People often ask me questions like, what is the best diet plan for me? Or what do you think about vegetarianism or the Paleolithic diet or macrobiotics, etc.?

Well they all have their place don't they otherwise no one would follow them. I believe that diet has a function in life, which includes pure sensual pleasure, cultural identity and festivity as well as detoxification, regeneration of health and healing. You can choose the ratio of each function in your diet plan. There is nothing wrong with emphasizing pleasure - there are certain benefits and costs for each choice. I have found that most of my clients and myself do very well with 80-90% of the diet emphasizing regeneration and health and the remaining 10-20% allotted to enjoyment as long as the 20% is not junk.

Historically, indigenous people had to make due with foods that they could hunt, catch and grow in their climates at varying times of the year. Because different people lived in different climates and geographical locations those who were more able to regenerate at the cellular level with the foods available were more likely to reach maturity, procreate and pass along their genetic traits (including organ strength, enzyme capacity) to their offspring to be able to utilize those foods. As a result different people build health with different foods, macronutrient levels and ratios and have different requirements for minerals, vitamins, etc. This genetic selectivity is part of the rationale of a system of dietary individualization, which I incorporate into my client's integrative wellness programs called metabolic typing.

We are living in unique circumstances where we can eat foods from all over the world year round. No one needs advice on what they should eat for pleasure or cultural integration - we know that, but what do we eat for health at different times of year, for my health problems, at my age, for my metabolism, blood type, health goals? You see how in depth one can go.

Ok, so a Blood type O, fast oxidizer (converts food to fuel quickly )from Scandinavian origin who does heavy labor and lives in Chicago is not a good candidate for a raw food vegetarian diet - not for the long run at least. On the other hand, a woman of East Indian origin, blood type AB, slow oxidizer (converts food to fuel slowly) living in South Florida who is a librarian with low levels of hydrochloric acid is not a good candidate for the Atkins diet. These are extreme examples but the point is that we have to find out what works for you, right now in your current circumstances. So what does this mean for you right now?

Generally speaking as the weather gets colder and the levels of stress increase the diet should shift more towards denser forms of protein (animal products) and more fat - not just Omega 3 but also saturated fat like butter, coconut oil, eggs, etc. Also, one would eat less cold or yin foods (juices, salads, fruits).

As the weather gets warmer one would increase fruits and vegetables and gravitate toward less dense forms of protein including fish, raw dairy, beans, etc.

Now I say generally because there are other factors to consider like whether your body is able to digest or utilize denser forms of protein or whether your pancreas can handle increased fruit. There are no absolute rules. One has to pay attention and learn what works for their body. Don't get locked into ANY philosophy of nutrition.

So here are some general tips for winter season adjustments (please contact me if you want more specific suggestions)

• Start with your metabolic type (if you don't know yours call me and I'll get you the questionnaire to fill out).
  
• For the winter season if you're a mixed oxidizer just eat twice as many meals from the fast oxidizer plan than the slow. If you're a protein type - continue as you are and maybe add a little extra butter and fat. If you're a slow oxidizer and can digest red meat - eat some high quality red meat cooked rare once or twice a weak and add a little more butter.
  
• Find out your body type - at the end of this newsletter is the body type questionnaire you can set up an appointment with me to make recommended adjustments for the winter season.
  
• Add ginger, cayenne or garlic to your fresh vegetable juices this will add a little yang to your nutritious drinks.
  
• Eat more warm soups and stews - Cooked foods won't kill you contrary to the raw food philosophy.
  
• Warm up some sesame oil and rub it on your body several times a week - especially if you are thin or feel overwhelmed by the cold. This is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that really feels great.

By James Jordan, J.D., C.N.C.