March is National Nutrition Month! Come back by during this month as we talk about all facets of nutrition from eating whole foods to cleansing to getting the biggest bang for your nutrition buck.

Today we'll start with an article from eHow (of all places) on the topic of how to eat whole foods, thanks to the editor for a job well done. Mange! What a crazy time for me to be fasting with all of this food talk. But spring is in the air down here in San Diego and my normal time for cleansing out the impurities of winter. Raise your water glass in cheers to rejuvenation! ~j

7 Steps to Whole Foods
Most of us have busy lifestyles and are looking for a quick meal. We reach for pre-packaged foods that are convenient to pop into a microwave. The problem is we loose the vital nutrients our body needs when we eat processed foods. We should be eating whole foods to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and high cholesterol. Be smart. Eat healthy. Read on to learn more.

Step1

Know what whole foods consist of. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and seeds that are in their natural form and have not been processed are considered whole foods. Animal whole foods are small fish, shellfish, small fowl and eggs. Good choices for pork and beef are the smaller body parts like kidney and liver.

Step2

Buy foods that are fresh rather than canned or frozen whenever possible. The sooner you consume the whole foods from where they originated the more nutritional value they have. A lot of nutrients are lost in packaged food.

Step3

Shop at farmers markets for fresh food. Fresh vegetables and fruits don't contain the additives and preservatives of their canned and prepackaged counterparts.

Step4

Eating whole foods provides more vitamins and minerals in your diet. These foods are high in phytoestrogens, fiber, antioxidants and resistant starches. Resistant starch is a special type of carbohydrate that works well with your body.

Step5

Prepare whole foods baked or broiled in light oil like sesame oil or the heartier olive oil. Both are healthy for you. Don't ruin the benefits of nutritious foods by cooking them in harmful fats.

Step6

Learn to read labels. Always avoid partially hydrogenated oils and saturated fats. Check the amount of cholesterol, sugar and sodium too. Reach for high fiber and protein rich foods.

Step7

Eat organic whole foods for an added health benefit. Pesticides and herbicides are sprayed on non-organic food to preserve it and keep pests away. Consuming these chemicals can be harmful to you. Drink organic milk (dairy) which does not contain hormones and antibiotics.