A mother emailed stating that she watched the movie Forks Over Knives and was confused why she should not consume olive oil.

While I highly regard Forks over Knives, I disagree with that view. There are many studies that show the benefits of olive oil, including that dietary fats are needed for absorption of vitamins and nutrients, lubricates the colon, may help lower your risk of heart disease, normalize blood clotting and benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, to name a few.

I have seen many people shirk away from eating avocados, olive oil and/or raw nuts because they’re high in fat, but these same people eat protein bars, chew gum and drink soda, alcohol and copious amounts of coffee. It is not surprising that many of these people are overweight, constantly battling to keep off pounds and unhealthy.

Time to put the way we eat into perspective: We want to follow a diet that is feasible, practical and intelligent for us. An important part of this is consuming a moderate amount of good fats like those listed above.

Eating olive oil is not the end of the world. Drinking copious amounts of coffee and soda just may be…for you.

• Eat 90% of your diet in whole foods with at least 60% of that in plant rich foods; and,
• 10% whatever – cake, alcohol, etc.

Even more importantly, apply this rule to your entire family!