First off, I’m not a tree hugger. I like a juicy steak as much as the next person; however, in my daily routine I try to eat a healthy diet.

I don’t drink soft drinks. I don’t use salt. Like gluten-free breads and baked goods. I avoid sugar as much as possible. At 74, my weight is normal for my height, my yearly blood tests are always normal, and my blood pressure, last checked, was 122 over 70. Oh, my cholesterol is under 200.

Why do I get upset when grocery stores are full of foods that seem loaded with additives, preservatives, and chemicals that most can’t pronounce?

Well…mostly eating right and getting the right nutrition and avoiding additives gives me peace of mind. I also have more energy, sleep like a baby every night, and by not getting sick as often as most people my age, I avoid expensive medical bills.

It just makes sense to me.

This is a saying from a century ago: “When the diet is wrong, the medicine is useless; when the diet is right, the medicine is not necessary.” ~Ayurvedic proverb

Does that make sense to you?

At first, eating healthier is not easy. You have to read each item to see what it’s made of, but eventually you’ll learn what to buy and what’s best for you.

I have eaten this way for so long that my shopping time is no longer than anyone else’s.

Need more convincing?

Well… common items sold in everyday stores can seriously harm your body. These are just a few ingredients:

MSG – Linked to headaches and high blood pressure.

artificial food coloring – is suspected of causing increased hyperactivity in children. In addition, the dye Yellow No. 5 is believed to worsen asthma symptoms. Red dye No. 5 was banned due to its link to cancer.

High fructose corn syrup – thought to increase the risk of obesity and possibly type 2 diabetes.

So my advice to everyone. Watch what you’re eating. Read the labels. Do some research (Google). This applies to medications as well. Beware. Your family and friends will probably appreciate having you around for as long as possible.

To make doubly sure I’m getting all the proper nutrition I need, I use and recommend the gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free products offered by Heart & Body Naturals. If you want a great source of organic, plant-based products, take a look for yourself at: http://joinupwithus.com Yes, I am an affiliate and customer.