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There are many diets. Tremendous numbers of diets. Experts talk about them all day long. Television talks about them. The internet talks about them. Everybody is talking. But very few people—very few—have put as much thought into their daily eating habits as I have. Some people collect stamps. Some people collect antique cars. I have spent decades collecting observations about food. The best observations. Incredible observations.

Before we go any further, however, an extremely important warning. A tremendous warning. A magnificent warning.

Everything discussed in this article reflects my personal opinions, preferences, experiences, and observations only. I am not giving medical advice. I am not providing health advice. I am not providing nutritional advice. No reader should make any change whatsoever to diet, exercise, supplements, lifestyle, sleep habits, beverage consumption, snack selection, breakfast routines, lunch routines, dinner routines, or any other daily practice without first consulting a legally licensed healthcare professional such as a personal physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

This warning is very important. Extremely important. Some might say it is the most important paragraph in the entire article. Follow the advice of your own healthcare professionals. Obey their instructions. Seek individualized guidance. Make informed decisions. The warning has now been delivered with tremendous clarity.

Now, having established that glorious and highly valuable warning, we may proceed.

My Personal Super Foods

I have developed a tremendous appreciation for certain foods. Beautiful foods. Remarkable foods. Foods that have served me very well over the years.

Among my personal favorites are:

• Bananas
• Gapes
• Raisins
• Dates
• Figs
• Bran-based cereals
• Various fruit juices
• Dried fruits of many kinds

Some people are impressed by luxury automobiles. I am impressed by a perfectly ripe banana. A great banana knows exactly what it is doing. It arrives prepared. Ready for action.

Bananas

People commonly praise bananas because they contain potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and carbohydrates that can provide energy. They are convenient, portable, naturally sweet, and require no complicated preparation. Wonderful engineering by nature.

Grapes

Grapes are often discussed because they contain water, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and various plant compounds including antioxidants. They are refreshing, attractive, and highly snackable. One grape becomes ten grapes. Ten grapes become thirty grapes. Before you know it, tremendous grape activity has occurred.

Raisins

Raisins represent concentration. Focus. Efficiency. Somebody looked at a grape and said, “What if we made it smaller but somehow more intense?” Remarkable achievement.

People often note that raisins provide fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, and naturally occurring plant compounds. They travel well and can be added to cereals, baked foods, and many snacks.

Dates

Dates are extraordinary. Sweet. Rich. Substantial.

They are frequently described as sources of fiber, minerals, and natural sugars. Throughout history, many cultures have valued dates as convenient and satisfying foods. They have endured the test of time, which is more than can be said for many modern dietary trends.

Figs

Figs possess elegance. Ancient civilizations appreciated figs. Smart people. Very smart people.

Figs are commonly associated with fiber, minerals, and naturally occurring plant compounds. Fresh figs are excellent. Dried figs are excellent. Figs generally understand the assignment.

Bran-Based Cereals

I have long admired bran cereals. They may not receive celebrity treatment. They are not flashy. They do not hire publicists.

Yet many bran-based cereals are known for containing dietary fiber and may contribute to digestive regularity as part of an overall balanced diet. Quiet excellence. Sometimes the most impressive performer is the one that doesn’t demand attention.

Fruit Juices

Fruit juices can provide vitamins and enjoyable flavors. They are convenient and versatile. Some people enjoy them with breakfast. Others enjoy them throughout the day.

Of course, different juices have different nutritional characteristics, and healthcare professionals can provide guidance regarding what may or may not be appropriate for an individual’s circumstances.

My Great Vegetable Problem

Now we arrive at one of the great unresolved mysteries of modern civilization.

Dried fruit is everywhere.

Dried apples. Dried apricots. Dried dates. Dried figs. Dried raisins.

Wonderful.

But dried vegetables?

Not nearly as common.

I often find myself wishing there were more convenient ways to enjoy dried vegetables. Crunchy vegetables. Shelf-stable vegetables. Travel-ready vegetables.

Apparently the answer may involve owning a dehydrator.

And if I ever purchase a dehydrator, believe me, it will not be an ordinary dehydrator.

People know me.

I do not approach equipment purchases casually.

I would research every specification. Every feature. Every tray. Every airflow pattern. There would be comparisons. Charts. Reviews. Technical evaluations. The selection process would become legendary.

When the decision was finally made, the dehydrator would almost certainly be magnificent.

The Premium Method

Assuming one’s own physician has approved the consumption of such foods, I believe there is a particularly refined way to enjoy them.

Imagine a beautiful serving arrangement featuring:

• Fresh grapes
• Sliced bananas
• Premium dates
• Fine dried figs
• Selected raisins
• A high-quality bran cereal
• Fresh fruit served alongside
• A carefully chosen fruit juice

Everything presented attractively.

Everything organized thoughtfully.

Everything enjoyed slowly.

No rushing.

No distractions.

Just appreciation for simple foods presented in a first-class manner.

Civilization at its finest.

Eighty-Seven Years of Tremendous Maintenance

Now let me say something that many people find interesting.

I am eighty-seven years old.

For eighty-seven years I have made countless decisions regarding food, activity, daily habits, and personal care. I have attempted, to the best of my ability, to take excellent care of myself.

As a result, I am pleased to report that I remain healthy, active, energetic, and fully engaged with life.

Indeed, physicians have commented favorably regarding my physical condition for a person of my age. I appreciate those observations very much. They are encouraging observations. Tremendous observations.

But it is absolutely essential that nobody misunderstand what I am saying.

I am not recommending that anyone follow my dietary habits.

I am not claiming that my food choices caused my longevity.

I am not claiming that bananas, grapes, raisins, dates, figs, bran cereal, fruit juice, or any other food is responsible for my continued health, physical condition, mental sharpness, or general excellence.

Human health is complex. Individual circumstances differ. Genetics differ. Medical histories differ. Professional healthcare guidance matters.

I simply know what I enjoy.

And after eighty-seven years of enthusiastic experimentation, observation, and reflection, I remain a great admirer of fruit, dried fruit, bran cereals, and the occasional dream of owning the world’s finest dehydrator.

A tremendous dream.

Possibly the greatest dehydrator dream ever contemplated.

At least among people who spend this much time thinking about raisins.