We can all think of someone who could be described as a health nut. In some cases, they are a little nutty, but most often they are people who take their health very seriously and do everything they can to stay well.

I’d like to share some “health nut” ideas with you when it comes to food. When looking to eat high quality food, most would choose organic when possible.

I do quite often, but if given the choice of organic coming across thousands of miles with sketchy regulation along the way or choosing a conventionally grown food from my local farmer, most likely I would opt for the local farmer. If he/she grows organically, or you grow organically in your own garden, that’s even better.

A Peek inside a Health Nut’s Kitchen

The health nut has:

• a clean and well-organized refrigerator
• an abundant supply of herbs and spices for flavor
• cold pressed virgin olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil
• wine, rice, balsamic and apple cider vinegars
• organic grains like brown rice, quinoa and farro
• seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables
• pasture raised meat, poultry and dairy, if not vegetarian
• wild seafood
• nuts, beans and lentils
• dark chocolate
• a water filtration system

Additional items for occasional pleasure might include red wine and quality ice cream and an exquisite dessert.

A Not-So-Healthy Kitchen

Someone not so concerned about their health might have:

• highly processed packaged foods
• frozen pre-made meals
• soda
• canned soup
• foods with high fructose corn syrup
• sweetened yogurt
• potato chips, white bread, packaged cookies
• cereals with artificial coloring and added sugar
• white pasta
• tap water for drinking

Can you see how making food choices like the proverbial health nut might better support your health? In my book Food Becomes You there are many stories of people complaining of various health issues – digestion, headache, elevated blood sugar, high triglycerides, etc. – that experienced rapid improvement when they changed their food.

Food is your checking account for the future. Keep depositing quality, and you’ll have resources to fall back on.

Foods in the health nut’s list are easy to prepare. The secret is getting them into your home so you have something to work with. An empty refrigerator or one that is filled with takeout and old food won’t do a thing for your health.

Getting Started

I want to give you a list of foods to buy that will give you a week’s worth of meals. It’s always helpful if you are new to healthy eating or want a refresher to take some time to look through your cabinets and refrigerator and toss any old or unhealthy items so you can really start fresh.

The list is included in my book as well.

1 lb. brown rice

1/2 lb. quinoa

1 lb. whole oats

1 can organic black beans or 1 lb. uncooked beans

1 can organic kidney beans or 1 lb. uncooked beans

2 onions

2 lemons

1 loaf sprouted wheat bread

3 peaches (warm weather) 3 apples (cold weather)

2 plums (warm weather) 2 pears (cold weather)

1 pint blueberries or other berry in season

1 bunch bananas

1 avocado

1/2 lb. raw nuts

1 pkg organic chicken or vegetable broth (or make your own)

1/2 doz pasture raised eggs

1 pkg. hummus

1 bunch leafy green vegetables

1 bunch broccoli

1 yellow squash

1 bunch carrots

1 head of cauliflower

1 red pepper

1 pkg organic cherry tomatoes

1 cucumber

1 head green lettuce

1/2 lb. wild seafood

1/2 lb. skinless chicken breast

1 bar dark chocolate

1 box whole grain crackers

tea or coffee optional

Create Balance

You don’t have to be nutty to be healthy. With food, it’s simply a matter of planning, shopping and getting it done in the kitchen.

Any resistance you may be feeling around food preparation can be overcome when you realize the powerful force that quality food provides in supporting a long healthy life.

It doesn’t mean you never indulge in some of the less savory choices or that you have to isolate yourself from dining with friends who are less conscious about their food. I use a 90/10 formula where my food matches the first list 90% of the time, and I relax on the rest.

How about you? How do you support your health with food and also maintain some wiggle room for simple indulgences? Please join the conversation below!