The Importance of Eating Whole Foods

By Shakti Chionis

In general, the definition of a whole food has to do with the complete makeup of a food, and its relationship to digesting it. For example, raw food, such as a fruit or a vegetable are considered to be whole because they contain everything the body needs to digest it. Water, vitamins, enzymes, fiber and other minerals are there to be utilized without robbing the body of vital resources. The body spends 80% of its time digesting food, so it is very beneficial to supply the body with foods that aid in that process. If not your energy may be low for longer periods of time. When a food is lacking such qualities of wholeness, the body needs to make up for any deficiency in order to digest it. In other words, let's say you're eating a muffin: there is fiber and possibly white sugar, white flour, and blueberries. What's here that the body can make good use of? There are no live enzymes, so the body borrows them from the enzyme bank. The flour and sugar are completely void of any nutrients, and while the blueberries have some value, it is likely not enough to make up the difference. Additionally, the egg and oil may demand extra attention because it is a fat and a protein which require more work to digest within the body.

While this example is small scale, it is important to understand the overall picture. The body is made up of 70% water, and needs to be replenished daily. Most people have more of an acid body vs. an alkaline body, however bodies are naturally alkaline which aids in digestion and better health. The addition of raw foods can help to raise the alkalinity of the body, thereby promoting a more natural, wholesome state. When a food is lacking vitamins, the body will also borrow from the vitamin bank. That too must be replenished daily.

As we eat 3 times a day 365 days a year for 30, 40, 50 years our bodies may not be supporting us fully, due to the lack of whole foods that we take in Sugar is a very big issue, since it is in virtually everything prepared, packaged or baked. It is completely nutrient void and the body gets taxed enormously from this. The nerve ends get fried the kidneys get overworked, the pancreas becomes out of balance, one may become more irritable, every part of the body is interdependently linked, and it inevitably effects the whole being (emotionally, mentally and physically). By replacing white sugar with other sweeteners that are more nutritionally sound, the body has a better chance of not being overtaxed. (Examples of this would be brown rice syrup, sucanat, barley malt ... ) However, recognize that white flour, when it breaks down, turns to glucose within 10 minutes and acts the same way as sugar. Therefore using more whole grain flours has its benefits in supporting the body. (Examples of this would be kamut flour, barley flour, oat flour...)

In understanding how what we eat and the affects it has on the body, which also determines how we feel (physically, emotionally and mentally), we then must evaluate our motives for what we do. If you are stressed out a lot and have a lot of demands from your family and work, and feel tired, worn out or just not quite yourself, than perhaps looking at what you eat may be a new beginning for bringing balance back into your life. It by no means is the only way. Exercise, quiet time and not overdoing it also help. However, in general, when people change their eating habits that support them, in the most optimal way, there will be a noticeable difference in your general well being.

Lovejoy Harvest
Shakti Chionis, Reiki Master/Teacher
Whole Foods Chef and Culinary Artist
P.O. Box 864
Coupeville, WA 98239
shakti@lovejoyharvest.com
By appointment only....360-678-5657

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