New Food as Medicine Guide Launches This Month
In August, Riordan Clinic will add a new way for our co-learners to interact with our website and expand knowledge of using food to heal. The online guidebook, “Food As Medicine: Nourishing Your Body, Mind, and Soul,” will be introduced this month.
This 42-page guidebook will cover a variety of topics and includes more than a dozen recipes. It will be offered as a viewable or downloadable PDF at no charge. In its introduction, it explains that the traditional use of the word “diet” has conditioned us to think first about food restrictions. Instead, it suggests being mindful about what we consume and to thoughtfully include foods that help optimize our body’s function.
There are recommendations to get you started — but they are simply that – recommendations. As always, follow the guidance of your provider, who knows your personal needs. The guide explains the importance of avoiding or limiting food that increases inflammation, which can trigger or worsen conditions such as cancer and metabolic syndrome. It also recommends avoiding ingredients that contribute to our body’s toxin burden. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating, especially when dealing with a medical condition.
In the absence of specific, personalized testing, Riordan Clinic providers often recommend a Mediterranean-style diet that is lower in carbs, includes lean meat, whole foods, high-quality fats, herbs, spices, and colorful vegetables. It also offers reasons and recipes to help guide you.
The guide discusses food sourcing and includes a colorful list of the “Dirty Dozen,” crops that are heavily treated with pesticides and should be purchased in organic form whenever possible. It also features the “Clean 15,” which are generally considered to be crops that are least likely to contain pesticide residues.
When it comes to organic, it features a section explaining what the term organic means as it applies to food and outlines four specific benefits of choosing organic.
Reading labels can be confusing as well. This guide explains the differences between a variety of labels.
100% Organic: Every ingredient used must be completely organic. This is the only variety that can display the USDA seal.
Made with organic ingredients: Product must be at least 70% organic and cannot display the organic seal.
Contains organic ingredients: Product is made with less than 70% organic ingredients.
The guide also explains the differences between labels that are specific to meat and dairy.
There is a section recommending specific chemicals to avoid because they have questionable chemicals that are either understudied or suspected to be toxic. The list includes foods that the chemicals are often found in.
Now the fun part! Put the knowledge to use in your kitchen. The guide includes multiple recipes. There are several options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. They have specific, easy-to-follow directions, photos, and variations and tips when applicable.
The guide will be available to view or download soon at the Riordan Clinic’s website, riordanclinic.org/free-downloads/. Watch for an announcement on social media or your email inbox.
