How To Choose The Best Foods To Consume
 All of us have read, and I have written, numerous articles about what foods to eat for proper nutrition, good health or to help treat a certain disease. I think it is equally as important to know how to choose your foods. I have observed that people have difficulty choosing foods that are in the best state for consumption and maximum nutritional value. Furthermore, even many restaurants do not pick foods for meals that are at their peak of taste, texture and nutrient value. Therefore, let me elaborate on a few basics that I teach my family and patients.
First, your fruits and vegetables should be bought when you plan on consuming them within a few days. Feel and smell both fruits and veggies. Most fruits should be firm, not hard, with a slight softness and fragrant smell. The fruits and veggies should have no bruises or broken skin surface, they should be green if they are a green vegetable or yellow if a yellow vegetable, etc. Look at your foods under sunlight, if possible; if not look at your food choice under various lights so you can see imperfections. The mega-grocery store lighting is designed to make the foods look good so you will purchase them.
Obviously, it is also important to pick foods which are in season. They will be closer to ripe and are healthier, because you are eating them according to Mother Nature’s seasonal cycle, which, when applied consistently, helps to establish a balanced diet and lifestyle.
If you eat meats, look closely at the expiration date on the label - never buy meats near or after the purchase date of expiration. The food has already been processed, shipped, frozen and unfrozen, and has been sitting on the shelf under light, which extracts even more of the precious life force in the food. If you eat meats, eat them as fresh and as organic as possible, and always rinse them with vinegar before cooking. You should also rinse fruits and veggies with vinegar and water to remove wax, pesticides and other residues, as well.
Your grains should be colorful. Many have a robust or subtle sweet smell. Check for insects and foreign particulate matter, and always rinse them before cooking. Don’t over-rinse some grains, as you will wash away many of the nutrients. When choosing herbal condiments or medicinal herbs, remember that they should have a smell that is overall pleasant. The color should be consistent. Fresh herbs should be slightly moist and brightly colored. Trust your sense of smell, because good herbs will deliver a strong smell, which indicates their potency. When buying natural medicines that are pre-packaged, look for good, quality packaging, which should be air tight and protects contents from sun or artificial light.
If you have a tight schedule and eat many processed foods, at least try to pick the best. Read the labels. Look for those items which have lower sodium content, lower fat and carbohydrate content. Look for trans-fatty acids or hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils on the label. These foods are carcinogenic. Also, watch for food items which have aluminum, preservatives and artificial food coloring. If a product has a statement like “no artificial preservatives” then you must believe the manufacturer. These foods have real preservatives, not artificial ones.
These are a few hints to get you on your way to healthier food choices. Use and trust your senses when buying food. Eating is a sacred ritual of nourishing your body. Remember, you are what you eat!
Editor’s note: Abayomi Obadélé Meeks, B.S., D.Ac. L Ac. is a doctor of acupuncture and holistic medicine with more than 20 years experience. He is the first African American licensed to practice this medicine in Colorado. Meek is the founder of Moyo Healing and Cultural Arts Center, Inc.
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