Food as Medicine

Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.

Pretty compelling statement, isn’t it? Coming straight from the lips of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, this quote is also the inspiration behind Club Fx.

In short, Fx can be defined as using food (F) as a prescription (x) to achieve optimal health. Although this is a concept that most people generally understand, there’s a lot of confusion on what it specifically means and how to do it. And most importantly, how simple it can be.

No one understands the power of food better than Jordan Rubin.

Who is Jordan Rubin?

Ever hear of the supplement company called Garden of Life? How about Ancient Nutrition? Well, Jordan Rubin happens to be the founder of both, and is regarded as one of the most respected natural health experts in America.

Jordan’s personal account of his battle and triumph over Crohn’s disease has resonated with millions around the world and is one of the most dramatic natural health stories ever told.

After visiting seventy doctors and trying every “miracle” drug, diet, and supplement on the market, he found himself tearing through the pages of the world’s oldest, most sacred, and bestselling book—the Bible. What he found was a superb health plan that transformed his life and gave rise to his best-selling book, The Maker’s Diet.

Heinen’s Club Fx is in Good Company!

The Club Fx program is all about helping you understand the simple principles of healthier eating, referred to as the “7 Fx Pillars”, which can be used to guide your daily food choices.

Pillar #6: Remember functional foods: fresh herbs and fermented foods, is of special interest to Jordan Rubin. Whenever he formulates a diet or product, he begins with fermentation.

According to Jordan:

Fermentation unlocks the power of food. Whether it’s milk to yogurt or cabbage to sauerkraut, fermentation accentuates the positive and in many cases, eliminates the negative.

He also believes that herbs and spices are some of the most powerful substances on the planet, stating:

Whether it’s turmeric, ginger, holy basil or cinnamon, herbs and spices should be a cornerstone of our diet. Today what’s hiding in your spice cabinet, could be what’s missing in your diet. When you combine fermentation with herbs and spices, when you add mushrooms to your diet, you are consuming compounds you don’t get from typical fruits, vegetables, and proteins. The more you consume herbs, spices, and mushrooms from food or supplements, the healthier you are going to be. Truly unlocking that health potential that you have inside of you.

To learn more about Jordan Rubin, please visit www.ancientnutrition.com.

Fermented Food at Heinen’s

To find fermented foods at your local Heinen’s, seek no further than the dairy and deli departments.

Heinen’s dairy department has a wide variety of low-to-no added sugar yogurts to choose from. My favorite is Stonyfield Organic 100% Grass-fed Plain Greek Yogurt because it’s made from the milk of grass-fed cows. This means it has a higher ratio of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids compared to traditional milk.

Another option is kefir, a fermented milk beverage that can be added to oatmeal or your favorite smoothie recipe. Green Valley Creamery Plain Kefir is a great choice, especially for those who are trying to limit their sugar intake (isn’t that all of us??).

Fermented vegetables like cabbage, beets, and carrots, are located near the deli department. I must admit, rarely do I eat a salad without a heaping spoonful of Cleveland Kitchen’s Classic Kimchi on top. Spicy, crunchy, and oh so good! If you prefer mild, their Classic Caraway, Beet Red, Roasted Garlic, and Whiskey Dill varieties are all fantastic!

Note: Fermented products contain live beneficial bacteria. These bacteria are destroyed at around 115°F. For this reason, fermented foods should be used at the end of cooking if you want to preserve their health benefits.

Click HERE for more ideas on how to incorporate fermented foods into your meals.

Food for Thought …

We all have the potential for good health within us, but we must take action to unlock it. It doesn’t take much! Start by adding a serving of fermented foods to one meal every day. Check out this recipe for Plant-Powered Egg Roll in a Bowl. Just like an egg roll, but without the deep fried exterior. This tasty dish holds up well in the refrigerator and tastes even more amazing the next day. And the best part? It calls for a spoonful of sauerkraut on top!

Remember Jordan’s words of wisdom: Fermentation unlocks the power of food.  

Food is medicine indeed!