Ditch the wheat
Recently, I read an editorial about processed foods (“New bill could change standards for processed foods,” Tribune-Herald, April 25) that resonated with me. The author wrote about the book “Wheat Belly” by Dr. William Davis that drew a parallel between the consumption of modern wheat and associated health problems.
The food industry has thoroughly indoctrinated Americans that we need grain products, typically containing wheat, for our health. Wheat is a huge part of our diet and culture. It is very much like an addiction, and most people probably could not conceive of giving it up.
In 2014, I felt I was eating too many empty calories so I stopped eating wheat. The result was almost immediate and remarkable. I lost my constant, lifelong craving for food in general.
I had always been afraid of leaving the house without eating for fear I would become hungry before I returned. After I stopped eating wheat, I realized that I could miss a meal or two and not miss it if I left the house for an extended period.
It was like a miracle, and I ultimately easily lost 40 pounds. I don’t think my husband was even aware that I had cut wheat out of my diet, but he picked up Davis’ book at some point soon thereafter and had the exact same result.
This might seem to be on the surface an unbelievable, frivolous subject, but consider the high obesity rate in this country (Harvard University says that roughly two out of three U.S. adults are overweight or obese (69%), and one out of three are obese (36%).
It is a critical problem affecting the health and lifespan of individuals, the health care system, and a myriad of other factors. Giving up wheat and other processed foods would contribute greatly to turning those statistics around and making the country healthier.
I hope people will take the suggestion and even buy Davis’ book, but it’s an uphill battle with “Big Ag.” Please think about it.
Karen Cooper
Hilo
Making Hawaii better
Thank you, state Sen. San Buenaventura, for your support of Senate Bill 975.
After so many years of rejection, it was exciting to see the overwhelming support during the floor votes on the last day of the legislative session.
By regulating e-cigarettes the same as other tobacco products, you have helped change things in Hawaii for the better!
Thank you for supporting Hawaii’s keiki. It means so much to us.
Moani Yamanoha
Mountain View
Regarding guns
In response to Suzi Bond: You have a right to not carry a gun in public if you so desire.
However, you do not have a right to mandate what someone else must do based on your opinion. Unless, of course, you don’t live in a free country.
Fred Fogel
Volcano