don’t know about you, but I am growing weary of spending upwards of $15/gallon for bottled water. (And we complain about the cost of gasoline!…) And if you go this route, please be sure to use a metal water container that you can easily find at your local camping supply or hardware store. Using a re-useable bottle will do much to ease the burden on our ever expanding recycling centers.

And if you prefer filtering, there are numerous models to choose from, but your best bet is either reverse osmosis or a top of the line carbon filter unit. The former is a considered the best path, but it is a bit more expensive. The latter, is more economical, easily installed and will last 18 months to 2 years. Do your research, but be sure to install some process of “cleansing” your local water supply that added measure.

Preparing your water for optimal benefit

Now, one last step… For those of you who have seen “What the Bleep Do We Know,” or have had the opportunity to read The Hidden Messages in Water, by Masaru Emoto, you’ll understand the vital importance of “blessing” your water before you drink it. Sounds strange, right?

Presented below are just two of the pictures, among hundreds that Dr. Emoto has taken over the last several years to demonstrate the structural impact our thoughts and emotions have on this ubiquitous liquid we know as, water. And when you consider the fact that some 3/4ths of our body is composed of water, please consider the impact your thoughts and emotions are having there, as well. A bit humbling when we stop to consider that dimension of our healthy lifestyle.

It takes but a second, but these photos are striking evidence of the energetic dimension our thoughts and feelings have on our lives, day-to-day.

OK, I think that’s a wrap. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read and reflect on the ideas and recommendations outlined in this blog. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me and I will be delighted to follow-up with you directly.

À votre bonne santé!
Pic of EarthPic of Flowing WaterEmoto Water pics

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The ABC’s of Health — Part III

Posted by Morley Robbins on January 7, 2010

Today’s post will complete my three-part theme on the ABC’s of Health. This particular article will examine the importance of your personal commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

My favorite definition for personal commitment comes from Wikipedia: “a pledge or promise to ones’ self for personal growth.” Without a doubt, no meaningful lifestyle decisions or lasting changes will be made without that pledge to yourself, especially as you choose to adopt your latest crop of New Year’s Resolutions.

And here we are, it’s the first week of 2010 and the pressure is building to complete that transformative set of “personal habits.” After all, it’s the start of a new decade, the economy appears to be thawing and after all, what do you have to lose but those habits that trouble you anyway!

As I’ve noted in my earlier posts, based on my personal experience, the ABC’s of Health are the foundation for creating and sustaining change in our lifestyle. They are as follows:

  • What is your “Attitude” regarding life, in general?…
  • What are your “Beliefs” about your overall health status, and?…
  • What is your “Commitment” to supporting your personal growth?…

Please keep in mind, it is our ability to make these personal commitments to change that become the internal flywheel for enabling the shift to happen – this pledge to ourselves is what propels us to make those adjustments in our daily behavior… But despite the power of that pledge, the statistics regarding the outcome of change efforts are more than daunting.

I recently read one of the classic articles from Fast Company magazine, entitled “Change or Die.” In this excellent article, Alan Deutschman profiles some staggering statistics about the average person’s ability to attain lasting change:

  • Six weeks into the new year, 80 percent of people have already broken their New Years resolutions or can’t even remember them anymore;
  • A National Institutes for Health study found that 97 percent of people who lose weight wind up gaining it all back within five years; and
  • 90 percent of patients with severe heart disease fail to change their unhealthy lifestyles even after their doctors tell them that they’re in a “change or die” situation.

This last study is particularly arresting in its significance. Even though faced with the prospect of near certain death, the overwhelming majority of individuals elect not to change their lifestyle. Clearly, this resistance to change is a multi-factorial issue, but at some level there is a total lack of a personal commitment on the part of the individual to improve themselves or nuture their personal growth. And thus our focus for this week.

But please don’t misunderstand, I’m not naïve enough to think that “willpower” alone will overcome all obstacles that surface during the course of one’s life. As noted in my prior articles, there are attitudinal and belief issues at play, not to mention more significant emotional/psychological issues that might be creating this resistance to personal growth.

That said, let’s approach this issue with a somewhat down-to-earth approach. As in my prior posts, outlined below are a series of questions about your habits that will give you some practical insight into your personal commitment towards leading a healthier lifestyle. This test is more directional than statistically tested, but it is designed to assess where your day-to-day actions are and just how much they may be affecting your health status.

Here is the quick survey of health habits (as well as a scoring key) to assess your “commitment quotient,” or said another way, how dedicated are you to your personal health & growth? In some respects, think of these parameters as a leading indicator of your ability to make the kinds of behavioral changes that might be implied in your resolutions.

  1. Do you stay within your daily caloric intake?                      ____ Yes         ____ No
  2. Do you consistently read labels on the foods you buy?   ____ Yes         ____ No
  3. Do you move vigorously (exercise) for 30 min daily?     ____ Yes         ____ No
  4. Do you meditate for 20 min regularly?                                   ____ Yes         ____ No
  5. Do limit your daily intake of TV to a minimum?                 ____ Yes         ____ No
  6. Do you drink 6-8 glasses of water daily?                                ____ Yes         ____ No
  7. Do you limit your intent of alcohol?                                        ____ Yes         ____ No
  8. Do you read regularly for entertainment or education? ____ Yes         ____ No
  9. Do you engage regularly in your favorite hobby?             ____ Yes         ____ No
  10. Do you fast or have you ever detoxed before?                   ____ Yes         ____ No

Now, just like before, please take a moment and assess your commitment about taking steps to improve your health. Based on my client experience, if you are practicing fewer than 3-4 of these habits, it’s likely that you lack sufficient commitment to your growth.

Again, the responses to these 10 questions are not statistically proven to demonstrate a “preferred” level of commitment. But what they highlight are your daily health practices. Good health is a function of the many small decisions and actions we take day-by-day. It’s not a pill, it’s not your genes and it’s certainly not luck! And while I have no absolute evidence to prove this, I would suggest that if you are engaged in the majority of these activities, your likelihood of beating the odds noted above from the “Change or Die” article will increase.

A number of years ago I committed to running a marathon, following 50 years of limited activity. And people’s first reaction is “I could never run 26 miles!” But what many fail to realize that the actual run is preceded by 500 miles of training. It, too, becomes a day-by-day habit of training your body to endure that kind of mileage. And yes, I did complete it, but certainly wasn’t the fastest guy in the field – and not even the fastest 50 year old! But I did cross the finish line and it changed my life forever. The whole concept of boundaries and daily discipline were never the same.

So a reasonable conclusion to draw from this post is that if you are not happy with your current health status, whether it be your weight, your level of stress, or your level of physical activity, then it might be time to test your level of commitment to your personal growth as profiled above. What Alan Deutschman concluded from his study of successful change is the importance of joining a group or community that will support your desire for change. One such community that I can recommend in the Liberation Wellness Support Group that is dedicated to helping individuals succeed in their diet of real food.

So study your resolutions for a moment. How realistic are they, particularly in light of your day-to-day health habits? How consistent are they with other change efforts that you’ve successfully achieved in the past? Be honest with yourself and my suggestion is that you only commit yourself to resolutions that you are reasonable certain are within your grasp and habit pattern to fulfill. You’ll feel a whole lot better, and you’ll feel a whole lot better about yourself!

And now it’s time to get started with that “diet” or “exercise plan.” Hopefully, you’re a bit more aware of how your attitudes, beliefs and commitments do affect your ability to succeed with your 2010 Resolutions! Gaining mastery over your “commitments” is the final key to creating a powerful context for that new level of health and well-being that we’re all seeking.

Thank you, again, for taking a few moments to “size yourself up,” and for reflecting on the factors that might be shaping and influencing your current health habits.

À votre bonne santé

Posted in Goal Setting, Inspiration, Nutrition, liberation diet, motivation | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

The ABC’s of Health… Part II

Posted by Morley Robbins on December 26, 2009

Continuing with my earlier theme of the ABC’s of Health, I’d like to shed some light on the importance of beliefs – a vital component for making meaningful lifestyle decisions and creating lasting change with those pending New Year’s Resolutions.

I’m very confident that you’re still thinking about them… After all, we have less than a week to complete our 2010 list of transformational behaviors that will catapult us into that altered state of euphoria… Btw, are you still with me on this quest?!?… I really hope so, I’d really like to work with you to create the right context for these shifts that you’re seeking to make in your daily behaviors, as well as your overall health status.

Based on my personal experience, the ABC’s of Health are what drive lasting change in our lifestyle. They are as follows:

• What is your “Attitude” regarding change?…
• What are your “Beliefs” about your health, and?…
• What is your “Commitment” to changing your lifestyle?…

This week’s post will focus on the second of those ABC’s: “Beliefs.” (Three guesses on the next blog’s focus…) As noted previously, if our attitude is the lens through which we see and perceive the world, then it is our beliefs that solidify and create our reality. It may come as a surprise to learn this, but we all have a tendency to see what we already believe to be true. This is the reality of our professional interests, our political choices and positions, and most importantly, how we approach our personal health. Said another way, “We are what we believe…”

I recently completed what I regard as one of the best books on our beliefs about our health, Counter Clockwise by Ellen Langer, Ph.D. In this deceptively small, but very powerful book, Dr. Langer, a noted psychologist at Harvard University, has redefined the field of psychology with her groundbreaking research and insights on “mindfulness,” the “social construction of reality” and related topics that have a profound effect on our perception of aging and our overall health status.

In one of the early key passages, she makes the following provocative observation: “If our beliefs have influence on our well-being, surely we can learn to influence our beliefs. To begin to do so, we must make a critical choice. We must choose to believe that we have control over our health.”(Emphasis added.) In my humble opinion, this is the bedrock issue for making changes in our daily behaviors that lead to improved health status.

If, however, we don’t believe, at a deep level, that we have that control over our health, then regardless of how sophisticated the nutritional regimen is, or regardless of the degree of intensity of the exercise protocol, we are simply working against ourselves at a very fundamental level. And despite what you may think, this “conflict” in our beliefs and our actions is far more prevalent than you might think. Let me share a recent case study to highlight this.

One of the little known facts about heart disease is that 50% of all people who have heart attacks, in fact, have low cholesterol levels. (Did you know that?!?…) Well, it’s true, despite what your doctor and what Big Pharma ads may be telling you. But our contemporary (and I would stress “temporary”) belief is that cholesterol is not good for you, especially the “BAD” cholesterol. (A topic to be furthered explored in a later post…)

In any event, I was with a colleague recently who was coaching a client on their diet. The discussion turned to the importance of fats in her meals, and her client became concerned and said, “You can recommend anything you want, but don’t try to take my Lipitor away from me… I’ve finally gotten my cholesterol down and feel much better for it…” And no doubt, she does feel better. But it seems reasonable to ask: Is it the Lipitor, or her belief that this pill is making her better? And this kind of mindless devotion to medications is happening millions of times a day across our country. And yet, study after study continues to prove that placebo’s are completely effective anywhere from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. It’s not always the drug – it’s our belief in the drug!

Based on this premise and my coaching experience, I have developed another two-minute test to assess “your level of belief.” This test is more directional than statistically tested, but it is intended to assess just where your beliefs are and just how much they may be affecting your health status. Outlined below are 10 quick questions (as well as a scoring key) to assess your “belief quotient,” or said another way, how in control are you of your health?

(The scoring is: 1=Strongly Disagree; 2= Disagree; 3=Neutral; 4= Agree; and 5=Strongly Agree)

1) It’s genetic, I’m predisposed to contracting my ancestors’ illnesses _____
2) I’m getting older, it’s only a matter of time before I get sick, too _____
3) The medications that I’m on are what’s keeping me healthy _____
4) I am afraid to eat any “fats” for fear of clogging up my arteries _____
5) I monitor my cholesterol levels regularly and keep them low _____
6) When I get seriously ill, I never seek a second opinion _____
7) I expect to get at least one cold each year _____
8) I worry about getting the flu each season, especially the H1N1 _____
9) I have at least three or more good friends, or family members
who are dealing with challenging health issues _____
10) I routinely think that every minor ailment is something very serious _____

Now, just like before, please take a moment and assess your beliefs about taking control. Based on my client experience, if your score is near or above 40, it’s likely that you lack sufficient belief in your ability to take control of your health. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that if your response to just Question #2 is 4 or 5, then you have a very self-limiting belief in your ability to stay healthy, despite your age. This may seem harsh, but it’s true.

Don’t get me wrong. I know we’re all eventually going to die. But “age” doesn’t stand for “a grueling end…” How we see ourselves and our aging process is a major driver in the development of symptoms and health conditions that affect our daily lives. A bit disorienting, I realize, but please read this wonderful book if you have doubts.

One of the more provocative findings from Dr. Langer’s research is that individuals who seek a “second opinion,” are less likely to have poor health as profiled on CDC surveys of health status taken across the country. It seems that your degree of engagement in your health, as evidenced by seeking the advice of several consultants, is very much good for our health. Hmmm…

And as for Question #1 regarding genetics, well, Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., in his book, The Biology of Belief, profiles numerous research studies that have proven that it is our environment (our beliefs, our thoughts, our physical environment, etc.) that triggers and defines the actions of our genes, NOT the genes, in and of themselves. He likens this blind belief that “genes drive everything” to suggesting that it is your car key that controls the direction and speed of your car. Without question, the key is vital, but we all know it responds to an external stimulus to “turn on.” And so do you, at a genetic level.

The point of all this discussion is to underscore the vital importance of taking control of our beliefs and being mindful (i.e. being aware) of just what our expectations are as they relate to our health. Without supportive and health-affirming beliefs, we will simply sabotage our efforts to pursue healthy and sustainable lifestyle change. And that’s a fact.

Forgive me for upsetting the applecart, yet again. I know you’re anxious to get started with that “diet” or “exercise plan,” but the more you do to strengthen these ABC’s of Health, I’m certain the more successful you’ll be with your New Year’s Resolutions. Gaining mastery over your “health beliefs” is critical to creating a powerful context for that new level of health and well-being that’s sought.

Thank you, again, for taking a few moments to “size yourself up,” and for reflecting on what might be driving your current health beliefs. And as unsettling as it may be to see this in print, just know that the new you is “all in your head!”

À votre bonne santé

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The ABC’s of Health…

Posted by Morley Robbins on December 16, 2009

OK, so let’s get a jump on your New Year’s Resolutions.

Admit it, somewhere on the list (likely # 1 or # 2) is the desire to “lose some weight” – right? If you’re like me it is, especially after all those holiday get-togethers and endless social/work functions. The clothes are feeling a bit more snug, you’re chiding yourself for eating all those goodies, and deep down, you really do want to re-discover that youthful physique that only you can see in the mirror.

But before you jump head long into yet another tasteless diet or stress-inducing exercise routine come January 1st, 2010, I’d like you to take a moment to evaluate where you are on the ABC’s of Health:

• What is your “Attitude” regarding change?…
• What are your “Beliefs” about health, and?…
• What is your “Commitment” to changing your lifestyle?…

And while I know many of you are probably wanting to cut to the chase – “just give me a diet that works… an exercise routine I can do easily… or maybe both” — it’s vitally important to know what your individual context is for creating change. The goal is to know that whatever lifestyle changes are, indeed, made, that these health-enhancing behaviors become a new way of life for you, not just another resolution that bites the dust by the 3rd week of January.

This week’s post will focus on the first of these ABC’s: “Attitude.” (Subsequent posts will shed new light on the other two…) Nonetheless, our attitude is the lens through which we see and perceive the world. In effect, it is our world. And while many of us would like to think that the world is happening to us, in reality the world is nothing more than a reflection of our attitude. A sobering and unsettling thought…

Recent research by Barbara L. Fredrickson, PhD, and wonderfully profiled in her new book, Positivity, demonstrates that individuals are most likely to adopt lasting change in their lives when they have a more positive outlook about life, as demonstrated by a higher percentage of positive emotions, especially when contrasted with their percentage of negative emotions. Somewhat obvious, but an easily overlooked and often ignored dynamic.

Profiled on her website is a quick two-minute test to assess “your degree of positivity.” (Please see http://www.positivityratio.com/single.php for the complete test.) Outlined below are the questions and the scoring key from her unique program to assess your “positivity quotient,” and ultimately your willingness to change:

(The scoring is: 0=Not at all; 1=A little bit; 2=Moderately; 3=Quite a bit; and 4=Extremely)

What is the most amused, fun-loving, or silly you felt?               _____
What is the most ashamed, humiliated, or disgraced you felt?_____
What is the most angry, irritated, or annoyed you felt?             _____
What is the most awe, wonder, or amazement you felt?             _____
What is the most contemptuous, or disdainful you felt?            _____
What is the most disgust, distaste, or revulsion you felt?         _____
What is the most embarrassed, or self-conscious you felt?      _____
What is the most grateful, appreciative, or thankful you felt? _____
What is the most guilty, repentant, or blameworthy you felt?_____
What is the most hate, distrust, or suspicion you felt?               _____
What is the most hopeful, optimistic, or encouraged you felt?_____
What is the most inspired, uplifted, or elevated you felt?         _____
What is the most interested, alert, or curious you felt?             _____
What is the most joyful, glad, or happy you felt?                          _____
What is the most love, closeness, or trust you felt?                     _____
What is the most proud, confident, or self-assured you felt?  _____
What is the most sad, downhearted, or unhappy you felt?      _____
What is the most scared, fearful, or afraid you felt?                    _____
What is the most serene, content, or peaceful you felt?            _____
What is the most stressed, nervous, overwhelmed you felt?   _____

Now take a moment and assess just how “willing” you are to change by your overall scores. I’ll give you a hint, the score of “positives” needs to be bigger than the score of “negatives.” It’s a simple test, yet what Dr. Fredrickson has proven through countless research studies is that this simple assessment is most powerful in what it reveals about your attitude toward change, as well as your willingness to shift your life experience.

I’ll admit it; this is a very different kind of “scale” by which to measure just how much you want that new lifestyle. But gaining greater insight about your “Attitude” towards life, in general, and towards a healthy lifestyle, in particular, will do more for you to realize your desire, and ultimately your day-to-day behaviors to achieve that new level of health and well-being. It’s incremental… and it starts with how you “see” this process.

And finally, give some thought to what’s behind that desire to “lose some weight.” Is it simply a practical issue of wanting your clothes to fit or not wanting to spend more money on a “new” (i.e. bigger…) wardrobe, or is it fueled by a deeper, more profound desire to feel better about yourself? I know, these are easily asked questions, yet not so easily answered. Trust me, I’ve been there and truly empathize with the lifestyle choices you are in the process of making here.

Just know that there is a better way, and in subsequent posts, we’re going to explore what they are and how all these choices and lifestyles changes will liberate you to become a whole new you – maybe even better looking than that amazing “reflection” you see daily.

So, take a few moments to “size yourself up,” and then reflect on what might be fueling or, more importantly, what might be blocking your positivity scoring. And during this magical time of year, be grateful for all that you have, know that you always have the power to change and rest assured that the world awaits you and all that you wish to be.

À votre bonne santé

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Seperating Fact From Fantasy…

Posted by Morley Robbins on December 8, 2009

I recently had the pleasure of reading The Liberation Diet – it is an excellent book, written in a refreshing style, but beware, it’s not for the feint of heart! Read this book only if you are seeking the truth about what kind of diet is best for you, especially in this era of processed, manufactured, and not-real food.

Many years ago I adopted the Atkins diet. Prior to adopting that regimen, I was putting on weight and found that eating pasta-based dishes simply were not satisfying my hunger. Within a matter of months (coupled with an exercise routine), I lost 35 pounds and felt totally nourished and fulfilled. And despite the success of that original program (and my own adaptation of that diet that worked for me), I never really knew why it worked, or why it was OK to eat this way – until I read The Liberation Diet.

I must confess that even though I had adopted a diet that conformed in large part to the one that is recommended, and well documented, in this book, I wondered about the impact all that “fat” was having in my diet, not to mention my arteries. My cholesterol levels remained normal, but the concern was always there. One of the great strengths of this book is learning the truth about the “science” behind the U.S. dietary policy.

In many respects, it is based on flawed research, given that the original conclusions by Ancel Keys at the USDA were based on the diets of seven countries that confirmed his thesis that “fat caused cardiac disease” and completely ignored the diets of 15 other countries that completely disproved his thesis. This book then goes on to explain the impact this mis-interpretation of the data had and it’s subsequent influence on dietary rules and regulations. It is a bit humbling to learn that our phobia about fat is based on totally flawed research. The changes in our diet for just this one factor, alone, have had an enormous negative impact on the health and welfare of American citizens.

This is but one brief chapter in a book that sheds refreshing candor about all aspects of diet, including, the role of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, food additives, the role of exercise, and so on. It presents compelling facts and information that will, at first, confound you and then upon reflection, you will realize the profound distortions that have occurred in our diet in the last 100 years. It is vital that we have this broader historical perspective and The Liberation Diet is an excellent source for a straightforward and informative approach to improving your diet and providing a foundation for a better and more fulfilling life.

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