We live in a time where the concept of "healthy eating" is taken much more seriously now. With health care costs soaring and chronic diseases at an all-time high, it doesn't matter who you talk to, most folks are trying to do what they can to live healthier, however they can.
Now, I've always been one of those folks who tends to "read up" on things and then go ahead and see how I can incorporate those items/concepts into my lifestyle.
Which led me to vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar; a product I've been using regularly for years.
By chance, I was at a health food store decades ago and happened upon a book which discussed this "miracle food" and decided to take a chance with it. The brand I happened upon was Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar with "The Mother" inside of it. (FYI: More on "the mother" later.)
I'm happy to say that I've been using Bragg's ACV ever since. I drink a daily concoction that consists of ACV along with cinnamon, turmeric and a few other "goodies" to help keep my joints lubricated. As a fitness instructor, I've got to be able to teach and the Braggs brand has allowed me to "keep it moving."
Fortunately, the Bragg brand can be found just about everywhere, from every major supermarket to your local health food store, as well as online. (FYI: Click here for more info on Bragg.)
As a "health nut," I thought it would be cool to speak with the Bragg company to get their perspective. Patricia Bragg, one of the co-founders, graciously shared her insights in this enlightening interview.
Q1 Please briefly share the Bragg story. How did the company start and what is its vision for the future?
A. Bragg was originated in 1912 by Paul C. Bragg and I joined him later in his worldwide outreach to spread the "word of health." We toured the world conducting health lectures and selling self health books and health products. We began helping people open "health stores" in cities after lectures, and Paul became the originator of "health stores."
At one time, the Bragg brand had 365 products consisting of health teas, the first vitamins, minerals, health foods, health candies, skin care, etc. "We had one for every day of the year."
Paul Bragg passed away in 1976 and I have been running the company ever since. We have a library of 10 health books, our Apple Cider Vinegar book is the top seller on Amazon in the Health, Fitness & Dieting, Holistic category. We are proud to say our line of Bragg Live Food products continues to grow in size and popularity each year! Our vinegar continues to be voted #1!
We feel extremely blessed to be in so many households and reaching health-conscious individuals of all ages. It's an honor to be keeping Paul Bragg's dream alive and making a difference in our customers' lives for a healthier lifestyle which I still teach and live by!
Q2. What is the Bragg Healthy Lifestyle?
A2. The Bragg Healthy Lifestyle teaches eating a clean, organic, plant-based diet. It is something that becomes a part of you and your daily lifestyle for super health and longevity.
It consists of eating a diet of fresh organically grown foods, whole grains and nutritious beans and legumes, incorporates daily exercise and stresses getting 8 hours of restful sleep each night. A system of body purification, toxicless diet and healthy habits that helps cleanse your body of toxins to strengthen the nerves, increase energy, enhance mental clarity and promote longevity. The Healthy Lifestyle book written by myself and my father inspires super health and youthfulness and teaches you how to easily convert to this lifestyle.
It consists of eating a diet of fresh organically grown foods, whole grains and nutritious beans and legumes, incorporates daily exercise and stresses getting 8 hours of restful sleep each night. A system of body purification, toxicless diet and healthy habits that helps cleanse your body of toxins to strengthen the nerves, increase energy, enhance mental clarity and promote longevity. The Healthy Lifestyle book written by myself and my father inspires super health and youthfulness and teaches you how to easily convert to this lifestyle.
Q3. Please share the importance of apple cider vinegar. Many brands are getting on the bandwagon but Bragg was the first. What's the difference and why should ACV be a part of a person's healthy lifestyle?
A3. Raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar is an important medicinal food because it is known to possess antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties while supporting physiological processes, such as blood glucose control, lipid metabolism regulation and weight loss.
There are countless brands of vinegar on the market, but Bragg's ACV stands out from the rest because of its dedication to creating a vinegar that is not clarified (removing medicinal compounds like the "Mother," from the apples) or pasteurized (killing the physiologically-beneficial compounds.) Once pasteurized, vinegar loses its medicinal qualities.
Q4. You are in your 80's and quite healthy and effervescent. What's your exercise and health routine?
A4. I eat from my garden and prepare my own meals at home as much as possible, so I make sure I put everything healthy in my body.
I like to eat from nature, avoid processed foods and sugars other than natural fruit sugars. My body has learned to crave nutritious natural foods, and I love fruit. Its nature's candy.
I also go to sleep early, and enjoy waking up early to appreciate the first morning hours and the birds singing. I drink plenty of water for hydration and exercise daily by going for walks in nature which makes me feel closer to all of life's blessings.
I like to eat from nature, avoid processed foods and sugars other than natural fruit sugars. My body has learned to crave nutritious natural foods, and I love fruit. Its nature's candy.
I also go to sleep early, and enjoy waking up early to appreciate the first morning hours and the birds singing. I drink plenty of water for hydration and exercise daily by going for walks in nature which makes me feel closer to all of life's blessings.
Q5. You're an avid reader, especially of autobiographies. Who are your favorites and why?
A5. Walt Disney, because years ago, the Bragg studio was located next to the Disney studio in Burbank and my father got to know him well. We actually attended the opening of Disneyland and to this day, I have a strong affection for anything "Disney" along with a large collection of Disney characters.
Jane Russell because she was a close friend of mine and actually visited with me often at the Bragg Farm in Santa Barbara.
Jack LaLanne who my connection dates all the way back to when he first attended one of Paul Bragg's lectures and was inspired to begin a life of health and fitness. Jack and his wife Elaine, remained close friends of mine throughout his life and my friendship continues with Elaine. (FYI: Jack LaLanne helped popularize the concept of "fitness clubs!")
Jane Russell because she was a close friend of mine and actually visited with me often at the Bragg Farm in Santa Barbara.
Jack LaLanne who my connection dates all the way back to when he first attended one of Paul Bragg's lectures and was inspired to begin a life of health and fitness. Jack and his wife Elaine, remained close friends of mine throughout his life and my friendship continues with Elaine. (FYI: Jack LaLanne helped popularize the concept of "fitness clubs!")
Q6. What positive health trends do you see that you particularly like?
A6. I'm not much into trends. I stick to what works and what I know and so far it has served me well: pure natural food, fresh air and exercise.
Q7. Who are your healthy fitness role models and why?
A7. My very good friend, Elaine LaLanne, is my greatest fitness role models. She really practices what she preaches and she is in her 90's now. Her husband, Jack LaLanne, was also a great friend of mine and an amazing role model. Elaine still uses the Jack LaLanne juicer every day. You can check out Elaine's Facebook page for inspiration!
Q8. It can be hard to be healthy when you're on a tight budget. How does one get started, especially with so much conflicting information around?
A8. Keep it simple. Shop at farmer's markets or the outside lanes of the supermarket because you want your food to come from nature and not be processed with chemicals. After all, you are what you eat and drink.
Make a list of the vegetables and fruits that you love, beans for protein, and include whole grains rich in fiber like brown rice and buckwheat noodles. Try to eat vegetables in a variety of colors. There are a lot of amazing recipes onine and plenty of them have only a few ingredients and can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
I'd also love to suggest saving time by cooking enough food for your meals for the week on weekends and store them in the fridge or freezer to take out as you need them.
If you have the space, plant a garden or share a plot at a local community garden with a friend.
Make a list of the vegetables and fruits that you love, beans for protein, and include whole grains rich in fiber like brown rice and buckwheat noodles. Try to eat vegetables in a variety of colors. There are a lot of amazing recipes onine and plenty of them have only a few ingredients and can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
I'd also love to suggest saving time by cooking enough food for your meals for the week on weekends and store them in the fridge or freezer to take out as you need them.
If you have the space, plant a garden or share a plot at a local community garden with a friend.
Q9. For those individuals dealing with critical health challenges such as cancer, diabetes, etc., what advice or tips can you share that can make the difference? Additionally, how does one advocate for oneself when dealing with medical professionals who may have differences of opinion?
A9. There are doctors today that practice both Western and Eastern medicine so they can give you a homeopathic recommendation when that option is available.
If you don't feel comfortable with the advice of one doctor, then seek a second opinion. Bring a friend or family member with you to doctor's appointments for support. Talk to your friends to find out if they have a doctor that they like and would want to recommend. Join a support group, lots of medical clinics have free classes available where you can get professional advice and hear from others experiencing a similar situation as yourself.
If you don't feel comfortable with the advice of one doctor, then seek a second opinion. Bring a friend or family member with you to doctor's appointments for support. Talk to your friends to find out if they have a doctor that they like and would want to recommend. Join a support group, lots of medical clinics have free classes available where you can get professional advice and hear from others experiencing a similar situation as yourself.
Q10. In the immortal words of Oprah, what are some things that you "know for sure?"
A10. I believe that you are what you eat, drink, breathe, think, say and do!
What you eat and drink today, walks and talks tomorrow so be mindful of what you put in your body. Keep using your mind and your body, if you don't use it, you lose it, so go for walks with your pet, a friend or join a walking group. Exercise can be fun and lift your spirits.
Keep your mind active too with crossword puzzles, play cards with friends or enjoy a game of solitaire. Attend you local YMCA (FYI: Shameless plug here, contact me to participate in some of my classes in the Houston, TX area), take an adult education class, attend church, volunteer or anything that allows you to connect with others and be in a "space of gratitude."
Being outdoors is a great way to connect with nature and feel blessed.
What you eat and drink today, walks and talks tomorrow so be mindful of what you put in your body. Keep using your mind and your body, if you don't use it, you lose it, so go for walks with your pet, a friend or join a walking group. Exercise can be fun and lift your spirits.
Keep your mind active too with crossword puzzles, play cards with friends or enjoy a game of solitaire. Attend you local YMCA (FYI: Shameless plug here, contact me to participate in some of my classes in the Houston, TX area), take an adult education class, attend church, volunteer or anything that allows you to connect with others and be in a "space of gratitude."
Being outdoors is a great way to connect with nature and feel blessed.
For more information on Bragg products,
click here!
click here!