This is a great article! David Murdock, Chairmen and Owner of Dole Food Company, was visted by Oprah to discuss how, at 86 years of age, he is still active, healthy, energetic and mentally alert.
His secrets:
- Exercise an hour every day (cardio and strength)
- Diet incorporates 30-40 different kinds of fruit and vegetables every week
He provided a list of his claimed 33 Healthiest Foods on Earth, and I have to say, it was motivating! I love reading about the benefits of these satisfying and great-tasting fruits and vegetables, and it helps to motivate me to buy them at the grocery store.
Sometimes, after a few weeks, I forget that there are foods that I crave beyond bread and sweets, and the idea that healthy eating for weight-loss does not include "just another salad". I don't eat as well when I am not motivated to go grocery shopping and plan meals ahead, cycling into a downward spiral that I don't have as much energy, then I don't exercise as much, which means I don't sleep as well, and you know my mood is not as great at the end of this cycle. To turn the cycle back around, I can just re-read my healthy food list (this is one of them), and remember, "oh yeah! I love eating blueberries, kiwi, mangoes and spinach", and forget that these are the healthy, yummy, energizing, feel-good food choices, and is not "just another salad". Their natural fiber and sweet taste are satisfying and revitalizing, meaning I have more energy to exercise, I feel great, I drink more water, I feel full longer, I'm happier, and I sleep soundly...lending itself to another day of energy to exercise and the cycle continues in a positive direction. I am having many more of these positive cycles, as the weight is coming off (I've lost 15 pounds in 3 months, yeah!), and I am no longer in the "overweight" category (according to my BMI).
I just wanted to share with you some positive energy and food ideas, as well as encouragement to fill your grocery carts this week with delicious, succulent, filling, good-for-you, energizing and tantalizing foods from this list!
Enjoy and happy eating!
Here's a challenge: can you actually incorporate 30-40 DIFFERENT kinds of fruits & veggies into your diet, even for a week? If so, I'd love to hear your story, and read your meal plan. Maybe I'll give it a whirl....that would be a great challenge! Anyone up for a challenge with me?
(One note: although Dole Food Company sells many of these products, it is best to purchase the fresh variety, either in the produce department or frozen food section. Skip the fruit juices or fruit cocktails that are loaded with syrup and sugar!)