Many people have asked me what I eat for spirituality, meaning how I use food to support health, happiness, and well-being. Over the years, I have come to appreciate several supplements that seem to help my energy.
Up until the age of 70, I took nothing, not even an aspirin. But after I turned 77, I began to reconsider that approach. I started taking vitamin C in a fruit and berry form along with a few other supplements that seem to support my energy and reduce inflammation. I share these choices simply as my own experience. Everyone must make their own decisions about supplements.
Morning Rituals: Tea, Phytoplankton, and Ginseng
At breakfast, I enjoy hibiscus tea with a few drops of beet root extract added in. I also take marine phytoplankton for energy along with some ginseng drops. I find that these help me feel sharper and more energized.
What I Eat for Breakfast
For breakfast I usually eat oatmeal with blueberries, hemp hearts, and Ceylon cinnamon. I used to add ground chia seeds, but preparing them became too much of a hassle, so I stopped. At one time I also added bacopa, an Ayurvedic herb, along with Sidr honey from Yemen, but I did not notice much benefit from those, so now I simply enjoy the blueberries.
After Breakfast: Curcumin and Walnuts
After breakfast, I take curcumin phytosome capsules, which may help with inflammation. I also eat a handful of walnuts, which are often said to support brain health.
Lunch: Simple, Nourishing, and Diverse
Lunch is usually simple. After lunch, I sometimes drink ceremonial cacao mixed with hot water. My lunch often includes beans in a burrito with avocado and mild salsa.
People sometimes ask if I am vegan. I followed a vegan diet for about 15 years, but I eventually changed my approach. Now I occasionally eat salmon and, from time to time, a small filet mignon. I usually season my meals with garlic and include steamed greens with dinner.
I try to avoid refined sugar, though I do enjoy a little dark chocolate now and then.
Food, Energy, and the Spirit
Hopefully this answers the question people often ask about what I eat to support my spirit. I generally have a lot of energy, and I believe food plays a major role in that. I would also be interested in hearing what others eat to nourish their spirit during the day. As we grow older and may not be able to play sports as much as we once did, nutrition becomes even more important. In my view, maintaining health later in life is about 70 percent food and 30 percent exercise and overall self-care.
Occasionally I make a green drink or a healthy smoothie. When eating out, I try to minimize oils and focus on organic salads, often skipping dessert.
Water, Clarity, and Conscious Choices
I also drink a lot of water, almost the way some people enjoy wine. I do not drink alcohol because I prefer to keep my mind as clear as possible, although many people say that a glass or two can be healthy. To each their own.
Snacks, Eating Out, and Favorite Foods
Do I snack? Yes, I do. Sometimes I have a protein bar or another healthy snack. Right now that often means blueberries or other fruit. I work during the day and frequently go out for lunch with clients during the week.
I enjoy Indian food for its spices and lentils, and I often choose vegan dishes at lunch. I also like oysters, both raw and cooked. My second favorite choice is sushi. It is simple and pure, and I enjoy the miso soup with soybeans and eggplant that often comes with it. Lunch tends to be fairly diverse in my diet.
Dinner: Light, Early, and Intentional
Dinner, however, is usually more conservative. I focus on salads and occasionally salmon if I choose to eat fish. I also try to eat before the sun goes down and then stop eating for the night.
