2008 was a very big news year. And in the midst of all that news, the New York Times reported that one of the top emailed stories for the entire year was “ The 11 Best Foods you Aren’t Eating.” The list is quick:

·     Beets

·     Cabbage

·     Swiss Chard

·     Cinnamon

·     Pomegranate Juice

·     Dried Plums

·     Pumpkin Seeds

·     Sardines

·     Turmeric

·     Frozen Blueberries

·     Canned Pumpkin

Quickly go over the list and one thing is certain: the title of the article is right on the money. I know that I eat blueberries, Swiss Chard and pomegranate juice regularly. But canned pumpkin? It never occurred to me. And its claim to fame is that it is low calorie, high in fiber and high in vitamin A. Does anyone have a good pumpkin recipe? Something we can share so it will inspire all of us to try to get one of the magic 11 into our diets?

 

Jonny Bowden, a nutritionist and author of the book The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, compiled the list. The man likes lists. It is a terrific book, though. Funny, well thought out and well documented, he travels through various categories (including beverages and spices), impressing which items are good for you and why. The book never descends into preachy. I especially enjoy the section where he begs people to give up the egg-white omelet. Here is a man who believes in the benefits of the yolk. He gets my vote.

 

So if you are confused as to what you should be eating and you want to go spend some money on a “diet”, go out and a buy a copy of Doctor Bowden’s book. Give it a read and try to add these “power” items into your day-to-day meals. Even better, create some recipes using these items as main ingredients and then share the recipes with the Guru community.

 

Rock on.