Review of the 28 Natural Eating Plan

It has been one week after finishing Joe Bonington’s 28 days of  ‘Natural Eating Plan’.

This is what else I have learnt (read my first post to read more of what I have learnt) & ongoing changes we will make:

 

1) Changing the oils we cook with.  Traditional vegetable cooking oils like peanut, sunflower, corn, soybean and canola  (polyunsaturated oils) contain linolic acid.  Apparently linolic acid can collect high amounts of fatty acid known as HNE which has been linked to increased occurrence of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, liver problems and cancer.

Rice bran and coconut oil is supposed to be the best vegetable oil for cooking followed by olive oil.  Olive oil however is better as a dressing because when consumed uncooked, contains benefits.  Apparently the best and healthiest oils to use for cooking are rice bran ghee, butter (raw is better) and coconut oil.

 

2)  I don’t think I have ever mentioned on this blog, that I am wheat and gluten intolerant.  Sourcing wheat free pasta, bread, flour etc was difficult 25 years ago but now it is as easy as shopping at Coles, Woolworths and IGA.

After reading ‘Joe Bonington’s 28 Natural Eating Plan’, I read about gluten free, ancient grains like Quinoa that you can easily buy at health food stores (pronounced keen-wa).

I downloaded a Quinoa Cooking Recipe E book from Nikkis Blog Spot.  I love this grain which reminded me like cous cous in appearance.  I bought the ‘Lotus’ brand of Quinoa which is certified organic by Bolicert.   Before cooking Quinoa, rinse and soak for at least 8 hours to remove phytic acids which can prevent proper digestion.  For every one cup of quinoa place two cups of water in a medium sized saucepan and bring to boil.  Reduce to simmer, cover and cook until all water is absorbed (10-15 min).  If you cook more than you need, excess can be frozen.

 

3)  Our microwave sits on top of our fridge as we don’t have space for it anywhere else.  As the power plug is hard to reach, we leave the microwave on.  This has annoyed me as every other appliance (except for the fridge) is turned off at the wall when not in use to save electricity.

Joe’s eating plan book mentioned that microwaving food changes the make up of its contents at a cellular level.  A study of ‘Food Prepared Conventionally and in the Microwave Oven’ published by Raum & Zelt in 1992 states:

“A basic hypothesis of natural medicine states that the introduction into the human body of molecules and energies, to which it is not accustomed, is much more likely to cause harm than good”.

Over the period of the 28 days we turned the microwave off at the power point.  After the 28 days, we have only turned the microwave one once but it was turned off again after use.  I can see our microwave’s days are numbered in our home.

 

4) Both Brett my husband and I have lost weight and toned up in a very short period of time.  Over the Christmas & New Year period we both enjoyed the party season and hence it was nice to give our bodies 28 days of natural eating and healthy living.

 

In closing, I can highly recommend Joe Bonington’s 28 Days Natural Eating Plan.

28 Day Natural Eating Plan

Joe Bonington is a relatively well known personal trainer in Sydney who I respect for being holistic in his approach to health and fitness.

 

Being inspired after listening to Joe speak at a business networking function recently, I decided to buy his eBook titled ‘Joe Bonington’s 28 Day Natural Eating Plan’ (only $19.95 AUS).

 

It was very apparent after the first couple of pages that Joe’s philosophy on life and eating was similar to that of the direction I was heading on my ‘green’ journey.

 

This ‘green’ journey of mine has been challenging every part of my life and most recently my diet.  As regular readers will know, one example of this is now I am only eating organic and free range meat and eggs as I decided that the welfare of the animals was more important.  We have also cut down the amount of meat we consume and added more fish and nuts into our diet.

 

Reading Joe’s eBook made me realise that these decisions did not only benefit animal welfare and the environment but also my health.

 

For example; my choice to buy only ‘true’ free range eggs.  Yes this decision was originally for the welfare of the hens.  However I did not know that when compared to cage eggs, pasture raised organic eggs contain:

 

1/3 less cholesterol

1/4 less saturated fat

2/3 more vitamin A

2 times more omega-3 fatty acids

3 times more vitamin E

7 times more beta-carotene

 

Interesting isn’t it!

 

So after reading Joe’s whole eBook in one night, my husband Brett and I have decided that we will take the 28 day natural eating plan challenge.

 

For the next 28 days (well 27 days now) we will not be consuming:

 

Alcohol

All processed foods

Caffeine

Cage eggs

Conventionally farmed meat

Dairy

Fruit Juice (non fresh)

Soy Products

Table salt

Vegetable Oils

Wheat

White Rice

 

After going through the list with Brett he said nervously “well what can we eat?”  For that I had to go shopping today and why I recommend you have a look at Joe’s eBook for yourself.

 

I will keep you up to date with how we are going along the way. 

 

Day one and I am excited!

 

Want to know more about Joe’s 28 Natural Eating Plan?