Polymeal

I'd never heard of this, and apparently (concluded because of the lack of search results on Google), it's a new proclamation, but...

How'd you like a diet that supposedly adds years to your life and wants you to eat two of your favorite indulgences daily? Sign me up.

The Polymeal includes wine, fish, dark chocolate, fruits and vegetables, almonds and garlic, eaten on a daily basis (but four times a week for fish). Scientists reviewed the medical literature on how much each ingredient cuts heart disease, blood pressure or cholesterol levels by varying amounts, (150ml wine daily for instance reduces heart disease by 32%) and worked out the combined effect of the ingredients. They then calculated the potential effect across an ongoing study of American adults.

Wine? Dark chocolate? YUM! I like fish, fruits, veggies, almonds, and garlic, too. Wine and dark chocolate together: heaven. Fireplace and mood music optional.

A couple of different sources on this. First, that paragraph quoted came from Medial News Today. The fun source, though, is translated from Chinese. It gives some good advice (as well as approximate portions; unfortunately, they're in grams and milliliters.

But, the advice.

Adverse effects reported for garlic include malodorous breath and body odour, so researchers do not recommend taking the Polymeal before a romantic rendezvous.

Which means eat your garlic (and know the difference between a head and a clove) early in the day and your wine and dark chocolate in the evening. By the fire - I've changed my mind. That's not optional.

Back on topic. I made a list of all of my favorite fruits and veggies, vowed to add broccoli (even if I have to eat it raw - it's a superfood...don't much like it, but I can do it). Also adding apples - going to get myself a good paring knife (because I really like apples but hate to bite into them - and carry it with me (but the airport) so that apple eating is possible wherever I go.

Fish - a bit short on fish recipes, but I imagine that'll change. I'll only do fish twice a week for dinner and do the other two times as lunches for me unless Brian thinks this is a good idea. Unfortunately, St. Louis' best fish market isn't exactly proximate. But a once-a-week trip should be doable.

Downside of this diet? Obvious. Can you say EXPENSIVE? Fish ain't cheap. Produce isn't half bad, but wine and good dark chocolate - not cheap either. Not a problem for us - we already buy good healthy food.

I'm excited.

hln

Posted by hln at December 17, 2004 11:59 AM | Nutrition | TrackBack