The State of Food in Society
Understanding the role of food and nutrition has never been more important than in our current climate. With modern lifestyles and busy schedules leading most of us to rely on an increasing amount of convenience and prepackaged foods, we are unaware—or often overlook—the stark realities of such diets.
Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer are all dishearteningly on the rise—and obesity is at an all-time high. It is time to reflect on the fact that this can be largely attributed to the fact that 90% of the money spent in grocery stores is spent on processed foods!
Did you know?
- Prior to the turn of the 20th century, heart attacks were so rare, doctors needed to call in specialists for diagnosis! Today, heart disease is our number-one killer. What has changed most in the last 100 years? Our diets: specifically, more mass-produced and processed foods.
- G.R.A.S. stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe.” There are thousands of chemicals and compounds cleared by the FDA to be put into processed foods; many are not tested, but still make it onto this risky roster.
- Various studies have shown a link between the ingredients in processed foods and an increased risk of cancer: Eating processed meats resulted in a 67% greater risk of pancreatic cancer; a “processed” pattern of eating led to an unbelievable 250% increase in prostate cancer risk; consuming 57% or more of one’s energy intake from refined carbohydrates triggered a 220% increase in the risk of breast cancer.
Magnus’ Food Philosophies
Above all else, Magnus Mumby stands for food that is healthy and nutritious—yet absolutely delicious. But that’s not all. His creations are also known for combining an artistic appearance with value and simplicity of preparation.
Through menu development and the creation of fresh foods for supermarkets and natural food outlets, Magnus aims to enable busy people and their families to indulge daily in a dining “experience” that is nutrient-rich and low in chemicals and preservatives…as well as satisfying and quick to create. With this, he believes we can not only promote superior health, but also decrease the urge to overeat or stuff ourselves with what he terms “junk.”
So how does he communicate the principles that underlie his spectacular recipes and style of cooking? Below are Magnus’ most popular Food Philosophies…
Food Philosophy #1: Nutrition Can Taste Great
On this Magnus is adamant, “I want to explode the myth that there’s a rift between what's healthy and what's tasty,” he explains. “The two go hand in hand, if you do it right. It comes down to selecting the best healthy ingredients, preserving their nutritional content during cooking, and serving the dish with imagination, style, and an eye on flavor.”
Sound too good to be true?
The proof is in the palate-pleasing taste.
Food Philosophy #2: Food Affects How You Feel
One of Magnus’ favorite sayings is, "Change your diet 10% and feel 90% better." If you think about it, it’s obvious: If you eat junk, you will feel like junk. If you are enjoying food that is fresh, flavorful, clean, and prepared to please all your senses, you will feel satiated and strong. In other words, what you eat has an incredible impact on the length and quality of your life.
He believes this because he’s witnessed the healing power of food firsthand—both growing up, creating recipes for patients of his father’s natural-health clinic, and during his more than 20 years in the industry. Magnus’ knowledge of nutrition and personal passion for helping people use food to improve their lives form the foundation for his delicious recipes.
Food Philosophy #3: Enjoying the Right Food Is the Way to Stay Slim
Magnus subscribes to the attitude that’s been keeping many Europeans slim for centuries: Focus on the enjoyment of eating and the pleasurable experience of good food, and you’ll feel satisfied sooner; when you don’t stuff yourself, you stay at a healthy weight.
For many people, eating becomes a vicious cycle. We are overworked and overstretched, so we eat prepackaged and processed foods out of convenience. Since these foods lack real flavor, the nutrients our bodies need, and a presentation that makes us feel like we’ve enjoyed a real meal, we are never truly satisfied. So we eat more junk. In contrast, when we dine, taking in the texture, smell, and visual appeal of food, we savor the experience and eat only until we are nourished. Consequently, we feel energized, not dragged down. Over time, our tastes change, and we actually crave dishes made with ripe real fruit, crisp or sautéed veggies, or grilled meat in a flavorful sauce.
Food Philosophy #4: Sophisticated Food Can Be Simple
After reading the above, you may be thinking, “This sounds wonderful, but I don’t have time to prepare fine-dining cuisine on a daily basis.” This is the principle behind Magnus’ belief that healthy, gourmet food shouldn’t have to be hard or time-consuming to create.
Known for his ability to make an entire meal based on a single ingredient, Magnus uses his expertise to create recipes consisting of only a few steps and simple enough for anyone with basic kitchen knowhow. Need more help? Magnus’ plans include a line of prepared dishes, which would retain his trademark freshness, but require only heating.
Food Philosophy #5: Nutrition Boils Down to Eating Varied, Balanced, and Natural
For Magnus, food is not about excluding ingredients, but rather including everything in healthy proportions. “Access all of nature’s ingredients, in a varied and balanced amount,” he advises. “And don’t eat things that come out of a can or packaged foods good for months into the future.” It’s really that simple.
Furthermore, you don’t need to force yourself to eat things you don’t like, eliminate fat, or count calories. Instead, pick your favorite ingredients—selecting from meat, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and grains—and eat them in a variety. When you follow his recipes, you’ll be amazed how using fresh ingredients and combining them correctly can produce flavors and textures that feel so indulgent.
According to Magnus, “You'll also be surprised just how much health power is packed in the foods I use. Furthermore, many of my recipes can be compatible with specialist diets, such as gluten-free and dairy-free programs.”
Food Philosophy #6: Nutrition Is Not Expensive
In today’s economy, more consumers are concerned about the cost of food. Unfortunately, many believe that fast food and prepackaged foods are cheap in comparison to healthier fare. For the most part, this is a misconception.
Admittedly, you are going to pay less taking your family to a burger chain than a five-star bistro (although you’ll pay the price for fast food with your health). But when buying food to feed your family at home, natural ingredients are often less pricy than premade foods full of preservatives. Next time you are at the store, compare the prices in the fresh produce aisles to those in the center aisles, where the premade snacks sit; you’ll find buying premade junk is as bad for your pocketbook as your health.
Magnus identifies the issue simply: “People don’t know what to do with natural ingredients to create a meal, or they don’t know that it can be done simply and in a time-efficient manner.”
And this precipitates his main message: There are recipes that combine health, nutrition, and great taste; once you know how to turn a natural ingredient into an amazing dish, it’s easy and economical to eat healthy…and feel fantastic!
