In the U.S., there’s hardly a day that goes by that the media isn’t reporting on a “new” way to eat. Sometimes it’s about counting calories, making it difficult to enjoy any meal properly. Or maybe its a strict low fat, low carb, or high protein diet that will keep us slim and fit. There are even programs that advocate no nutritional adjustments, just an “extreme” daily workout. In the end, we simply feel lost and confused. What we do know however, is that none of these strategies are working. To quote Dr. Brene Brown, researcher and sociologist,“We [Americans] are the most in debt, obese, addicted, and medicated adult cohort in U.S. history.

In contrast, the Swiss have an old world approach to “nourishment”, which has resulted in a country with one of the highest rates of longevity in the world. Their approach is simple and uncomplicated. The following excerpt from the Swiss National textbook on nutrition, “Tiptopf”, exemplifies their unique perspective: Balanced eating, plenty of liquids and exercise are “balsam for the body and soul.”

Interesting to note is that the Swiss food pyramid allows for a certain amount of sugar and salty foods, but of course, its the smallest section in relation to the other food groups. The bottom line is that nothing is “restricted”, just properly proportioned and dependent on the amount of physical daily exercise one has.

Personally I think the tagline on the cover of “Tiptopf” says it all: Eat, Drink and Be Well…………