Antioxidants are compounds that can efficiently block “oxidative” biological reactions that are known to be a primary cause of aging. The same types of oxidative reactions cause oils to become rancid, apples to turn brown, iron to rust and silver to tarnish. Natural antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that, if ingested in proper amounts, have been shown to help prevent many chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Rheumatoid arthritis and cataracts. They have this incredible power because they can bind to the chemically reactive electrons given off by agents in our bodies known as “free radicals”. These are highly unstable, biologically active and destructive compounds that are known to damage cellular proteins and even DNA. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely avoid free radicals because they are created by biochemical reactions as a result of normal metabolic processes.

Natural antioxidants in our diet have a vital role in controlling the damage caused by free radicals in our bodies. Such agents include some common vitamins like Vitamins E, A & C. Elements such as Selenium, Zinc and Manganese are also essential in trace amounts as molecular components of various antioxidant enzymes. Many of the natural chemicals that provide colors for fruits and vegetables, known as “phytochemicals”, are also now being studies for their antioxidant properties. It is important to know that excessive heating, as used in frying and the processing of many common cooking oils actually destroys the very antioxidant properties of many of these natural and healthy agents.

All of the delicious varieties of Dr. Dan’s are made only with 100% cold processed (not heat or chemically extracted) pure olive oil and hormone free butter with natural healthy ingredients like garlic, cinnamon, red chili and natural jalapeños. They are naturally rich in heart healthy monounsaturated oil and are cold processed to retain all of their natural vitamins, antioxidants and healthy phytochemicals. They are wonderful addition to a healthy diet directly on crackers or warm toast and are a flavorful base for light and healthy cooking like grilling mixed vegetables, meats and seafood. All natural, cold processed, no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. They are part of the “living foods” group and the good stuff in life.

I could probably retire on this advice.  It’s that good.  Absolutely nothing in our appearance oriented society is more confusing or highly manipulated than “dieting”.  This is truly a simple issue that has been made seemingly complex, usually by people with something to gain.  The keys to healthy living and weight control are simple.  Moderation and a little common sense will save you a lot of money and pain.  Eat right (“living foods”), don’t overeat, exercise (30 minutes cardio 5-6 x/wk), don’t drink too much alcohol (high caloric value, 7 Kcal/g).  Simple, right?  Oh, and don’t smoke and listen to good advice.  Seriously, you can literally save thousands of dollars a year by using some common sense and self discipline (I know, dirty words today).

What do I mean?  You already know that we must eat a balanced diet with a blend from the 5 basic food groups.  Now just add a little common sense.  First, avoid processed “dead foods”.  They usually have cooked the good things, like vitamins and antioxidants, out and added bad things like unhealthy fats, flavor enhancers, artificial colors, preservatives, etc.  The thing is that they really don’t taste better and have higher caloric content than unprocessed foods from the “living foods” group.  Moderate your portion size or just eat half of what’s on your plate and save the rest for another meal.  Eat your main meal of the day slowly when you have the time.

Here is some other sound food group advice:  Grains – moderate your daily intake and eat whole grains (they have bran, vitamins and antioxidants).  Vegetables – fresh is always best with fresh frozen next. If you want them cooked just don’t overdo it and learn how to steam or lightly grill them.  Fruits – same as vegetables.  We all need to emphasize these two groups without overcooking or adding a lot of extra salt or sweeteners.  For example, I eat a salad with fish or poultry and light vinaigrette dressing as my primary daily meal.  I also have a side of tasty steamed broccoli/carrots/mushrooms/etc. (with a little Dr. Dan’s for flavor).  I throw in a slice of whole grain bread with my favorite Dr. Dan’s lightly spread on it.  On occasion, I get to have a reasonable portion of a healthy dessert, like a fresh fruit tart (see recipes on www.thespreadoflife.com ). 

These are healthy foods and they have awesome flavors.  Meats (protein) – fish & poultry are best, followed by other lean meats.  Beans are great if not overdone by adding fat.  Snack lightly on raw nuts & seeds in between meals.  Milk/Dairy – try to eat low fat varieties of milks and cheeses moderately or try alternative natural Soy based products.  These have gotten really good.  Oils – our bodies require that we have some in our diets so please don’t try to eliminate them completely.  Emphasize the monounsaturated and cold processed oils and use them moderately (hey, like “Dr. Dan’s Spread of Life”) and never eat deep fat fried foods.  Don’t.  Don’t do it!  They vil keel you.

Just a couple more things.  Go easy on desserts.  Eat them occasionally, but in small portions and you really don’t need them every day.  Be smart, don’t overeat, don’t smoke (don’t, don’t do it), if you drink alcohol do so in moderation (a nice glass of red Cabernet), exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet daily with unprocessed foods from the “living foods” group and you will probably forget that you ever needed to be on a stupid, manipulating fad diet again.  Last things, take a fish oil tablet daily and if you do all of the above, one age appropriate multivitamin supplement and you will be as healthy as your genes and heritage will allow you to be.  Otherwise, you will need a doctor.  Enjoy a little Dr. Dan’s daily and enjoy your precious life.

There is good reason that “junk food” is called “junk”. These “foods” are filled with ingredients that should be thrown away as fast as possible or better yet, never purchased in the first place. Many of the ingredients found in foods like French fries, potato chips, margarines and most of the items found on our grocery store shelves are highly processed and stripped their intrinsic life giving and “living” ingredients like natural vitamins, antioxidants, fibers, etc. They are also filled with artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, preservatives and deadly fats. So why do people buy them? While most people who do so think that these items are more convenient and flavorful, in reality they have been trained (i.e. brain washed) by advertisers and merchandisers to believe nothing more than an expensive and ultimately life threatening lie.

Living foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain flour and breads and cold processed oils like natural olive oil are filled with natural vitamins, antioxidants, fibers, monounsaturated oils, phytochemicals and natural colors that our bodies need and love. Far from being bland or boring, these foods are filled with wonderful flavors and can be used in a nearly infinite variety of convenient and healthy combinations that will please virtually every cook and palate. One of the best new products using old world and all natural ingredients is “Dr. Dan’s The Spread of Life”.

All of the delicious varieties of Dr. Dan’s are made only with 100% cold processed pure olive oil and hormone free butter with natural healthy ingredients like garlic, cinnamon, red chili and natural jalapeños. They are naturally rich in heart healthy monounsaturated oil and are cold processed to retain all of their natural vitamins and antioxidants. They are wonderful addition to a healthy diet directly on crackers or warm toast and are a flavorful base for light and healthy cooking like grilling mixed vegetables, meats and seafood. One taste and you will never return to the junk food isle and dead foods again.