The Garbage Truck

Change Therapy

David Pollay was in a New York City taxi cab and here’s what happened to him.

“I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, the car skidded, the tires squealed, and at the very last moment our car stopped just one inch from the other car’s back-end. I couldn’t believe it. But then I couldn’t believe what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face. And he even threw in a one finger salute!…

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Living Sanely in a Topsy-Turvey World

What a topsy-turvey world we’re living in – Lord, please come soon! Right is wrong and worshipping rebellion is king. If Christians defend Truth, professing “wait that’s against God’s Word!” we are vilified. Therefore the majority remain silent and fearful. Isn’t silence compliance? We allow that unknowing frog in the frying pan to get cooked without even realizing the frog is us.

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)

Even if I knew I could riot and break into an establishment, snatch money, merchandise, destroying and taking someone livelihood and get away with it, I wouldn’t! Have you noticed some condone this? People resort to crime and the police are supposed to be the bad guys? All of them??? (Isn’t that the definition of prejudice which the lawbreakers profess to hate?)

I don’t care what someone looks like – if they smile, are kind, courteous, I immediately want to be friends. If they are cruel, cantankerous, complaining, I avoid them. Choose your company wisely.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

May I ask you something? Do you like what you see around you? No? Then make changes, starting with the one in the mirror. Are you someone you’d like to be friends with? Do you exemplify a kind nature? Begin with one kindness a day and become the compassionate, decent human being God wants you to be!

Start allowing God control over your life. A happy person is a healthy person in mind, body and spirit.

Face it – it’s been a challenging year. Isolation has led to depression which has led to consuming comfort foods for energy and to mask loneliness, boredom and pain. It takes a lot of discipline to resist sugary treats which both energizes a boring, stay-at-home existence and calms the restless soul.

Now you’ve added at least ten pounds to your girth and you’re blaming the government and God for that too. Did it not occur to you that one can exercise inside the home, read a book, sew, paint, clean or write instead? It’s your choice. (I’ve used this time to complete one of my sequels and have 60,000 plus words on the next one.)

Even if I knew I could consume restaurant food every night, I wouldn’t do it. First I enjoy creating meals with my own hands. Secondly, I crave a healthy lifestyle for my husband and myself more than food.

As a nutritionist, I’ve seen what happens when people constantly eat unhealthy foods. Fatty foods simply make us sluggish. It takes longer (5-7 hours) to burn fat for energy. Unhealthy food creates an acidic pH which leads to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancers and other illnesses. Is that your goal? “It’s my life, I’ll do what I want!” Okay . . . then own it. It’s your choice. Personally, I love God more than McBurgers and French fries. Don’t make food your idol.

Make healthy eating compliance easy. Anything is fine in moderation but primarily eat for nutrients!!! Fast food has very few nutrients but is awash in calories. Listen to your body and strive for a life filled with vitality, contentment and mental perceptiveness. A happy person doesn’t destroy other people’s property nor themselves!!!

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)

The Color of Love

I had no intention of falling in love. But there he was.

At a huge outdoor market one spring day, I nonchalantly walked by the large open pen where most of his brothers and sisters lay sleeping. At first I simply checked them all out as they played and slept.  Aah, who doesn’t love puppies? I thought. Yeah, so cute but so much work. Feeding, walking, grooming, vet bills . . . It’s a long term commitment!

Don’t get attached, just walk away, Ellie, walk away. I failed to heed my own advice. 

There were some very pretty puppies of many different colors, but one in particular, happened to catch my eye. He was white with large black eyes, a black nose and one floppy brown ear. Eight weeks old. Oh, but he’s so precious!!!

At first, he just observed me with those curious black eyes. It looked like he had just woken up. Then, as he watched me, his tiny tongue began flicking in and out. Then his little tail slowly began wagging back and forth. Suddenly he pounced upward, happily bouncing against the side of the pen on two legs, smiling, begging for attention – all while his little tongue was moving a mile a minute, longing for kisses and attention.

Aren’t we all searching for attention and love?

Nope, I had no intention of falling in love. But there he was . . . and yes, I did. Do you think I cared whether he was white, tan, brown, red or black? Would you?

I fell in love with a happy-go-lucky, friendly, intelligent, kind and sweet little dog. His character was more important to me than his fur color or his pedigree. Four and a half years later, he still instills joy into our lives.

When I meet someone new, I look at their smile, kindness, integrity and enthusiasm for life – which is all part of their character. I admit, I have little patience with those those who stir up dissension and I despise injustice, negativity and stupidity.

Which brings me to the spiritual aspect of New Creations Ministries. How are we to treat others?

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

When God looks down on us, do you think He cares what color we are? How prestigious our heritage? Our job title? I doubt it very much. When God looks at us, He sees our heart and cares about our character, not our skin color. Jesus himself was not a blue-eyed Caucasian and he didn’t look like George Clooney.

“For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:11)

God doesn’t play favorites and neither should we. We are all His children and created in His image. Bring religious education and at least the Bible back into schools again and we might save the next generation. Our US Constitution does not proclaim Freedom FROM Religion, only Freedom OF Religion. Disagree? Search out Truth.

God cares about our character so much He sent His only Son to die on the cross for ALL mankind! That’s LOVE and it has no color. How many young people today realize that? Oh, you say, “I wouldn’t want to force religion on my children. I let them choose.”  Well okay. how is THAT working out for us???

Real love is a demonstration of it!

Eyore or Pollyanna? Knowing Yourself in the Days of Corona

How are you facing the days of isolation amidst Corona Virus? With Fear?  Depression? Positivity? Gratefulness?

Use isolation as a time to reflect on how you react during challenges. Be Strong and Courageous!

A funny Facebook post proclaimed: “There are only 3 Ways to Come  out of this lockdown: a Hunk, a Chunk or a Drunk! Your Choice!”

This is meant to be cute, but in truth, it’s provides great insight in how we personally face adversity.

Be neither a Pollyanna nor an Eyore – be realistic.

A Hunk:

Some people are taking control and becoming more productive in this quiet isolation. They exercise, clean out closets, complete a project or fulfill another goal long discarded. I’m feverishly completing two fiction sequels while enjoying my plots and characters again.

Therefore, Become proactive!

Please stop any “victim mentality.” Stress kills! Turn your mind toward creating something productive. Step out in the fresh air, work to plant that garden, craft, read, create your own exercise area.

No excuses!!! One doesn’t need expensive equipment to be fit! I lift weights, plank, walk our dog, use stretch bands, etc. and have remained 18% body fat throughout. You can too, if you want it badly enough. Personally, I DO!

If you don’t, ask why? That’s a psychological issue and I’m here for you. Together with God’s Help we can conquer anything, even a virus. You’ll reemerge confident and strong. As Joshua proclaimed:

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) CSV   (even in the pantry!)

A Chunk?

It’s not unusual to run to comfort food during trying times. Food like chips, chocolate, mac and cheese, French fries, fried chicken, ice cream all release comforting endorphins which subliminally create memories of happier days.

My heart goes out especially to those who live with food addictions. Nothing like being imprisoned where all our favorites are!

When going to the grocery store is our only entertainment, strive to develop Herculean discipline and strong mental toughness.

“Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27) CSV

A Drunk?

Sure, liquor makes the pain go away . . . for awhile. But then the heartaches return. I pray you haven’t lost one close to you during this epidemic. I can’t imagine the pain you must feel.

As a Christian, I know it’s even more important today to reach out to those who don’t know the Lord or where they are headed after they die. Believe it or not, dying from this virus is not the worse thing that can happen to you. Dying without Christ is!!!

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”(Matthew 25:46)

I urge you to face this time without fear!

Although I was touched by someone who tested positive for Covid-19 and faced strict quarantine, I was not fearful. I have done everything I know of to build up my immunity defenses.  My antioxidant armor and shield are strong but I know if God’s Will is that my time on Earth is done, I’ll still be in Good Hands.

Know Your enemy and build your defenses!

I’m sure the Israelites did all they could to strengthen their defenses before going into battle. Most of the time God protected them but not always. God knows the number of my days and when they are fulfilled, then I’m ready to go. Until then I ‘ll honor Him.  Luke 10:27

 

Combatting Covid-19 Through Nutrient Therapy

Two interviewers were speaking to a doctor about Corona Virus. “Is there nothing we can do to avoid getting this disease?” the reporters asked.

The well-known doctor advised them that zinc was a powerful mineral which boosts one’s immune system. He encouraged others to take it routinely while this virus was going on. (No mention of a safe dosage however.)

In reply, one interviewer stated, “that’s good to know,” while the other excitedly exclaimed that he was going out to buy some right away and take a lot of it!

People – just because something is good, doesn’t mean that more is better!!!

40 mg of zinc is the recommended daily dose. Excessive use can damage your immune system, cause diarrhea, loss of taste, kidney and stomach damage. It can also upset one’s copper balance, causing anemia and extreme fatigue, coughing and a fever. (And what are some of the symptoms of Covid-19??? Exactly! Cough, fever, loss of taste and fatigue.)

Please don’t believe everything you hear on TV, whether it is political, spiritual or health related. Do your own research and don’t follow like sheep.

Here’s the other example of an interview I overheard with a physician and for the first time I felt like cheering! Here’s her reply to a question, “Doctor isn’t there anything we can do to prevent this from happening again?”

“Of course,” she replied. “You can become healthier! Over half of America is obese. Obesity creates disease and a downward health cycle, providing little defense for the immune system!”

Yes America, we must honor the bodily temple God gave us and stop abusing it.

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16)  NLT

Your life has always been in God’s Hands, He knows the number of our days. I trust in Him and am determined to keep my earthly temple free from disease. I urge you to as well.

How?

I’ve written an entire book on it but here are several  nutrient dense immune fighting examples.

First, keep your body at an alkaline pH level of around 7.0 – 7.3. Illnesses have a very hard time surviving in an alkaline pH but thrive in an acidic one. Of course, you probably don’t have a pH testing kit but it’s easy to keep a healthy pH by consuming fibrous whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and herbs. Also decrease sugar consumption which tends to lower the immune system.

Increase Garlic: Garlic is a powerful antibiotic. Garlic stopped the Black Plague so it can certainly assist during this epidemic. Garlic contains antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. I’ve already written extensively about garlic so feel free to use my search engine for further information.

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, gogi . . . all will build up your immune system. Chocked full of C, E, K, magnesium, niacin and so many other powerful antioxidants. Lesser known gogi berries contain  21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E, 18 amino acids and more beta carotene than carrots! (They also come covered in dark chocolate!)

Good Quality Yogurt which means with healthy probiotic bacteria: Acidophilus Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium bifidum. Look on the label and select those who have no fillers, additives or added sugary ingredients. Good brand names include Mountain High, Yoplait, Nancy’s, Stonyfield, Dannon Natural or Activia to name a few.

“Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; And his limits You have set so that he cannot pass.” (Job 14:5) NIV

I urge you to live an Abundantly Healthy Life.

Staying Healthy in the Days of Corona

Let’s face it, it’s been several long, isolated months. The kids are stuck inside whining, I’m bored, spouse is irritable, impatient, money is tight, you’re depressed and food provides comfort. “It’s cold outside, so let’s bake cookies!!!”

I’m not an alarmist, but please limit sugar during this time. Sugar, although comforting and fine in small doses – making a person feel good, also lowers one’s immune system. If you’d like to bake cookies, then use less sugar and create those which have some nutrients in them like oatmeal raisin, gingerbread or even dark chocolate chunk.

During the days of Covid-19 a person needs the most powerful immune system he/she can build! So start building up now if you haven’t so far. Select lots of fruits, vegetables, good quality yogurt – you know the drill, common sense nutrients.

I started taking my personal favorite elixir weeks ago.  It  consists of crushed garlic,  a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of water, a teaspoon of lemon and chug it down. Sometimes I’ll add a touch of hot sauce or a bit of honey for variety. It has kept me away from contracting the disease so far. (Garlic killed the Black Plague it can help us here too.)

I had to self-isolate for two weeks when I was notified I was physically touched by someone who developed the disease. Was I worried? No. Except I was hurt because other people were so scared of me, they avoided me like the plague, (literally!)

First, I have a strong immune system. I knew even if  did come upon me, I would most likely have lesser symptoms and if not, then Philippians 1:21 applied, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” God controls my destiny and I trust Him in all circumstances, even Corona Virus.

Getting back to sugar: it also ages and causes inflammation. By lowering your sugar intake, I promise you will look younger (which will improve your mood!) Sugar creates harmful advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).  When I drastically lowered my sugar intake, I saw fewer wrinkles. When one sees results, it’s an incentive to keep it up.

A new study which declared sugar doesn’t make children hyper, obviously never had children in the home! Too much sugar changes brain chemistry.

Exercise! If you are prevented from walking outside then exercise inside. Lift weights. No weights? Then lift laundry detergent containers, water bottles or canned goods. There’s also stretch bands and isometric exercises like planking which  one can do inside. If your dog needs walking and you can do that outside a six foot isolation, then walk, don’t stroll. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Exercise produces endorphins which will keep your attitude upbeat.

Speaking of attitude. A positive one will definitely improve your chances of fending off this disease. Stress lowers one’s immune system.

Heart disease. if you’re not exercising, walking or exercising at home, your heart’s not working much either. Stop sitting around all day, We should have the cleanest, most organized houses in our lifetime!

I hope this is a wake up call to caution our country that NOW is the time to become healthier, exercise and eat right. Let’s face it – we have the highest obesity rate we’ve ever had in this country! We are treating the symptoms of debilitating illnesses when we should always be focused on our original problem: unhealthy living. It seemed good at the time, is a silly excuse.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Changing Your Diet Philosophy Forever

We are all on “diets.”  A diet only means what someone consumes each day, every day. A true diet plan is a lifelong one, something practical, restoring energy, metabolizing nutrients and one a person can realistically stay on. If not, they are only setting themselves up for yo-yo dieting. Ask yourself before you begin, “Is this how I can eat forever?” God gave us a bounty of nutrients and each has a purpose. Enjoy them all!

Whenever I hear of some diet guru claiming they’ve found the latest fad diet or pill, I shudder. Today, everyone is searching for an instant fix. I heard a great quip years ago which stated, only today’s generation will stand in front of a microwave and be angry it’s not quick enough! Everyone wants instant gratification!

There are so many qualified Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists in today’s world. Creating menus and assisting patients with overcoming their illnesses was challenging. I too, wanted to challenge and motivate others to be successful in their healthy aspirations, but I felt there was a step missing. The root cause in their self-destructing nature. Awareness is always the first step in recovery.

So I became a Nutritional Counselor. What I enjoy most about being a counselor is seeing the “lightbulb” come on when patients figured out for themselves, why they ate as they did. Until one recognizes why he/she acts in a particular way, they won’t change. They are only masking the problem. Therefore, change begins at the source.

Trusting in God’s guidance and my degree in counseling, I continued to study physiology, anatomy, biology as well as countless books on nutritional basics while working for family physicians to create my diet philosophy. I would never be so arrogant as to say I know all the answers. No one will really know until we are in front of God, our true Creator, and can ask Him.

Nutrition is a never-ending research project! But man’s truth has shifted with the wind – God’s Truth stands fast! A potato was as acceptable in the Garden of Eden as it is now. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Scripture has the answers. It contains Absolute Truths. They cannot be dismissed, even in advanced physiology. There’s a wonderful Chinese saying that states, “Even if 5,000 men are wrong, they are still wrong.”

I believe in Absolute Truth. God declared “It is Good” when He completed Creation. That meant fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and herbs were ALL under that umbrella, (Genesis 1:29, Genesis 9:3) debunking the Paleo, Keto, Atkins and various other restrictive diets (unless you have an illness or allergy preventing certain foods of course. Common sense prevails.)

Always go back to God’s basics. ” We are fearfully and wonderfully made . . .” (Psalm 139:14.) There’s a reason we need nutrient variation.

No matter how many times someone tries to create their own fad diet plan, it’s still a fad and the wrong way to lose weight forever. Just look at all the diets which have come and gone through the decades: grapefruit, cottage cheese, cabbage soup, Scarsdale, Atkins, cookie (no really, a cookie diet – that really educates the person doesn’t it.) liquid diets, and on and on.

Yet the nutritionally-based Mediterranean diet prevails as does the Volumetrics and DASH diets. I also like the NOON diet plan which also educates and stresses getting to the source.

So ask away, submit your question below, and in time I hope this blog will truly inspire you to become your own New Creation!

*** The above post is based on My Diet Philosophy which is posted on my main page.

“The Spring Keeper”

Last Sunday, our pastor included a wonderful illustration which I also found epitomizes our relationship between Christianity and nutrition.

The illustration by the late chaplain of the US Senate, Peter Marshall, was entitled, “The Keeper of the Spring.” Perhaps you’ve heard it before. Here’s the Cliff note version of it:

“It seems a spring at the top of an Austrian mountain provided water to a charming, picturesque village down below. The village council hardly saw the keeper and began questioning why they were paying for a service when they never saw the benefit. So they fired the Spring Keeper.

As time went on, leaves and debris began to clog the source of the well. Then downstream, leaves, twigs and debris muddied the water. It smelled and tasted badly. Tourists stopped coming, restaurants served less tasty food and the town lost its beauty and charm.

Finally the council realized its mistake and rehired the Spring Keeper, who restored the beauty of the stream at its source, thus restoring the village’s productivity.”

Do we always see the results of eating healthily?

I’d surmise that without clean, refreshing water the village became toxic in body and soul, losing its charm along with the tourist industry. Who wants to be around grumpy, toxic people?

I’ve written many posts on the benefits of water (please find via search engine) so that’s not the subject of my post today. Rather I believe my point is to encourage us to remain close to the source of true health.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Cleaning up the lake from the bottom only cleaned symptoms. Problems continued. Cleanliness had to begin at the source of the stream.

There are many people who believe fancy box diets or diet plans like Paleo and Keto will restore clean living. Sorry, that’s attempting to clean up symptoms, not the base of one’s health. Why psychologically and physiologically one eats. This only muddies the body with a diet one can’t exist on forever!

Our Lord wants us to honor him. How can we do that with a mouth that professes faith but throws trash into our earthly temple? “Be holy for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 pleads. One wouldn’t throw trash on the floor of Jerusalem’s temple – so why do we trash our earthly one?

Clean up your unhealthy lifestyle at the source and you’ll naturally become happier, healthier and energetic. Even though it’s fine to eat anything in moderation, please strive to eat more wholesome healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, seeds and nuts. Consume only a small amount of meat daily, (6 ounces) and your body will remain more alkaline, less acidic.

Change your mindset at the source to become a more positive, happier individual. Others want to be around you. Gather encouraging friends around you, read inspirational books.

Fresh air improves the mind and circulation. If you haven’t exercised, get busy and just do it! Find something you enjoy, walking, dancing, biking, etc.

Don’t focus on what you don’t have, rather breathe deeply and count your blessings. Relaxation restores peace of mind and positive attitudes.

Ultimately we are simply passing through this world until we see God’s Face. When you feel life is drowning you in heartache and tribulation, get back to the living source of joy and happiness: Christ.

“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

Football, Dr. Oz and Breakfast as a Team Sport

Super Bowl Sunday’s coming and both have strong teams. Your body’s a strong team too.

Imagine a football quarterback as the body of the “NUTRIENT” team. In order to win effectively, his metabolism needs a nutrient-dense offensive line. Without one, he has no defense against illness.

Now imagine in front of him are ten players, each representing unique nutritional functions: the center, (B’s) running back (D), tight end (C), corner back (magnesium) fullback (calcium) and wide receiver {omega 3s.) Other nutrients are on the bench ready to participate as needed.

If the team consisted of only fullbacks, how well would the team work? Not efficiently at all. Similarly, a diet consisting of fruit alone would prevent the body from absorbing over 50 vital nutrients for optimum health. We need nutrient variety as much as a football team needs various players to win.

Vitamins are utilized and dispersed through FOOD. B vitamins convert food into energy. Fat soluble vitamins need fat to be absorbed. No food in your stomach – no energy. No chewing, no enzymes either. Without enzymes, one cannot walk, talk, think or move!

Dr. Oz held more interviews January 22, again claiming, “We don’t need breakfast!”  Who’s we? I need breakfast.

“Eating breakfast isn’t based on any medicine,” he insisted.  Of course not, doctor – it’s not medicine, it’s based on physiology.

He insisted breakfast is simply “marketing hype.” Some advertisements ARE to blame for unhealthy children. I too wish children weren’t feed Sugar Smacks but consuming a healthy breakfast is important for physiological reasons. Any teacher who sees hyperactive children arriving or her student’s blood sugar slumping mid-morning will attest to that.

“Our ancestors didn’t eat right away, they had to hunt and gather.” Our ancestors??? Maybe Dr. Oz’s came from cavemen. Mine were created by God. Adam and Eve were created perfectly . Originally farmers, they probably ate grains and fruit for breakfast. (Naturally I’m not dogmatic about this because I wasn’t around then. We’ll find out in Heaven.)

It’s personal choice to eat or not eat immediately. Listen to your body. I usually wake up with coffee, eating about hour or later. No need to eat breakfast immediately, eat small meals but make them nutritious, not caloric.

Our body utilizes calories for energy – any food produces energy. But a calorie isn’t a calorie: donuts are empty calories, a banana is packed with B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, fiber, etc.

Simply cutting calories for weight loss won’t make us healthy. Every nutrient has an individual purpose. Without nutrients, it takes a toll on bodily functions.

When I worked in an office, sometimes I didn’t eat breakfast. However, around 10am, starving, I reached for the first thing I found in the break room for ENERGY: donuts or coffee cake. It takes Herculean effort to resist when hungry. By eating breakfast, it never tempted me. After awhile, I usually brought a healthy snack with me.

Dr. Oz thought everyone should eat brunch instead. Brunch??? How is that going to help the teacher, nurse, factory worker or myriad of others who can’t tell their boss, “Excuse me, I’ve got to eat brunch now.” You’ll have plenty of time to eat in the unemployment line.

“Listen to your body,” Dr. Oz suggests. I’ve said that from day one. But I also advised my patients to use common sense. Dr. Oz logic comes from viewing food as calories – I’m viewing food as nutrients.

Eat to have a healthy system filled with nutrients rather than simply food. Amen!

“Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.”  (Psalm 119:66)

Dr. Oz Says “Skip Breakfast!” Should We?

In a video-taped interview this week with Fox News, Dr. Oz admits that doctors don’t learn much about nutrition in med school. I wondered then, how did he discover this remarkable “new” idea of skipping breakfast? He learned this dietary concept through Hugh Jackman. A terrific, talented and one of my favorite actors, but hardly an expert on physiological nutrition.

Dr. Oz went on to claim the average person eats continually over a 17 hour day. Very few healthy people I know eat “continuously.” If consuming potato chips at 11pm is a habit, then we have a counseling problem.

I do agree that eating before bedtime is not beneficial to sleep. Sleep releases beneficial growth hormones – lack of it leads to mental deterioration, internal stress and illness.

“I think for 2020, the first thing I’m going to do is ban breakfast,” the celebrity doctor recently told TMZ. “I don’t think we need to eat breakfast. That’s an advertising ploy.”

Well that settles it doesn’t it? If that bastion of newsworthy journalism, TMZ broadcasts it – then it must be true.

Dr. Oz goes on: “Unfortunately, a lot of the dogma that we were fed for decades came out of advertisements. It wasn’t really based on the truth around our health.”

Well that’s true – advertisements are meant to manipulate the public into purchasing their product; but let’s break his statement down.

Never did the doctor clarify what a healthy versus unhealthy breakfast is. Eggs contain countless nutrients which I’ve written about, whole wheat French toast is better than white. There’s a huge distinction between sugary Honey Smacks with a quarter teaspoon of fiber and 5 teaspoons of sugar and Shredded Wheat with a quarter teaspoon of sugar and two teaspoons of fiber. Add a banana, berries and cinnamon for nutritious fructose and added fiber because fiber also allows the body to rid itself of toxins through bowel movements.

Thankfully Mark Wahlberg (who wakes up at 2:30am and eats breakfast at 3:15) and Dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, the manager of wellness nutrition services at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute respectfully disagreed with Dr. Oz’s finding.

In response, Dr. Oz shot Mark down, “Well, powerful medical literature and lots of athletes support me and show that intermittent fasting flips the switch so it bolsters your physical and your mental performance.”

Great, I can recruit just as many athletic directors and dietitians who would declare the opposite. But the response of “Oh yeah, did not,” “Did too,” is kind of childish isn’t it? Even if 5,000 men are wrong, they’re still wrong! (old Chinese saying.)

We are all uniquely created. I don’t eat breakfast immediately either – I like to be awake. I don’t measure portion sizes anymore – after measuring several times, usually you’ll know how much is normal.

I DO eat for nutrients. My morning begins around 7am with two cups of coffee, creamer, cinnamon and turmeric, an hour later, ¾ cup of quality yogurt, walnuts, berries and milled flaxseed. About 1/2 to 1 hour later, whole grain cereal and a half banana. At lunch I’ll have variety: a small salad, a half sandwich or planned-overs from the night before. Dinner consists of 3-4 ounces of meat with 5xs more veggies. A small dessert is eaten about 2 hours later. Sometimes in the afternoon I’ll eat a square of dark chocolate.

For my dietary advice I will go to The Great Physician. He lovingly created us individually according to Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1:5. In Exodus 16:21, God ordered the Israelites to gather manna every morning. Even God believed in breakfast! I’ll cast my lot with my LORD. I believe God’s smarter than any man.