was an advocate of eating whole, preservative-free foods, with an emphasis on whole grains rather than processed ones; more fish, fowl, and lamb than red meat; more leafy green vegetables than starchy ones; and a daily diet composed of 80 percent alkaline-producing foods to 20 percent acid-producing foods. In general, most vegetables and fruits are alkaline-producing, and most grains, starches, meats, sweets, and no-nos are acid-producing.
Cayce said it this way:
But have rather a percentage of eighty percent alkaline-producing to twenty percent acid-producing foods. Then, it is well that the body not become as one that couldn’t do this, that or the other; or as a slave to an idea of a set diet. Do not take citrus fruit juices and cereals at the same meal. Do not take milk or cream in coffee or in tea. Do not eat fried foods of any kind. Do not combine white bread, potatoes, spaghetti—or any two foods of such natures in the same meal.
1568-2
There is great advice in this reading, especially for anyone who wishes to maintain health and a healthy weight and to ensure that one’s family does, as well. Too many families eat pasta and white bread at the same meal, to be followed by a cane sugar dessert. And too many families eat fried and fast food regularly. Children in North America are battling obesity and childhood diabetes as never before. And the adult population fights its own battles with obesity and type 2 diabetes. By setting the example of eating a healthy, balanced diet, we help our children develop eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. As with so many issues in life, balance is the key.
The diet also should be considered—in that there is not an excess of acids or sweets, or even an excess of alkalinity . . .
Hence there should be kept a normal, well-balanced diet that has proven to be right for the individual body . . .
902-1
Fried foods are full of saturated fats, which by now, most people know are not beneficial for anyone. A diet heavy in saturated fats is associated with high cholesterol in the bloodstream. Further, if one’s body is too acidic, it is prone to inflammatory, degenerative diseases, and viruses will thrive. And we know that our thoughts, emotions, and state of health have an effect on the digestive process. At long last, this is now acknowledged by modern science these many years later!
When we combine our foods properly, we put less stress on our digestive process, ensuring that our food can be more easily assimilated and digested and nutrients absorbed. It makes sense not to eat when one is upset, angry, or overtired. The body cannot digest what it is ingesting.
Perhaps in modern times the popular Mediterranean diet comes closest in approach to the Cayce diet. It is regarded as one of the healthiest in the world. And, certainly, if most of us followed it, we would be far more healthy. The Mediterranean diet encourages the consumption of unsaturated oils, such as olive and walnut; fruits, legumes, and vegetables; Omega-3 rich fish, as well as lamb and poultry; and whole grains.
Cayce takes this diet a step further by not only recommending that foods not be fried and that certain food combinations be avoided, but that heated oils not be used in cooking. When cooked, foods are to be baked, broiled, poached, or steamed—and vegetables cooked individually in their own juices.
Health is an individual choice, and we must choose what works best for ourselves. But, again, Cayce advised not getting too fixed on restrictions. I have tried to include wholesome recipes and suggestions compatible with healthy choices—which is the message of this book.
Stocking Your Pantry
Oh, how much healthier life can be when our refrigerator and pantry are well-stocked with fresh organic produce, dairy products, and garden herbs! The first piece of advice I give to anyone wanting to change one’s lifestyle and start anew is to throw out any products containing high fructose corn syrup. Sadly, most Americans consume far too many non-refined sugars, which not only pack on the pounds but serve no nutritional value whatsoever. Certainly, children do not need to eat sugar-coated cereal. If you are serious about your health and that of your family’s, get rid of these packaged cereals and snack foods filled with so many unhealthy ingredients one needs to be a scientist to decipher them.
Also, if you have been used to drinking carbonated drinks, take note that they are toxic and will eventually make you ill. Asked in a Cayce reading about the effects of consuming soft drinks, this was the unequivocal response: “Do not take any form of drinks that carry carbonated waters. The gases of these . . . are detrimental . . . ” (1013-3) Interestingly, the coke syrup itself was said to have medicinal qualities. Drink filtered water and make your own iced teas and lemonades.
Shop on the outside aisles of supermarkets, and you will be more likely to stay healthy. The inside aisles are stacked with processed foods no one needs.
Dried herbs and spices should be kept in airtight containers in a cool, dark space away from sunlight. I like to keep my flour in the refrigerator, as I live in a humid climate and do not want any unwanted “visitors.” Maple syrup should always be refrigerated upon opening, or mildew will form on top. The same goes for tomato ketchup and mayonnaise. Oils should never be refrigerated but kept in a space away from direct sunlight. They do become rancid, their shelf life only about six months even under favorable conditions.
Always buy the best quality ingredients—this does not necessarily mean that they will be the most expensive. Many supermarkets now market their own brands, and often these are made by top companies but sold at a more reasonable price.
Certain foods should definitely be consumed only if organic, as the conventional varieties are filled with pesticides. These items are italicized in green throughout the book to remind you of the importance of buying only organic. Yes, it would be great to be able to afford everything organically grown, but most families cannot do this. So, if anything, please ensure that you spend the extra money on these items and save on the doctor bills. Other less contaminated products that can be consumed non-organically are listed under “Conventional Products.”
Not everyone has an old-fashioned pantry at home, but almost everyone has cupboard space. I have listed the ingredients I feel are useful to buy for the recipes throughout this book and in everyday cooking. By having necessary ingredients on hand, you can always throw something wonderful together at a moment’s notice by being creative or by just following any of the simple recipes found in this book.
Essential Organic Products
Apples
Bell Peppers
Celery
Cherries
Coffee
Dairy Products—Milk, Cheese, Yogurt
Eggs
Grapes
Lettuce
Meat, Poultry, and Lamb
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Raspberries
