Introduction

Change is often difficult -- I find it often takes a long time just to decide to think about making a change. In my life, change has only happened when I’ve felt I had no other choice and my health was at risk. Like most everyone, I tend to plug along, thinking that will never happen to me, until... surprise!
This book was inspired by such a need for change in my own life, and the desire to share and hopefully inspire other people to make healthier decisions in theirs. This is the first in a series of I am a... books -- we plan several more, including one covering nuts, seeds, grains, and beans, and another that focuses on herbs, spices, and teas.
The contents of this first book include every I am a... article published in The Newsy Neighbour magazine over the past few years. For those of you not familiar with this publication, Newsy Neighbour is a rural magazine published since 2008 in Alberta. It was inspired by my daughter, Aleesha, whose determination and imagination has kept the magazine growing ever since. Each original article touched on the history and health benefits of individual fruits and vegetables, with some terrific recipes thrown in. This same material has been honed, and some wonderful recipes submitted by our readers added, in the making of this book.
When I first started writing the articles, reader feedback made it clear that many people are excited about learning how to eat more healthily. Fruits and vegetables are more than simply delicious. Many are disease-fighting powerhouses. For example, the best diet for preventing or fighting cancer is one predominantly based on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It comes down to this: plants have less fat, more fiber, and more nutrients. These three elements work together to support our immune system, and help our bodies fight off ailments.
Regularly eating antioxidant-rich foods is one of the best -- and easiest -- ways to prevent disease and premature aging. Foods high in antioxidants provide naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can help protect cells against damage by free radicals and other harmful compounds.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. What you eat can hurt you, but it can also help you. Many of the common foods found in grocery stores or organic markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from the antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage, to the powerful phytochemicals, whose healing capacities scientists are just beginning to explore.
This book is filled with nutritional information and tips, all designed to explain how the fruits and vegetables featured in these pages promote health and prevent disease. Wrong foods place an enormous amount of stress on the body, causing cells to become acidic, high in sugar, and potentially cancerous during the dividing process. It is important to adopt an alkaline diet, one filled with raw fruits and vegetables.
My hope is by publishing a book about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables in a fun and upbeat way, in a format that includes easy-to-follow recipes, readers will be inspired to take that first empowering step toward a healthier lifestyle, for themselves and their families.
Kathryn Hartwell