Diet: is what we DON'T eat as important as what we DO eat?

[Deleted member 4644]

Getting enough vitamins, anti oxidants, fiber, etc might be more important than not eating fat etc?

I think the exception to this rule is chemically modified stuff like hydrogenated oils and refined sugar - those should be avoided.

Does anyone agree?

Lately I have been under extreme emotional stress and have changed my diet in the following ways:

More potassium (bananas, O juice)
More whole grains (bread)
More protein (meats)
More magnesium (supplements)
More anti-oxidants (low caffine tea, grapes)


Also:
Less sugar (candy, juices, high fructose corn syrup)
Fewer hydogenated oils

Anyone have any other recs for a healthy diet (esp for someone under emotional stress)

 

[Chaotic42]

I'm not a fan of government regulation, but if there were one currently acceptable food product that I could live with the government banning, it's HFCS.

 

[IronWing]

Your change in diet looks pretty good. You might look at replacing some wheat bread with corn bread.

Also, for dealing with stress exercise and proper sleep is very important.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

When you say proper sleep, do you mean a lot of sleep, or a particular type/way of sleeping?

 

[thejnaitor]

Congratulations on choosing to be healthier. I made a similar change about 2 years ago, and it has definitely been worth it. It sounds like you are eating how you should be. I cut out refined sugar from my diet, as well as milk and most other dairy products. If you find yourself craving sugar at all, opt for a homemade smoothie instead of something else. Try blending a cup of vanilla silk (soy milk), a cup of OJ, a handful of frozen peaches, half a banana and some strawberries. Also, getting a proper amount of sleep and exercising 5 days a week (or more) are both essential. I get between 6.5 and 8 hours of sleep on almost every night, and keeping a good schedule like that, not too much sleep but enough, keeps me energized throughout the day. Sorry if this doesn't make too much sense... hehe. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions for me or need some more advice. Keep up the good work!

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: LordSegan
When you say proper sleep, do you mean a lot of sleep, or a particular type/way of sleeping?

Keeping a regular sleep schedule is what (I think) he's talking about. Try going to bed and getting up at about the same times every day. How much sleep you get depends on you, but 7-8 hours is about right. There have also been studies done claiming that "early to bed, early to rise" has a ring of truth to it.

 

[IronWing]

I intentionally used the word "proper" as it is vague. I didn't want to give a particular number of hours as different people need different amounts. Regular sleep is good. This summer, due to long work hours, I was missing lots of sleep and that really screwwed me up for awhile. It took weeks of regular sleep to get back to the point where I gave much of a damn about anything. Fatigue and stress are synergistic in making life suck.