culturion

I’m thinking a lot about food at the moment. I think its important. It’s something we’ve lost. I’m reading all sorts. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall on meat, my local organic box scheme http://www.eatorganic.co.uk and reading about the 100 mile Diet http://100milediet.org and the many writings on fitting in more with seasonality.

So why 80%, why not the whole 100? Because I still believe that our progress in expanding our diet should be recognised, I still believe in supporting markets and small producers abroad, I still believe in fair trade, I still believe other countries and cultures canteach us things about diet we cannot get through our own. Could I honestly give up olive oil and garlic the basic building blocks of mediterranean cuisine and my love of pasta? Or chocolate? Or deep red bordeaux? Bananas and avocados or a key part of my diet.

I don’t think a diet should be about such extremes entirely, but the exotic elements do need to be sourced in sustainable ways, and not be the default most common option. They need to be recognised and respected as resource intensive adjuncts to a basically local and seasonal diet. So the 80/20 rule seems a fair division as to how to eat local, enjoy global and still respect food and the environment.

So I’ve kept to the diet for 3 months, and I really enjoy it. I’ve lost 12 pounds but more to the point I’ve got more energy, I’m more toned, I feel much better, I’m sleeping better and I’m thinking better. It’s not easy sticking to a regime but fortunately by breaking a routine down into simple principles and not just allowing but encouraging a cheat meal as part of your habit, it has been easy to incorporate at least the majority of the plan into my schedule each week and easy to customise to your personal preferences. The food is tasty, healthy and wholesome focusing on a few things to add, a few things to take out of your diet and then portion control. It’s simple and effective, although I still get curious looks when I say I’m doing a diet from Men’s Health. The Abs Diet – not just for men!

The book is the best read but there is also Abs Diet Online if you want a structured help building and sticking to a plan. The paperback is currently only £3.99 from Amazon UK. If you are greeting the spring sunshine with the faint suspicion you could do with a physical spring clean then what are you waiting for? It’s not a instant or miracle solution, they don’t exist, but with it’s 6 principles and 12 powerfoods you have an adaptable but sturdy framework you can combine with a bit of discipline to forge some good habits.