Since the 1980’s, obesity has risen drastically in America. So has the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Clearly, something is occurring that has led to an alarming change in the health of many Americans in the course of a single generation.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Americans have also changed the way they’ve eaten in the past 20 years. Many of the foods Americans consume as part of their regular diet would not even be recognizable to their great grandparents as something edible. These tremendous changes to the diet have left Americans in a health lurch, and the best way to turn many of the country’s health crises around is to change the way we eat.
So what’s wrong with the American diet, and how can we fix it? (I do believe there’s hope!)
1. The problem: Processed foods
It seems more Americans than ever before are eating meals out of packages, boxes, jars, cans and bottles. While these foods are convenient, many are nutritionally bankrupt. Others contain a vast array of chemicals in the form of artificial colors and flavors. They are also likely to contain processed grains, sugar, and lots of salt. Because these foods make up the bulk of many diets, Americans are getting a potentially toxic brew of fake foods and chemicals that the body doesn’t know what to do with.
How to fix it: Eat foods that increase metabolism and fortify your body with the right nutrients and vitamins. What is real food? It is the plant foods people ate generations ago before industrialized foods took over. Real foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, seeds, and legumes.
2. The problem: High-fructose corn syrup, sugar, and artificial sweeteners
America has a sweet tooth. Some form of sweetener, like HCFS, sugar, or artificial sweetener, is nearly ubiquitous in processed foods. Many manufacturers prefer HCFS because it is affordable and promotes browning in baked goods. Studies on HCFS have yielded some disturbing results that suggest the body may process it in such a way that it has a deleterious effect on the liver. Sugar and HCFS both contribute to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Likewise, artificial sweeteners like aspartame increase sugar cravings, and their long-term effects on the body remain virtually unknown. Agave is highly processed and contains a high fructose content, and is not recommended.
How to fix it: Eliminate sweeteners from your diet. If you crave something sweet, eat foods flavored with beneficial dessert ingredients like e cinnamon, vanilla, and stevia.
3. The problem: Fear of fats
A belief exists that fat makes you fat, and is therefore bad for you. It’s true some fats are unhealthy, but there are many healthy sources of fat, as well. Your body needs these some healthy fats for glowing skin, strong cells and also to remain satiated. The belief that all fats are bad has caused Americans to limit beneficial ingredients essential for good health. Commercial “fat free foods” are often laden in sugar, which has contributed to obesity.
How to fix it: Eat healthy fats in moderation. Healthy fats come from coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
4. The problem: Dairy
The enormously powerful dairy industry has Americans convinced they need milk, cheese, and yogurt for calcium and as a source of cultured probiotics. With high levels of lactose intolerance and issues efficiently processing casein in adults, however, dairy consumption contributes to a number of health problems. Dairy also slows digestion and creates mucus in the body.
How to fix it: Seek calcium from vegetable sources like dark leafy greens and sesame seeds, and regularly eat Probiotic and Enzyme Salad for a healthy source of beneficial intestinal flora. Cutting back on acid-forming foods like dairy and soda, help you keep your body’s supply of calcium intact, which is an alkaline mineral.
5. The problem: Diet soda
May people believe diet soda is a healthy choice because it does not have any calories. Diet soda, however, is a chemical brew with no nutritional value. It can even contribute to demineralization of bones and teeth, as well as creating acid in the body.
How to fix it: Drink water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, but remember to have it between meals rather than with them.
6. The problem: Big breakfasts
The old adage, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” has led millions of Americans to overdo it. A heavy breakfast can actually slow you down, especially if it contains animal proteins and other heavy ingredients. It actually makes you more tired, which will inspire you to snack more and consume more caffeinated beverages.
How to fix it: Have a Glowing Green Smoothie for breakfast. It is light and moves quickly through your digestive system, providing you with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and energy. If you’re hungry a few hours later, have a bowl of oatmeal, but make sure you are eating whole oats and not instant.
7. The problem: Pesticides and genetic modification
Industrial farming has changed the way America grows its plant foods. Many fruits, vegetables, and grains are grown from seeds that have been genetically modified to bring out certain properties or better accept pesticides, and conventionally farmed foods are covered in chemicals to keep pests away. GMO foods are often lower in minerals and other nutrients, and are grown on less than healthy soil, which results in foods that are less nutritious as well.
How to fix it: Buy organic and non-GMO foods. You can find these foods at health food stores, farmer’s markets, or by joining a CSA.
8. The problem: Refined carbohydrates
Flour, white rice, and similarly refined grains break down quickly in the body and have very little fiber or nutritional value. They also cause blood sugar spikes that lead to cravings. Yet, these foods make up the bulk of the American diet. Many grains, such as wheat, may be especially difficult for the human body to process because they contain gluten. A large percentage of people are allergic to gluten, and even those who aren’t have difficulty digesting it.
How to fix it: Try high fiber, super grains like millet or quinoa instead.
9. The problem: Lack of variety
The American diet lacks variety. Many people eat the same few foods over and over again, or eat mostly white and brown foods. This can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies, weight gain, and lack of energy.
How to fix it: Eat a variety of produce across the spectrum of color. Colorful, natural foods have high levels of vitamins. The more colors of vegetables you select, the more likely you are getting the vitamins your body needs for vibrant health.
10. The problem: Soy
Many foods contain soy, which the American population has been led to believe is a very healthy protein. Soy, however, is a goitrogen and trypsinogen-blocker, which slows down thyroid function and can block our bodies’ full assimilation of proteins. It also extremely mucus and acid-forming, and is often modified genetically.
How to fix it: Avoid tofu, soymilk, soybean oil, and other soy products. Instead, seek quality vegetable sources of protein such as quinoa, nuts, and seeds. Miso and tempeh, which are fermented soy products (which reduces some of its harmful properties) are okay occasionally.
Miso is okay occasionally but we should have probiotic and enzyme salad (which contains miso) everyday? Which is it?
Yes, you should have the P & E Salad salad every day, which has only a small amount of miso. Miso, a fermented soy product, and especially when unpasteurized, has benefits. xx
Hi Kim,
I think it would be really helpful to readers if you listed what foods/several that are considered fats, proteins, starches etc. I have your book but am still getting a bit confused with food pairing. Thank you so much for all of your insightful information!!
Hi Kim! I typically avoid all soda but came across Zevia..an all natural soda sweetened with stevia. Do you think it’s ok to have?
It’s an improvement, so you can have in moderation. But it still contains citric acid added in as a preservative, and is carbonated, which can be bloating. xx
Hi Kim, have you ever had anyone experience hair loss while transitioning their diet? I’ve started to cut way back on meat and have been losing a ton of hair… and I don’t have much to lose! I don’t know if the two are related but I’ve read a lot on the web suggesting low protein and iron can cause hair loss. I went to the doctor and my thyroid levels are normal, so now I’m trying to figure out on my own what could be causing this so I can make it stop! Please let me know if you’ve had any clients experience this before. Thanks!
Any radical changes in diet/exercise/stress levels can effect hair loss. If you’ve checked with your physician and your levels of iron/B vitamins/zinc… etc are normal, than it may attributed to the drastic change in diet. Lack of protein can result in hair loss and also fluid collection within your limbs/face (if you notice that, I would slowly take animal protein sources out of your diet first until you have completely replaced them with plant sources). Be careful to make a gradual transition!
Hope that helps.
Hi Mel,
I have the same! Everyday I loose so much hair. And I only use organic shampoo etc.
I have tried to find the reason but I still don’t know why. I have never heard that the reason can be low protein or iron. I know I eat enougt protein. Maybe iron…. I will check that, thank you.
It also happenend a few years ago when I stopped eating all the things I was senitive to. Milk, gluten, garlic… That time the reason for loosing hair was that the body was rebuilding with better stuff.
Maybe it’s the reason even now for both of us?
Hi Mel, I’ve not had that happen to a client before. In fact, the opposite usually happens- hair grows in much thicker and fuller. Are you drinking the GGS and cleansing? Make sure you are consuming P & E Salad for B vitamins and cleansing. If you are eating a lot of greens and other plant foods you will have ample nutrition. You can always add more protein in the form of hemp protein, etc. to see if that works for you. Xx
🙁 yep. even my eyelashes are falling out. and my teeth hurt.
i have the GGS and p&e salad daily but i think i am about to give up on this and go back to low-sugar, anti-inflammatory sushi, salad, supplement with green juices. clearly something is wrong and it sucks that so many raw vegans run into these problems yet noone has a clear answer on the causes or the right thing to do.
some people claim that they ride it out and it gets better, but i just don’t know…i’m scared to continue but scared to stop!
Hi Kim!
I read “Beauty Detox Solution” cover to cover and I just believe that everything you say is genius! I’m a little embarassed to ask this question, but I feel as though you would understand. What should your feces “look like” (color and other details) and how often should you go? This is so embarassing to write, but I want to know if what I am doing is healthy and what my daily bathroom breaks can tell me I need to add/take out of my daily plan. Thanks for reading through this!
Dr. Oz had a program on this. I found this web site that might be helpful, too: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/poop-primer
I have the same question since I started the mag 07, it’s bad! I took two and bm had the consistency of water. A few days later I took 1 and bm had the consistency of chili (sorry, but don’t know how else to describe). I am not taking this any more until I hear from you as I cannot form a proper stool when I take it, I feel like I wasted $30! Is this what is supposed to be happening as we free up the matter in our bowels? It is very embarrassing, but this is an important topic of your book (detox) and you don’t really explain the details, and we need these details, PLEASE!
Hey Jeanne, yes I hear you and I’ll write more on this very soon. Back way off the capsules for a while, and if you try them again in the future use less than you were. Maybe starting with only 2 capsules. Diarrhea may occur in the very beginning, but should never be chronic. When you free up matter “chili” may be what comes out, but eventually you want it to look like a soft “cow patty” or soft service ice cream, or formed logs which are soft.
Less capsules may work the best for your body. You may not notice as dramatic as a cleansing response, but the oxygen is still going to help loosen up old waste and be beneficial. Xx
Hi there! Don’t be embarrassed at all! It’s important to pay attention to our gastrointestinal tract because it can give us so many clues as to what is going on in our bodies. I’m going to do a whole blog on this soon that you will appreciate! In general, make sure your stool is not too hard, or too watery to be like diarrhea. A formed shape, or a “cow patty” shape are both good. You should definitely go at least once a day, and preferably more. Stay tuned for more! Xx
Hi Kimberly! I am a huge fan of the BDS and the GGS! Quick question: I have been following your radiant beauty phase for about 3 weeks now and have low energy and have gained about five pounds (on a small frame, I’m freaking out!!!). It’s so difficult for me to get motivated to stay on the plan. My goals are to feel better and lose about ten pounds (go from 130 to 120 on a 5’5″ frame). I have been religious about the GGS, green lunches, and food pairing at dinner. What am I doing wrong? Help!!!
Hi Amanda! I can tell you are committed to the BDS lifestyle, which is great! Without knowing the specific’s it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what is going on. It isn’t uncommon while detoxing for your body to act a little funky (low energy, minor weight gain, holding on to water as acids get kicked up, etc). You told me what you’re eating but what about the cleansing half?? Have you gotten any colonics? Enemas? Mag07? P & E Salad? Check out Chapter 6 again. You’ve been eating a certain way for a long time. To get out the waste and lose weight, you need to cleanse a lot of the old junk out. That is how you will reach your goals! Stay in touch! xx Kimberly
Thank you so much! Since I last posted I have already dropped the weight I put on (all bloat I’m guessing?) and my energy is coming back up. I am feeling more positive every day. Thanks for responding!!!
Hi!
I have had the same prob with gaining weight even while eating right. Did you end up taking “any colonics? Enemas? Mag07? P & E Salad?” as Kimberley suggested? I want to take Mag07 for Vegans but don’t know which to take
Gaby
How do you feel about honey? I’ve been trying to kick my sweet tooth with your GGS and beauty detox meal plan but often make a tahini, honey, shredded coconut truffle-like concoction when I’m craving something sweet. Is honey okay in moderation or too high in sugar? (I try to buy local honey when available)
Hey Maggie, I like having raw organic and local honey in moderation. That coconut truffle sound good. See how it is with stevia too. You’d be surprised how satisfying liquid stevia can be! Xx
Hi, Kimberly!
How do you feel about edamame? Whether in the form of just the bean, defrosted from a frozen bag of then, or cooked, such as at a sushi restaurant? Thanks!!
As the young bean, it doesn’t have as potentially harmful properties as other, more processed forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk. ☺
Also, is it okay to have raw hemp protein after a workout in the morning? What if I eat that as a substitute for the GGS because I am working out early in the morning? Thank you, thank you!
Hemp protein powder doesn’t taste that good… Is it possible to mix it with a banana or something else to get a better tasting drink? Although I now it’s not ideal to mix protein and carbs…
Time, sure in this case banana wouldn’t be that bad, if it makes it better for you to drink. It is a low sugar fruit. Try some vanilla in there too. Or try chia seeds!
Hi Jaymee, raw hemp protein is good, as is a chia seed shake (check out this blog). Ideally you would have the GGS at some point earlier on, so you can have it first then the hemp protein at least half an hour after that…or if you are starving and really need the hemp protein have the GGS in the afternoon! See what works best for your body.
Dear Kimberly,
I have just started reading your book and I wish I could bookmark all of your blog posts, too, especially this one!! Your diet suggestions make the most amount of sense to me. I am still battling with my old eating habits and excuses (“No, I love sugar/dairy/whatever!”). At this point I like reading about healthy eating better than actually putting the principles into action – but slowly but surely I am getting there.
This post is maybe the best summary on what is going on that I have come across – it even gives you simple solutions to every point! The very fact that your description of a detox day (in an earlier post) fits very well into a Gerson type diet (who are concerned about healing through ongoing cleansing – maybe the most elaborate source out there on this topic…) tells me that you guys are really on to something. My practitioner recommended the blood type diet to me (minus the starchy fruits and veggies) but it included a lot of questionable protein sources such as fish, soy, and all sorts of dairy products I should eat on a daily basis. I never quite bought the whole concept even though I find it very intriguing.
My rule of thumb used to be: “Eat a vast variety of foods but never any food group each and every day” to stay in a safe range even without the profound knowledge on what makes a food healthy. Thanks to you I feel more confident in my dietary choices. You keep an eye on everything that’s important to me (skin condition, bloated feeling, moods, etc) and your travel anecdotes just made me wanna get my backpack out of the cupboard and get going!!
Again, thanks for being such a huge inspiration xxx
Sam, you are so sweet! Thank you for the lovely message. You definitely have your wits about you and I love that you are really examining recommendations before embracing them wholeheartedly. Stay connected here, and take care! Xx Kimberly
Thank you so much, Kimberly!! I will definitely stay around – you’re such a kind person and you are sharing all this powerful knowledge to the world so freely! Bless you heaps xxx
Hi Kimberly! I am a high school senior. I cannot thank you enough for all of your work to educate the world to live better lifestyles. I have been trying to incorporate your awakening knowledge into my lifestyle since the beginning of the summer. My family, my two parents and three younger brothers, all eat the Standard American Diet. Due to my recent weight loss my parents are having me evaluated at Renfew Center for Eating Disorder Treatment. I have been a vegan since last year and my parents were very supportive, but as I have been able to accumulate more knowledge from you and holistic nutrition and my eating habits and preparation have become more counter-cultural, they are becoming concerned and skeptical. I am at a complete loss to the ignorance in our society, health care, and my family. I feel very helpless to my own health as I am nearly being forced to all these tests and moreover the health of my family. I feel like I am constantly defending myself and trying to explain certain things such as why I was giving my body a break from sugar, fruit, for a while to relieve Candida symptoms. I will be getting blood work and EKG tests done and all kinds of psychiatric evaluations just because I am trying to live a more holistic life; meanwhile, one of the number one expenses in my household for the rest of my family is pharmaceutical and over the counter drugs. Each of my family members have many health issues, yet ironically my weight loss is much more concerning to my family and many medical consultants. You have truly inspired me and I feel so blessed to have come across your incredible knowledge; meanwhile, the truth of nutrition is being suppressed and I am very susceptible to be overpowered. If there is any chance you could suggest anything at all, cooking classes I could attend with my mom, informational sessions, documentaries, to help my doctors or most importantly my beloved family understand this lifestyle it would be greatly appreciated. My parents are my best friends and my brothers are my precious loves, I want to use your knowledge to help and heal them, but most importantly I don’t want to ruin my relationship with my family as they seek to get me evaluated for an eating disorder through backwards medical centers. Thank you so much for your time. God bless you. Thank you so much.
Hi Alexandra, Wow that is deep. Because you are still living under their house, then I think it may be much harder. I appreciate your openness and your ability to think for yourself, and see the reality of the destruction of using so many drugs and eat the Standard American Diet (SAD).
Have your parents and family together watch the documentary Forks over Knives. It is playing now On Demand and elsewhere. Have your parents read The China Study, which is referenced in that documentary…but first have them watch it.
I really hope it helps a lot!
Check out my blog on how to talk to others about your dietary habits.
You may have to wait until you leave home in a few years to fully eat the way you want to, so you don’t cause a rift with your family, but know your own truth in your heart and stay strong. Keep in touch with me!! Love, Kimberly
You might want to listen to Natalia Rose’s audios on her website. Go to the blog archives. She is a clinical nutritionist and she delves deep into the psychological changes. It’s very positive and insightful information to help support you in your journey!
Thank you Kimberly & Trina. That is all great advice. Thank you so much for the support and inspiration! You are truly changing the world so powerfully that I have hope that it will reach even my family and many more like them.
Hi Alexandra, I was compelled to respond because I also am vegan and have struggled with needing to explain/defend my habits as many of his “friends” have tried to suggest I have an eating disorder.
All that said, there is an opportunity Oct 2-8 to get a free viewing of the documentary, “Food Matters” – you can watch this with your family.
http://foodmatters.tv/index
I’d also suggest watching Forks over Knives!!! As Kimberly mentioned, this one is amazing and I just watched it with my boyfriend last night and it really helped open his eyes because it defends what Kimberly teaches with more scientific and medical evidence.
http://www.forksoverknives.com/
Good luck!
Melissa
RIGHT ON! I myself am healthiest eating grassfed & wild meats and avoiding grains & legumes, but I couldn’t agree more with your list. Makes me sad seeing my veg friends eating soy burgers day in and day out, thinking it’s healthy; glad the truth is getting out there!
What is ur typical meal plan!?
Spot on article ~ a lot of illness can be cured, curtailed or diminished with a healthful diet. Simple rule of thumb eat two things Plants and animals ~ if it comes in a box or bag its a food product.
Hi Kim!I finally made the P&E salad,I left it for six days,its a bit cold in South Africa at the moment.So it tastes fine but the cabbage is still a bit crunchy,not sure if I left it long enough,think I am comparing it to the store sauerkraut.Just want to make sure I get all the benefits!I am surprized that I actually like the taste!
Hi Kim!
What makeup (and hair and skin too) products do you use? I’m looking for natural and safe cosmetics but it is really hard to find good quality natural products! I’d love to hear what you suggest! Thanks!
Hi!
I wanted to let you know about Mojo Spa. They are a small boutique in Chicago, Illinois. The owner, Amanda, makes all the products from natural ingredients. Plus, the products aren’t that expensive. I used every product around including expensive lines, but Mojo spa is gentle and works so well. I highly recommend them. I live in Las Vegas and have to pay to have the products shipped, but it is so worth it!
Hi Kim,
I love your blog and really enjoyed your book. I purchased a copy for a lot of my family and friends.
I read and research a lot on nutrition. I know you promote hemp and chia seeds and so do a lot of other people in the health arena but I just wanted to suggest that you check out thetruthaboutyourfood.com because Dr. Tel-Oren (DC, MD, and a lot of other impressive credentials) has completely opposite views. He is a vegan and is a believer in a high plant based diet. He also is an owner of a raw food restaurant in MN. He explains the scientific reasons why we should stay away from hemp and chia. He especially said to stay away from the seed/nut oils such as flex seed oil, hemp oil etc… because it goes rancid very quickly.
Thank you for all the education and inspiration. I’m planning a trip to Nepal in a few months.
Yelena
Hi Kimberly,
Is it ok to take Magnesium Citrate rather than Magnesium Oxide. I had the citrate so I figured I’d use it up before pruchasing the oxide. Your book is so incredibly intelligent…. and the best and simplest roadmap to health via our diet! Thank you!
Hey the citrate is more absorbed by the body so it won’t have much of a cleansing effect (in terms of loosening up stool, etc). The oxide has lower absorbency rate, which is what ends up helping give the laxative effect, which is what we are going for with these supplements.
At least that is what I am told.
Hope that helps!
I was wondering about the oxide and citrate too. I just got done reading Dr Mark Hyman’s book too and he recommends the citrate also. Now it makes sense why Kimberly recommends the oxide. Your book Kimberly is one of the best I have read with great info and interesting studies. I’ve been eating smoothies for about a month now and am 1/2 way through your book. I have horrible constipation though. I did your green smoothie for breakfast today and have added probiotics and oxide so we’ll see what happens. I am on a stool softener also cuz of a medication I’m on cause’s constipation. I’m hoping to stop the softener once I’m normal again. I’ve been on it for 20+ years now for fibromyalgia. Hopefully things get better. I’ve also lost 16 lbs out of my 20 lb goal. I just ordered your new book also. Can’t wait to read it.
Beautiful blog. I too am a natural health practitioner. I will be visiting your blog often to learn more. Thank you for all your wisdom. I have been in the field of health and fitness for 40 years and it only gets more inspiring and exciting. To your health!
Hi kimberly! i love your blog so much. I am in love with health food and making healthy choices, and i love reading up on it on your blog! i wanted to give an opinionn though and just say that from my travels, i am currently living in argentina and have spent quite some time in ecuador, i have round that its not the American Diet. It is simply The Diet around the world. Cookies, sodas, dairy, cheese, white bread, sugar, sugar, sugar! Its what the majority or people around the world are eating, or the majority of people that have the option of eating it anyhow. One difference i have found that sets america apart is that you have lots of options to eat in a much healthier way. Although i am not very big on many of the things that happen in america, one thing i have noticed and have recently begun to be thankful for, is the abundance. American is so abundant in options! You can choose between having the worst food ever, or having the very best food ever. In many other countries, they dont have that option. They simply must get by with what they have access to. However, living in South America i have become thankful for any food i get. Maybe thats one big thing that we are missing in the states. We have forgotten to be thankful for our blessings. Sorry, i have started to blabber! Love you kimberly! Wish you all the best
Is soy yogurt OK to eat? It is fermented (I suppose), but somehow I never see it on the fermented soy list, among the acceptable soy products.
Thank you again for your wisdom. May I ask your thoughts on yeast cleansing/management supplements like “CandiGONE” or the ones by Garden of Life if we are trying to clear up Candida symptoms while being in a bit more liberal Blossoming Beauty phase? Thank you so much!!! You rock!
Hi Kimberly – I love your book and I love this blog. Please, please, PLEASE bring back the search feature for the blog! It’s been a life saver for me when trying to find past posts that help me on my path to health. Thank you for all you do!
Angela
The search window is on the right hand side on the home page below the “popular posts” section.
this is such an informational post, and everything i have read here, i can somehow relate back to my life, and then realize all the things i am doing wrong, meanwhile i think i’m eating healthier! thank you so much for these amazingly helpful posts! i cant wait to read your book!!
Hi Kim:
I wanted to thank you for all the help that your book has been for me and my wife!! My question is, I am training about 1.5 to 2 hrs a day usually from 5:30am to 7:30am. Even though I feel a lot better by following your recommendations (I am in the Radiant phase) I am not sure if I am consuming enough calories to satisfy my training needs. I weight train for 45 min and then swim for almost 1.5 hr, what is your recommendation, I especially feel hungry during mid morning?
Once again I thank you for all that we have learned from your book, send you a big hug from Quito Ecuador
Esteban
Kimberly – this pretty much sums it up! What a wonderful job on what’s wrong with SAD. During our joureny to find convenience we have conveniently destroyed our diets. It’s such a shame that this genenration of American children may be the first to not live as long as their parents: genocide. We are all guilty. Let’s change the way we eat and beat the giant corporations that are getting rich on us getting sick.
Hi kimberly , i absolutely adore your book, and am know studying on my own holistic medicine as a part time hobby and love all of it, so thanks again. I really have been at an optimal health and 80 percent vegan since about 3 months now, and will cleanse fast once a week . I feel really good , but i still do have mild acne now and then , i don’t know why. I am 19 years old. Are we meant to eat meat and fish or not at all, is that what i am missing? Please give me your advice i would appreciate it so much i have struggled with on and off acne for 5 years now.
Hi Kim,
This post and your book in general have been incredibly eye-opening for me. Generally, I’m a healthy eater but am beginning to put this Beauty Detox lifestyle into practice. I have always suffered from mild eczema but due to stress and, likely, my diet, it’s flared up again and is very difficult to deal with. I’m convinced it’s due to diet, but I eat healthily. I know that certain foods can cause serious food allergies, resulting in severe eczema breakouts. I’m wondering if you’ve discovered the GGS and overall Beauty Detox diet helping those who suffer from eczema/psoriasis? I’m ready to make a serious lifestyle change if that means my skin will clear up.
Thanks!
Hi Caroline,
That is fantastic. Yes, I’ve had clients that have gotten relief from eczema and psoriasis with overall changes to their diet, and ongoing cleansing. Remember the latter is key to ensure you are consistently removing acidic toxins and inflammatory agents from the body. The P & E Salad and other probiotic-rich foods should be daily components of your diet. xx
Yes, there is so many things wrong with American diet. When I first moved to this country I was so happy to see such food abundance, but after a while I realized where this abundance is coming from, now I am just sad about it. It is difficult these day to find produce that is not somehow modified.
Definitely go your local farmer’s markets! They are the best for so many reasons.
I find most of these points to unfortunately be spot on. It saddens me how problematic obesity has become both in the U.S. and globally.
There has been recent research that shows how calorie restriction can possibly help to delay the onset of most age-related diseases.
Hi Kim~
I’m confused about a few things:
-#6 you suggest the green smoothie for b-fast then say later that if hungry, can have bowl oatmeal. Do you mean ‘glutton free’ oatmeal since you recommend getting off glutton?
-There’s so many conflicting views on Agave syrup as a sweetener, or coconut ice cream sweetened w/Agave. But I tend to believe you’re ‘right’ – to stay away from it. (But it’s SO good! Esp the coconut ice cream!)
-My friend is on the Paleolithic Plan and says he read that while it’s recommended to stay away from dairy, butter doesn’t have the same things other dairy does so it’s ok. What are your thoughts on this? Is ‘organic’ butter ok, or does it have casseine in it or whatever the culprit is that diminishes our health?
-I haven’t had a tomato in awhile but got a non-organic one and it was basically tasteless. Just I can’t afford organic fruit/veg. It’s frustrating. I know there are some co-ops and maybe I should consider joining one. You get enough fruit/veg in summer, to freeze to last all winter. Very time consuming though.
-You suggest eating super grains like milltet and quinoa. Is it cuz they don’t have glutton like the others? What about brown rice?
-Do you know of a bread made of nut flower? Or is sprouted multi grain like Ezekial ‘ok’ or no cuz of the glutton? What is a good bread to make almond butter sandwiches with?
-I am tall and lean and very toned but have a belly that protrudes and I look like I’m several months pregnant (this even at my lowest weight!) Is that cuz of the dairy/glutton do you think??
Thanks. If this is too much I’d be happy to pay you for a consultation if you do phone consultations.
Hi Raquel,
These are a lot of questions! But here is some info: oats do not naturally contain gluten. There can be cross-contamination if they are processed in a facility with wheat and other gluten-containing grains, but they do not contain it themselves.
Agave is definitely a HUGE no-no. People want to believe it s good b/c it tastes good, but it is both aging and fattening. Butter is all fat and not protein, so isn’t as bad as other dairy products. You should check out The Beauty Detox Solution, which has a lot of info on your questions! xx
Hi Kimberly,
First off, thank you for changing my whole way of thinking about my diet, and lifestyle in general. You’re so inspiring!
I have some questions about water. I’ve gotten hooked on this whole alkaline water thing. I buy bottles of “Real Water” or “Essentia” from Whole Foods (which is not a very green practice). There’s gotta be a better option. I was recently introduced to Kangen water. Are you familiar with this water? What are your thoughts on this? What do you do for filtered water? I am happy to now be getting so much pure filtered water from eating organic fruits and vegetables, but I am searching for the best water filter or pure/safe water option. I would love to know what ya think!
Thanks,
Jen
Hi Jen,
Good water filters are important! Kangen is said to be a good one, though I haven’t purchased one myself. I use an Asian filter with a triple filtration system unit. xx
Kim thanks so much for getting back to me! I’m shopping around for a good filtration system. What is the Asian brand filtration system you use and recommend? Maybe it is a little less expensive than the Kangen.
Thanks!
Jen
That is really attention-grabbing, You’re an overly skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for in quest of extra of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks
Thank you so much hemp seeds! I appreciate it.
Hi Kimberly, I just recieved you book and am ecited to start using it! I do not have access to alot of organic foods where I live; will using non organic work? : )
Hi Kimberly!
A few years ago, in my early 20s, i started to get blue veins underneath my eyes. They cause me a lot of stress (trying to cover them up etc.). Could you tell me if you know what may be the cause/solution to this problem! Thank you so much for your insight!
Hi Kimberly,
I was also wondering if you could share with me a couple different ways to cleanse the toxins out of my body. Thank you for your insight!
Josie
Hey Kimberly! I’m just wondering what brand of unpasteurized miso paste you use, because I can’t really find it and I might order it online. Thanks!
I have found miso soup so comforting for cooked food cravings is it bad to have miso soup everyday with wakame?
I have currently done a substantial amount of research on processed foods and their effects on our bodies. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article, “The American Diet and What’s Wrong with It.” I feel that the best solution to processed foods in our diet is for people to become more educated on reading nutrition labels. While it would be great for us consumers to not have to worry about the additives that industries put in processed foods, realistically we need to take command of the food decisions we make. Living in a capitalist country has many benefits, but unfortunately it gives industries too much leeway in terms of how they can alter foods.
We need to educate people on how to read nutrition labels (including the ingredient lists) so that they can control the amount of high-fructose corn syrup, sodium, and other preservatives in their diet. If people could become more educated on the proper ways to read nutrition labels then we would have a happier and healthier society. There is not much research done yet on the effects of such additives in our food supply because we are the first generation to eat processed foods. I believe that there will be consequences on our overall health in the long run if we consume too much processed foods in our diet. We need to fight ignorance with education.
What’s a CSA?
“Real foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, seeds, and legumes.”
In other words, import from Europe.
Almost all seeds (including the resulting plant) are genetecially modified in the US,
and they’ve not been modified to be more healthy, its the exact opposite, they produce herbicides and pesticides.
All this adds up, Monsanto wants to see you dead, but before that they want your money.
i forgot to add why that is so imo,
most non-GMO crops have been polluted with the GMO crops, so its hard to get non gmo in the us