Basic Food Combining, Part 6

Specific Fruit Combining.  Melons comprise an additional class of fruit, as they decompose even faster than other fruits.  For this reason, it’s been advised to eat melons separately from other fruits.

An unusual fruit, the avocado, provides us with an excellent natural source of fat.  It combines best with non-starchy vegetables, and makes a fair combination with acid fruits.  Its combination with sweet fruits is best avoided, due to the inhibiting effect of fat upon sugar.  It also makes a fair combination with starches, due to its low protein content.  It should definitely not be combined with proteins, as explained in the preceding chapter.

The tomato, although generally thought to be a vegetable is really an acid fruit.  Due to its low sugar content, it may be combined with non-starchy vegetables.  As is the case with other acids, they should not be combined with either starches or proteins, except for those foods noted earlier: nuts, seeds, avocado, and cheese.

Fruits, except melons, may be combined with either lettuce or celery, as these vegetables are neutral in digestive chemistry.  In fact, in cases of impaired digestion, they may enhance digestion of the fruits, especially the concentrated sweet varieties.

If fruit or vegetable juices are desired, they should be considered as an entire meal, or taken about 20 minutes before a meal.  Since they dilute the digestive secretions, they should not be taken with a meal.

A final thought regarding the fruit meal is that it provides us with a natural “fast foods” selection.  Simply prepared and served, they make the ideal breakfast for both children and adults.  Rather than burdening your digestive system with a difficult task, your body may use its energy for other mental and physical activities of the day.

Meal Planning.  The main objective of meal planning is to keep the meals simple, yet satisfying and enjoyable.  For some of you, changing your way of eating may be an easy one; for others, more difficult.

So let’s start with breakfast.  Though generally taken immediately upon arising, it’s unnecessary to do so.  In fact, it’s wise to wait on breakfast until hunger is present.  This may be hours into the morning.  Fruit makes the ideal food for breakfast, as it will not burden the digestive system with a heavy task.  Just choose those fruits that are appealing to your senses, opting for those in season, as their quality and taste are highest at this time.

(More tips on meal planning will be discussed on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 – J.P.)