Time to Veg Out.

Do you realize that Americans-even with our wealth and medical advances-have a shorter life expectancy that many of our European peers? You want to know why? Because we work too hard, stress out too much and eat like, well, uh…Americans! In other words, there are actually studies that show that relaxation is key to enjoying a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life. Say no more…permission to kick back has been granted.

And by kicking back, I don't mean bingeing like there's no tomorrow (or else, perhaps, there won't be), but rather looking overseas to the French as a good example. You've probably heard of “the French Paradox”. Here's a culture based on enthusiastic eating and daily drinking, yet they produce some of the healthiest seniors in the world. But the deal is, instead of sitting down in front of a 12-inch platter piled high with fatty fried foods, these folks indulge healthfully-relaxing over a meal with family, not eating on the run. It's about enjoyment, not overeating. Quality over quantity.

Translation: Chill out and feed your
family right!

Enjoy preparing unique foods with interesting seasoning so that everyone will enjoy every bite. Use foods like California Ripe Olives, peppers and capers that pack a lot of flavor without taking much effort at all. And most of all, never eliminate entire categories of foods like fats or carbs from your diet in the name of good health. It's important for people of all ages to eat a well-balanced variety of foods including monounsaturated fats from foods like California Ripe Olives, avocados and olive oil, fiber from whole grains, vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein from fish, poultry, dairy and lean meats. Even better, it's actually the tastiest way to live!