Natural Health with Agnostic Eating

Natural Health with Agnostic Eating - A friend recently introduced me to a new term that I love: diet agnostic. It means neither faith nor disbelief in a singular, supreme way of eating. To be clear, diet agnosticism isn't irreverence. It simply posits that we don't know enough about human nutrition to say one approach is right for everyone and instead suggests individuals be conscious of how they eat and craft a diet that serves them best.

Consider this in contrast to the ever-expanding array of food faiths-and their proselytizing disciples-that claim with unwavering certitude that their way is the right way...or at least, the righteous way to diet. Buy only organic. Anything worth eating should be eaten raw. Consume no carbs. If Neanderthals didn't eat it, neither should you. Attempting to simplify a galaxy of gastronomic unknowns, these passing food fads have actually complicated something as basic as eating.

And yet, each new dietary trend gains true believers, some of whom experience genuine health improvements while others, it seems, simply feel they need to follow the fad. Either way, it proves that deep down we yearn to make healthy choices. Is that thus bad? If going vegetarian, gluten-free, locavore, whatever, gets United States of America asking essential questions on the food we tend to eat, terrific.

In his new book Diet Cults: The Surprising Fallacy at the Core of Nutrition Fads and a Guide to Healthy Eating for the Rest of Us (Pegasus 2014), author Matt Fitzgerald writes, "the natural human tendency to form diet cults is neither good nor bad. But there is tension inherent in it.Advocates of each cult cite specific evidence to support their claims of superiority." But, these scientific claims often prove fleeting as well. In "Eggs Exonerated,"  we crack the long-held stereotype that eggs are somehow bad for you. A staple of every kitchen, the poor maligned egg is remarkable in its simplicity, versatility, and pure health benefits.

And while quinoa is certainly trending as a popular health food these days, there is no doubting its wonders. Across centuries and around the world, this plant has long played an integral role in a natural diet. In "Mighty Quinoa," on page 16, we offer you five creative recipes to make quinoa a part of any meal. Its another adaptable ingredient that you can have some fun with.

After all, as our own naturopathic expert Dr. James reminds us on page 40, food should be fun. "When it becomes about 'you can't have that,' or 'you have to do it like this,' you're in a little box and you can't play anymore."
Natural Health for Dinner