After writing the cover story for National Geographic on longevity, Dan Buettner, published a book, The Blue Zones, in which he revealed the people groups that live the longest (because they’re healthy). There was only one group in the United States, and that group is the only group that does not have genetic ties: The Seventh-day Adventists who live in Loma Linda, California. I’m thankful to say that I learned of their health principles back in 1983 when I became a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA).

A simple way to begin your journey to healthy eating is to incorporate 2-4 fresh, whole fruits a day (2-3 in the morning and 1 at supper), a pound of vegetables (both raw and cooked, but potatoes and corn don’t count), brown rice and 100% whole-grain breads, a cup of beans a day, and a small handful of nuts or seeds (on your breakfast food). Maybe all this is too much; pick one change and do that for a week or two before adding another. My suggestion is to eat the fruits and vegetables before you eat anything else because once you get started on grains and beans it may be difficult to enjoy the fruits and vegetables since we usually enjoy rich, dense foods.