A Direct Approach to Diet and Anxiety Management
I have a direct approach to my diet. First and foremost, I manage my natural anxiety and hyper-anxiety flare-ups to avoid eating in addictive patterns.
The Influence of Fred Bisci and Eliminating Processed Foods
I've often mentioned my mentor, Fred Bisci, a true master of self-help and development. I had the privilege of working closely with him for nine years as the founder and first CEO of Juice Press. Fred taught me a straightforward approach: focus on eliminating processed foods before engaging in any other diet strategies. You can either go cold turkey or gradually wean off them. This is especially challenging today because processed food is everywhere—even in our water supply.
Understanding Food Preferences and the Consumption of Animal Protein
Children are often particular about food color, texture, wetness, dryness, crunchiness, smell, and other factors based on their individual preferences. It’s crucial to consider these factors when discussing dietary habits.
When it comes to animal protein, it's important to understand why humans began consuming it in the first place. Some reasons include:
- Lack of available plants due to climate conditions.
- Fear or anxiety about hunger.
- Imitation of other animals.
- Cultural or customary practices.
- A human need to conquer and subjugate other species.
- Euphoric feelings associated with fullness and the nitrogenous material in flesh foods.
- Taste preferences and addictive eating patterns.
- Ignorance about edible plants and farming techniques.
Our closest ancestors were primarily plant eaters, consuming animal protein only when necessary. In recent centuries, meat consumption has increased, often driven by cultural pressures and the lower cost per calorie of animal protein in a consumer-driven world. People frequently choose foods that provide immediate strength or satiety without considering long-term health and wellness.
The Role of Intoxicants and Addictive Substances
No discussion on diet is complete without addressing substances like tobacco and alcohol, which are profound intoxicants. To advance our development, we should aim to abstain from these, despite their prevalence, perceived enjoyment, addictive nature, and the temporary euphoria they provide.
Recommendations for an Ideal Diet
A simpler dietary guideline is that primary calories should come from fruits, vegetables, nuts, sprouted seeds, herbs, and mushrooms, with a minimal percentage (25% to 30%) from animal protein. When it comes to alcohol, I can't advise moderation; I believe abstinence is key. The challenge lies in addressing addiction and anxiety, as many people use addictive eating patterns to suppress anxiety. Anxiety often stems from our beliefs and understanding of reality.
Our survival depends on factors such as breathing patterns, diet, activity levels, and relationships. In the long term, our diet also impacts the planet’s fertility, fuel usage, and pollution levels. It’s all interconnected.
The Interconnectedness of Diet, Health, and the Planet
Evolutionary theory shows that the fittest creatures are rewarded with survival, allowing their genes to pass to the next generation. From a scientific perspective, there is mathematical support for the simplicity of the ideal human diet. This begins with eliminating the "NO's" of diet and lifestyle: no processed foods, overeating, late-night eating, alcohol, refined sugar, cow milk and its products, animal protein, or drugs.
Instead, embrace plants—consume as many varieties as you can forage, pick, gather, grow, and replant! Ignore advice suggesting we should eat more or avoid fruit; this is absurd. Human calories should come from fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seeds, mushrooms, roots, herbs, spices, clean water, sunlight, exercise, and fresh air.
Modern Tools for Supporting Dietary Goals
In the modern era, we have access to electric juicers and refrigeration, which allow us to enjoy a variety of fresh juice medleys. These tools can support our dietary goals and help us transition to more challenging levels of nutrition.
Focusing on Individual Progress
Ultimately, I believe in focusing on individual progress rather than judging others' meals or habits. My goal is to pursue an ideal that feels sustainable, continuously striving to improve without feeling pressured by comparison.