Page 17 - NAMAH January 2016
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Eating for Health: a new system, not another diet — I

Dr. Ed Bauman, Jodi Friedlander

Eating for Health is a way of life. It reflects a relationship to food based on consciousness, gratitude
and sound science. — Dr. Ed Bauman.

Abstract
Eating for Health is a system, not a diet, developed by Dr. Ed Bauman, as an alternative to the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary recommendations and other one-size-fits-
all dietary approaches. It seeks to strategically develop food plans for people rather than having them
eat according to a food model that has worked for some but not all people. It serves to clear up the
confusion engendered by the vast array of supposedly very different popular diets. It features fresh,
whole foods that align with people’s needs, preferences, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with
attention paid to changes in seasons, situations, aging and health challenges. The goals of this system
are to show the average person how they can obtain optimal amounts of macro-nutrients (proteins,
fats and carbohydrates), micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phyto-nutrients (plant
alkaloids with protective value) from food and thereby be less dependent on dietary supplements to
fulfil nutritional needs for growth and repair as well as for recovery from injury and illness. Eating
for Health emphasises the intrinsic pleasure of enjoying delicious whole foods on a daily basis, eaten
mindfully, to nourish not only one’s physical self, but also one’s emotional, mental and spiritual
being.

Eating for Health: philosophy                  array of traditional and modern dietary
                                               principles and practices. It aims to teach
In Eating for Health, we embrace two powerful  people to better understand how the
maxims — ‘Food is the best medicine’ and       chemicals, additives, processing, packaging
‘Know thyself’ — and create a synergy that     and preparation of much of the food they
opens the way to wellness and service.         have eaten has contributed to diminished
                                               health, while providing guidelines that
The Eating for Health model provides a map     encourage people to create and enjoy meals
for healthful eating that draws on a wide      based upon fresh, whole foods that suit their

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