Just to be clear, I don’t follow these rules.  Not even close.  It’s just a list I’ve compiled over years of researching different diets.  Most of it is based on a paleo approach to eating.  I strive to follow as many of these rules as I can, but I find it impossible.

1. No calories from beverages (except occasional alcohol)
2. No added sugar in any form – refined, corn syrup (especially HFCS), etc.
3. 3 to 6 meals per day
4. Drink at least 4 liters of water per day
5. Favor green tea over coffee
6. Avoid artificial sweeteners, colorings, preservatives, flavor enhancers (MSG)
7. No grains, especially gluten grains (No corn, rice, wheat, soy, etc)
8. No legumes (peanuts, beans)
9. Eat lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables
10. Don’t add salt to food
11. Eat nothing deep fried
12. Do not eat white potatoes (occasional sweet potatoes are okay)
13. Avoid dairy products
14. Avoid anything packaged in a box, wrapped in plastic, or found in the center of a grocery store (Factory food)
15. When consuming sugar (fructose) it must be accompanied with fiber (Eat a carrot, don’t drink carrot juice)
16. Favor low Glycemic Load (not Index) fruits and vegetables
17. Do not eat trans fats
18. 5-A-Day the color way (Blue/Purple, White, Red, Green, Yellow/Orange)
19. Favor locally grown, fresh, organic produce.  Grow your own if possible.
20. Balance diet toward alkalinity
21. Eat lean protein within 1 hour of exercise
22. Avoid starchy fruits and vegetables such as bananas
23. Use fresh herbs and spices daily
24. Avoid dried fruits, due to the sugar concentration
25. Eat raw foods every day
26. Avoid “Reduced Fat” or “Lite” foods, as fat is replaced with sugar.
27. Process and cook food minimally

In order to make this process a little easier I implemented the “2% Rule” on dairy products.  I’ve been using this rule ever since I stopped eating High Fructose Corn Syrup.  I’ve blogged elsewhere about HFCS, but maybe I’ll dig that up and repost it here.  Anyway, the rule is I’m okay with eating a product if there is a banned ingredient (in this case dairy) listed in the ingredient list after the phrase “contains less than 2% of the following:”  This just makes it a little easier on me because occasionally I’m going to eat prepackaged foods, and chances are they will contain something from my growing list of banned foods.  Ultimately I’d like to get away from factory foods altogether, but I’m a long way off from accomplishing that.  I need a giant garden, and I need to spend more time hunting.  Short entry today, that’s all I have to say.