Diet Thoughts

Caleb:

I'm on the phone with Mom and we're thinking about your latest communication.  Mom will likely send her thoughts separately.  Here are some of my thoughts as relating to diet:

1) Consider properly combining your foods (see the attached chart)

2) Consider avoiding anything with gluten (anything that has wheat or barley).  Oatmeal, corn, and potatoes are okay.  However, eat starches in moderation as your body converts starch to fat the quickest.

3) Eat slowly; take small portions.  Mom says the stomach is the size of your fist.  I think it's a good rule of thumb.  Do this when you can't combine foods well.

4) Don't eat within 4 hours of going to sleep at night.

5) Ideally, your heaviest meal is lunch or breakfast.  Mom has a saying, "Eat like a King for Breakfast and a Popper for dinner".

6) Eat healthy foods when you can.  Don't stress about eating unhealthy foods with members.  What is their motivation for feeding you?  (it's either love or obligation, make sure they feel your love)

All of the above are difficult from a cultural standpoint.  I struggle at times with all of these but I think if you follow these suggestions, you will be more healthy and happy with yourself.  Personally, If I'm going to enjoy a steak, I avoid all starches and I have to say that my body handles it really well.  

Try being honest and planning ahead with those that feed you.  Tell them of your struggles and thank them for understanding.  If the ward is responsible to feed you and they are making assignments in advance (usually in Relief Society), go in and thank them for their kindness and tell them of your struggles or put your request on the assignment list.  Honesty and forethought, mixed with kindness and love will help you combine foods.  That said, there are times when someone will have dedicated time and money to feeding you and they don't get it right.  You may have to table the whole combining issue and thank them profusely.  Then, when you feel sick later, remember to thank Heavenly Father for those who love you and what you represent enough to feed you.  The memory they should have of you is that you appreciated them for their effort and sacrifice; a memory of love.  Heavenly Father will also help you digest your food.

If you have a meal of fried chicken, eat only the fried chicken with salad or veggies.  If you must eat creamed corn with it, eat in very small portion.

Hamburgers are awful on digestion because of the combination issue.  However, nobody is offended if you take the hamburger and eat it with leafy greens without the bun.  If they ask, then tell them what you are trying to do.  They will appreciate your openness.

Fried Chicken is fine even if drenched in oil.  Better if the batter is taken off.  You can't eat creamed corn and french fries with it though, instead eat lots of vegetables with it.  Oils are good for the body.

Honestly, if you can combine correctly, you will be more healthy and you won't put on weight.  I think it is more sustainable than doing a cleanse.

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