book review: "overdo$ed america"

I recently finished reading "Overdo$ed America: The Broken Promise of American Medicine," by John Abramson, MD. It was originally published in 2004 (softcover version in 2008), but now is a great time to read it because it sheds so much light on why our country is in the middle of a healthcare crisis. I have been aware for some time now that many people are taking medications...but did not realize the extent of underground financial links created by drug companies that affect those who aren't even taking medications. Additionally, it has led to distorted "scientific" information, even in the most well-respected journals. I finished this book in less than a week...it was hard to put it down!

making your salad exciting!

According to Dr.Joel Fuhrman, MD, a "nutritarian" doctor*, a good way to stay focused on eating lots and lots of vegetables is to consider your salad to be the "main course" of the meal. We are accustomed to putting just a handful of chopped lettuce on the side, next to our calorically-dense spaghetti with tomato sauce. Why not combine the two for a vegetable advantage? Here's what I mean:

1) Put a large serving of chopped-up lettuce on your plate.
2) Place a smaller amount of your calorically-dense "entree" on top.

So really, you will be eating both your salad and "entree" at the same time! This means that you no longer have to worry about a salad dressing (which are often full of oil, sugar, or artificial additives). The small amount of entree will spread farther- you will feel like you need less of it to be satisfied. Don't worry, it won't "ruin" your entree...you will come to love the crisp, water-dense contribution of the lettuce!

*(see http://www.doctorfuhrman.com/, or click on the link on the right-hand side of this page)