Healthy Eating About Me

Although this eating healthy website is about YOU, this page gives you some background about the person behind the words.

Who am I? 

My nom de plume for this website is Suzy StaywellTM. "Suzy" because that's what my family calls me and "Staywell" because that is what this website is all about and it is my wish for you.

I am a mid-westerner, a wife, a mother and recently became a grandmother. I was born in the middle of the last century, so I have a lifetime of knowledge and experience to bring to this subject. I have been happily married to a wonderful man for many years, and together, we have raised two sons—a linguist and a lawyer. We now have two beautiful grandchildren who have added so much joy to our lives! 

I was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom for 18 plus years and have also worked as a waitress, lab technician, insurance claims adjuster, managed a fitness salon for women, worked several years as a legal assistant, and spent many hours doing volunteer work.

I am a person of faith, believing that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and that this should affect our attitude toward healthy eating.

Lifelong learner

I have been studying nutrition and healthy eating since I was in high school (Yes, I was the Betty Crocker “Homemaker of Tomorrow” for my graduating class!!) and chose it as my major in college. However, I did not follow through and become a registered dietitian, because I had and have some essential disagreements with what mainstream nutrition and the RDA was and is promoting.

Instead, my perspective on healthy eating is a combination of basic nutrition concepts (of which the RDA would approve), and alternative nutrition ideas that are becoming more main stream every day.  The goal of this approach is a balanced and effective view of what is involved in eating healthy.

Having said that, I have nothing against Registered Dietitians and often recommend that visitors to the site consult with an RD in order to deal with nutrient deficiencies or just to plan a healthy diet.

Independent thinking about nutrition

I do not make any claim to having any "official nutrition credentials,” beyond my college training, an innate interest and the knowledge gained from lifelong study. However, I want you to know that all of the information on this site, particularly with regard to the science of nutrition, has been thoroughly researched and cross-referenced with several very reputable sources.

Since I am an independent researcher and a writer, I have no vested interest in any approach to healthy eating, and most importantly, I am not trying to sell anything, except, perhaps, the conviction that eating healthy will vastly improve your life. I also am not influenced by powerful food lobbies, or any other political considerations that would affect the content on this website.

Please note that it is not my intention to provide medical or nutritional counseling, and the information on this site is in no way intended to replace consultation with medical and nutritional professionals.

Family health history

My husband and I are both blessed with excellent health (so far!) and not taking any medications. However, my family health history is not good. My Mom, a non-smoker, died of lung cancer at age 57, my Dad, after suffering for many years, died from complications of diabetes at age 69, and my younger brother died of colon cancer a few days after his 49th birthday, (and before he could get his first colonoscopy that is recommended when you turn 50). Two of my remaining siblings have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

So much medication!

I have read and studied a great deal on the subject of healthy eating, both from sources in the mainstream nutrition community and from alternative nutrition sources. As I have grown older, the subject seems to have taken on more importance.

Recently, I went to the eye doctor for a check-up, and he noticed on my chart, that I am not taking any medications. He told me that this is very unusual for a person over fifty. I was surprised to hear that. I feel very blessed to be in good health and not forced to take any medications, but it makes me wonder if there is something we are doing as a culture to make this so unusual.

Wellness

I am convinced that what we eat and how we eat plays a major role in how we feel and particularly, how well we are. For this reason, I would like as many people as possible to become more aware of what healthy eating involves, and of the extreme benefits that can be found in being conscious of what and how we eat. I know that wellness is about more than what we eat, but healthy eating will be my focus on this site, although we will occasionally allude to related aspects of wellness.

Come along on the adventure

This is an adventure for me, and I hope that it will be for you, too. I don’t know everything, and I am learning more every day. I would like you to come along with me on this journey to wellness through a healthy eating lifestyle.

Contact Me

If you find anything on this website that you know is inaccurate, please contact me. I would love to hear from you. Since many subjects are open to debate, I will listen to your point of view, check it out and let you know what I think.

Thanks for being here,

Suzy

Answers to your questions...

Why is breakfast important?

What about the Crazy, Sexy Diet?

Does McDonald's oatmeal have too much sugar?

Is white bread the same as sugar?

Is carrageenan bad for you?

Is a raw food diet a good idea?

Click on this link to go to Ask Suzy page for more questions and answers.

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How to Use This Site

BOOKMARK this site or add it to your Favorites.

Become an informed eater by clicking on the NUTRITION button and reading the general information there.

Check back whenever you have a question about your diet, meal planning, nutrition, specific foods or any healthy eating issues. Use the SITE SEARCH function to track down your particular concern.

Try some of the free recipes available on the site by clicking on the RECIPES button.

E-mail me if you cannot find what you are looking for, if you feel that any of the information on the site is not accurate, or just to say hello!

Click here to e-mail me.