Dear friends,

Is my hope that this newsletter finds you in good health. Health is one important aspect of life. Our role is to do our best to make sure we take good care of our bodies. Proper care includes medical check-ups, regular exercise, and good nutrition. Maintaining a healthy mind, soul, and body collectively are essential to overall health.

Today, my topic is nutrition. Nutrition is one aspect of health that is often forgotten. Yes, we are what we eat! It is important to monitor what we consume and how that diet affects our health. I’ve had the privilege to travel and taste a broad variety of multicultural dishes. I have learned that in some parts of the world, different foods affect people and their health differently. I am currently enjoying Japanese cuisines, which I love. Often, it reminds me of my roots and the food I used to eat while growing up in Tanzania. Here I can even get dagaa!

The Japanese have many different types of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. Their way of preparing meals, and eating, is for the most part, healthy. The island, on which I currently live, Okinawa, holds the world record for long life. More people here live to be centenarians (100 years or older), than any other place in the world! And nutrition plays a big role in their longevity.

My experiences with Spanish and Italian food were satisfactory, as well as French, though I skipped baguettes and croissants. Relative to Asia, Chinese food was fine. Indian food often caused me to have a runny nose, even though I enjoy spicy foods. German food, I guess I got used to it. In England I enjoyed the walks to fresh food markets. The same was true for Belgium. Everywhere I went, I was amazed with how different people eat and treat food.

Sometimes, people give the excuse that it is too expensive to eat well. That is not true. The people of America, the world richest country, suffer from obesity the most. As I moved around the USA, I saw people enjoy the luxury of fast food. Yet, it cost them their health.

Here is a quotation from my book, The Art of Beauty and Health. “Food has more functions in our bodies than we may often think. Food provides energy and warmth, strengthens us, strengthens our immune system, fights diseases, activates our brain and helps us to be active and creative. It also provides needed vitamins, refreshes our memories, and helps us in seeing properly.

It is important to have a complete diet, in order for our bodies and brain to function properly. It is most important to know how to combine food groups while eating, how to prepare, and how to cook the food. Even if we have the right foods, if we choose the wrong methods in preparing them, we won’t be able to get the nutrition we need.

It is advised to start your day by eating something that will give you energy. After waking up, drink two glasses of water (you can warm your water a bit if you wish, and add a few drops of lemon). Eat a good breakfast like cereals (combined with Soya milk, milk or yogurt. (Try to avoid mixing protein with carbohydrates, which will take longer to be digested and usually make you feel tired after eating them). You can add fruits to your cereals, as fruits are neutral and can be combined with any kind of food. Between breakfast and lunch, you can eat fruits, yogurt or small amounts of nuts. Be careful with the amount of nuts, since they are rich in fat. Avoid regularly eating peanuts, (they contain high amount of heavy metals), salted or sugared nuts, as this is not healthy eating. Avoid junk and processed food, as it contains loads of chemicals (for preservation), and they can lead to diseases later if eaten all the time. It has been discovered that canned foods are no t quite as safe as advertised.

At lunchtime, try to eat a lot of protein, like fish and vegetables with a few small potatoes.

In the evening, you can eat a small piece of chocolate (sweets activate a hormone for happiness), or drink a cup of tea with a small piece of fruitcake.

Eat carbohydrates for dinner (since they are easily digested even while sleeping), such as whole corn spaghetti with tomatoes. Don’t eat your dinner too late. Always try to eat at least two hours before going to sleep. An hour before going to sleep, eat a banana (if you feel hungry) with a glass of milk (or mix a banana shake with low fat milk). Milk will help your nervous system rest while you are sleeping. Try to keep your diet under 2000 calories per day, as it will help you to maintain your weight without gaining at all, and still give your body all the necessary nutrients. This is eating smart, and will also help you to keep your cholesterol level low. Once your body is used to the kind and amount of the food you take, you won’t need to weigh and watch everything you eat. You’ll automatically learn serving sizes, amounts, and how much to eat. You must use discipline in your eating habits. You don’t have to panic if you happen to eat more than you are used to if you are eating right. Eating healthy is not just a matter of physically looking good, but also to have a healthy functioning body system. People often think that being slim is being healthy, but you can look slim and still be unhealthy, and vice versa. We all have different body and bone structures, and one looks heavier than other. The most important thing is to accept yourself and to make sure you give your body the needed nutrients and exercise. It is important to note that once you decide to choose a healthy way of eating, you have to really focus and put your choice into action. Knowing what your body needs and altering your diet automatically becomes a habit, and your body will follow that new system.”

Friends, I hope these tips will help lead you toward healthy eating habits. To all of you in Japan, please read my interview in the Mind, Body and Soul issue of The Island Knight, available August 4th, 2006. Also come and join me for my next book signing at Kadena BX, August 19th 2006 and Foster PX on September 2, 2006. Germany, see you in just a few months! To those who I might not be meeting soon, you can order The African Princess at www.amazon.com. If you’d like a signed copy for friends and family, please choose the seller, Tausi Dreams, and send a note with your order. I will sign the books for you.

Stay Healthy,