Garcia, Oz - author of the nuritionist book, The Balance
By: Dominick A. Miserandino
Nutritionist Oz Garcia has been helping the likes of Winona Ryder, designer Nicole Miller, and supermodel Yasmeen Ghouri keep fit via nutrition. Now his book, The Balance, has become a best seller and is being read by people the world over.
DM) There have been numerous reports of nutrition being more beneficial to
health than some vitamins and medicines are. Is this true?
OG) Nutrition is central to health and well-being. Not only do we know that
it's important to follow dietary guidelines for optimum physical, mental, and
immunological health, but we also know that not eating properly can have
great liabilities in terms of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes,
and certain types of cancers. Research has shown that there are properties
in foods that protect and enhance health. For instance, many fruits and
vegetables are very rich in anti-oxidants and phytochemicals. These are
compounds that can protect us against degenerative illnesses. Tomatoes, for
example, are very high in a cancer-fighting anti-oxidant called lycopene,
which has been linked to lowering the risk of breast, cervical, and prostate
cancer. There are many other foods available to us that can rival the effects
of both vitamins and medicine.
DM) Every year it seems that there are new diets and perspectives on health
and nutrition. Do you feel that what you've written will stand the "test of
time"?
OG) I am always amazed and delighted that there are new and emerging
perspectives on health and nutrition. It's always to our advantage that
there be new, relevant, and timely information on all aspects of health and
nutrition that can enhance the quality of our lives. Just as in any field,
there is an ongoing evolution in our understanding of how foods affect
us...either for better or worse. Without change, there can never be progress.
Since I wrote The Balance, there has been new and exciting information on
nutrition and supplements and their impact on longevity. This new
information has been added to the recently re-released soft cover version of
the book.
DM) Many supermodels and celebrities, such as Veronica Webb and Wynona
Ryder, have said that your diet has helped them with their beauty and looks.
Will good nutrition help the average person's overall appearance?
OG) I want to clarify that what we have is really not a "diet" as much as a
well thought out perspective on nutritional self-care. My approach to eating
is based on extensive research in how nutrition and proper supplementation
affect health, but by extension will also affect a person's beauty and looks.
As for the average person who's concerned with his/her appearance, not only
will good nutrition help, I would consider proper supplementation along with
an exercise program as being central elements of a person's appearance.
There are many foods that can contribute to a lackluster appearance, both in
terms of the quality of one's skin and hair.
DM) You've consulted with many celebrities. How much of an impact does your
book have on the average person, or is a consultation necessary?
OG) Although it's true that I have worked with many celebrities, the vast
majority of my clients come from many different walks of life. The average
person reading my book will have in their hands a great tool for making
significant lifestyle changes. Not only that, we also provide resources (in
the Appendix) where individuals can further obtain health information.
DM) You grew up watching your mother suffer from crippling migraines. Was
this what first motivated you to go into the field of nutrition?
OG) What actually motivated me was the fact that I too developed migraines,
and my concern was that I would follow the same path as my mother. As I
sought out medical counsel, I found that the standard medical remedies and
treatments for migraines were of no help to me at all when it came to my
health issues and concerns. This led me to investigate alternative health
practices as a means to deal with my health problems.
DM) Originally, you worked as a photographer. Do you still practice
photography?
OG) I find that it's important, in order to be healthy and well, that we
stimulate our brain in many new and often novel ways; this actually helps us
stay young mentally. To that end, there is a wide variety of things that I
practice, photography being among them, as well as doing my art, which
consists of painting and making collages. These activities continue to be an
important part of what I do for personal pleasure and well-being.
DM) In your book, you discuss the dangers of such foods as coffees, etc...
What would you list as the definitive "bad" foods to eat?
OG) Anything fried, artificial sweeteners (Nutrasweet being the worst),
starchy carbohydrates made from wheat, sugar, highly processed foods and
margarine (because of trans-fatty acid content). These constitute food
products that are detrimental to one's health. I would also add to this list
all meats that are highly laden with hormones and antibiotics.
DM) Do you believe that nutrition can affect most health ailments?
OG) Yes. We are aware of a group of ailments known as Syndrome "X". This
group includes diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol
triglycerides. Syndrome "X" is something that can be caused by poor
nutrition, but it most certainly can be controlled by adequate nutrition.
DM) Are you working on a second book?
OG) Yes, we are currently working on a follow-up to The Balance. It will be
a more in-depth life plan for achieving prolonged states of health,
well-being, and decelerating the effects of aging.
DM) A lot of people begin nutritional programs but quit months later, with
great disappointment. Do you feel that some people might go through this
with The Balance?
OG) Like anything in life, we always have to contend with our current levels
of interest and motivation - in anything - whether it be a job, an exercise
program, a relationship, or in this case, an eating program. What we offer
you in The Balance is a very useful perspective on nutritional self-care. We
teach you how to customize your way of eating, so that you get the most value
out of your food and the effects it has on all facets of health. We're not
telling anybody that ours is the only way; neither are we advocating that you
be a saint! What we are saying is to be thoughtful and learn what food does
to your body. Basically, the motivation lies within yourself.
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