What is Food Combining?

The theory of food combining has increased over the past few decades. The simple concept has provided much anecdotal evidence that eating in this way can alleviate health problems. A side benefit of healthier eating has been the release of unwanted weight. This way of life goes beyond a simple diet. The principles involve the proper consumption of fruit and not eating carbohydrates and proteins in the same meal.

The Proper Consumption of Fruit

Eating fruit correctly is integral to the process. Fruit, uninhibited by other foods, will leave the stomach within 30 minutes. Thus, fruit should be consumed on an empty stomach. Because it digests easily, fruit or fresh fruit juice should be eaten first. Only fresh fruit and juice will benefit the body. Canned fruit is overly processed and becomes very acidic, making it taxing on the digestive system. Eating only fresh fruit throughout the morning until noon can rid the body of toxins and utilize natural benefits in the fruit to repair cells in the body.

Proteins and Carbohydrates are Not the Perfect Marriage

The second discipline is proteins and carbohydrates should never be eaten together. This particularly goes against the grain of typical American diet. Hamburgers, hot dogs, steak and potatoes, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are all improperly combined foods. This lifestyle requires a rethinking of common meals. For example, a common American breakfast would consist of toast, eggs and bacon with a large glass of commercially prepared orange juice.
No food is completely off-limits. To adapt the American breakfast, a start would be a large glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Thirty minutes later, you could enjoy a plate of bacon and eggs or a plate of toast topped with broiled tomato slices and drizzled with olive oil. The latter will not weigh you down.

Proteins and Vegetables are a Perfect Combo

Vegetables are basically neutrals in food combining. They can be eaten alone or will properly combine with either a protein or a carbohydrate. Some vegetables are starch---such as potatoes---and should be considered the same as bread. Non-starches such as all green vegetables can be easily combined with all proteins. In fact, vegetables should be included in every meal, if possible. Some easy combinations are salad with grilled chicken or a steak served with asparagus spears. Turkey kielbasa served with fresh sauerkraut and steamed green beans is another easy properly combined meal.

The Veggie Sandwich Connection

Make a raw or grilled vegetable sandwich, complete with the usual condiments. Vegetable fajitas include grilled peppers, squash and onions. Add on toppings of fresh cilantro, salsa and tomatoes. Many sandwich shops offer a veggie version of deli sandwiches when you are on the run. These provide a quick digestive process and will provide energy for the rest of the afternoon.

The Best Bottom Line

Weight is dropped this way because the body is not at war with itself. Healing comes because energy normally expended is directed to where the body needs it. The emphasis is on a way of eating for life instead of fad diets. One improperly combined meal does not spell disaster---there is the next meal to do it right. This way of life is built upon gradual successes rather than punishment over one-deal slip-ups.