Many of us might guess energy comes from protein, but protein is for healing and building the body. If the protein is meat and is over eaten, then it goes on as extra fat. Animal protein has additional fats and cholesterol that also comes with the protein, so ultimately, proteins do not create energy.

Many of us also might guess carbs (carbohydrates) provide our energy. If we are talking about breads, cereals and many of the refined sugar products, they do not provide real energy. Sugar may provide the body with instant energy, but then the energy level drops as quickly as it rises, leaving the body energy-less and craving for more. The energy that may come from carbs is not long lasting or very effective.

Think of your body like a car which is also a system. If you don?t change the oil and check the water on a regular basis, and the oil and water become dirty, how does your car run? Does it become sluggish? How about putting poor fuel in it? Will it run well? You know that if you keep the car in good running condition and give it the best service you can, the motor will last longer.

So it is true with your body. It needs attentive and daily servicing through cleansing. Ask yourself; If you don?t take care of your body, where are you going to live?

Optimum health and energy comes from a clean system. Many of you think of eating well for better health, but few realize the importance of cleansing, or keeping the system clean. Yet it is of paramount importance if you want great health, vitality and optimal energy! Below are a few suggestions for keeping your system clean:

1. Eat lots of raw, fresh fruits and vegetables ? raw fruits for breakfast and mid-afternoon snacks, fresh vegetables for lunch and dinner - up to 60% of your total food intake.
2. Incorporate whole grains in your meals ? not flours, not cracked grains, but the whole grains. You can cook them, better yet, sprout them, then add them to salads, soups, and all kinds of main dishes. They are very satisfying to the body.
3. Drink lots of pure water. Water is the miracle cleanser, made by God to keep us optimally healthy. We need it ? lots of it! If it?s not water, it?s not water ? no substitutes! If you don?t like water, learn to like it, and drink your way to better health. You will be amazed at how many health problems will be solved, and how much weight you will loose, just by drinking lots of good pure water.
4. For proteins, rely on the legume family as much as possible. There are all kinds of wonderful beans ? get to know them and eat lots of them. If they cause you gas, then take note of what you are eating them with. NEVER eat beans with tomatoes or fruits of any kind, if you want to alleviate the discomfort.
5. Exercise and deep breathing are an important part of our daily activities. We need the oxygen from deep breathing and aerobic activities to regenerate and cleanse which will give us optimum energy and a cleaner system. Despite what fad diets may say, we need daily exercise for a number of reasons. Schedule it, and do it!

Erleen