What is FOOD?

As eating has become complex and complicated, we may need to analyze back what are the things that we eat.

Are they really food or what?

With the rapid development of science and technology, many types of food being produced; preserved food, fast food, frozen food, instant food etc… etc…

The big Q here is, are they considered as food? What is F-O-O-D actually?

After watching Oprah regarding the food issue [with Michael Pollan as her guest], I would like to share some of the info/rules that he raised up during the show.

You may find the complete elaboration in this book

Rule No. 1: EAT FOOD

Most of the items/products in the market don’t deserve to be called food – but its edible food – like substances.  Mostly consist of ingredients that no NORMAL person would keep in the pantry. Today’s challenge is to eat well by eating real food and avoiding industrial novelties.

Rule No. 2: EAT FOOD THAT WILL EVENTUALLY ROT

Food processing began as way to extend the shelf life of food by protecting it from the competitors [fungi and bacteria] – by removing nutrients that attracts the competitors or the nutrients that likely to turn rancid.

The more processed a food is, the longer the shelf life, and the less nutritious it typically is. Thus, a real food is the food which is alive! – and therefore it should eventually die.

Rule No. 3: EAT YOUR COLORS

A healthy plate of food will feature several different colors. Many of these chemicals help protect against chronic disease.

Rule No. 4: “THE WHITER THE BREAD, THE SOONER YOU”LL BE DEAD”

The health risk of white flour has been popularly recognized for many years. White flour is not much different from sugar – from our body’s perspective. So minimize white flour by eating whole grain.

Rule No. 5: EAT MOSTLY PLANTS, ESPECIALLY LEAVES

You’ll consume far fewer calories since plat foods – with the exception of seeds, including grains and nuts – are usually less “energy dense” than other things you eat.

Rule No. 6: STOP EATING BEFORE YOU’RE FULL

This is my favourite rule!

Why? Because this rule has been taught to us 1400 years ago by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. He taught us to fill our belly with one third food, one third liquid, and one third air (empty space – nothing in it)

The Japanese have saying – hara haci bu – urging the people to stop eating when they are 80% full. While in Ayurvedic tradition, they specify until 75% full and the Chinese specify 70%.

The French will say “ I’m hungry” as ‘J’ai faim’ – I have hunger. And when finished, don’t say you’re full, but say ‘Je n’ai plus faim’ – I have no more hunger. A different way of thinking about satiety.

p/s: the remaining 4 rules will be added soon... Btw, if you buy Reader's Digest (June edition), you may find these info in it.