Oz Garcia Interview

INTERVIEW WITH OZ GARCIA FROM TheCelebrityCafe.com ARCHIVES

DM) There have been numerous reports of nutrition being more beneficial to health than some vitamins and medicines are. Is this true?

OG) Nutrition is central to health and well-being. Not only do we know that it's important to follow dietary guidelines for optimum physical, mental, and immunological health, but we also know that not eating properly can have great liabilities in terms of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. Research has shown that there are properties in foods that protect and enhance health. For instance, many fruits and vegetables are very rich in anti-oxidants and phytochemicals. These are compounds that can protect us against degenerative illnesses. Tomatoes, for example, are very high in a cancer-fighting anti-oxidant called lycopene, which has been linked to lowering the risk of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. There are many other foods available to us that can rival the effects of both vitamins and medicine.

DM) Every year it seems that there are new diets and perspectives on health and nutrition. Do you feel that what you've written will stand the "test of time"?

OG) I am always amazed and delighted that there are new and emerging perspectives on health and nutrition. It's always to our advantage that there be new, relevant, and timely information on all aspects of health and nutrition that can enhance the quality of our lives. Just as in any field, there is an ongoing evolution in our understanding of how foods affect us...either for better or worse. Without change, there can never be progress. Since I wrote The Balance, there has been new and exciting information on nutrition and supplements and their impact on longevity. This new information has been added to the recently re-released soft cover version of the book.

DM) Many supermodels and celebrities, such as Veronica Webb and Wynona Ryder, have said that your diet has helped them with their beauty and looks. Will good nutrition help the average person's overall appearance?

OG) I want to clarify that what we have is really not a "diet" as much as a well thought out perspective on nutritional self-care. My approach to eating is based on extensive research in how nutrition and proper supplementation affect health, but by extension will also affect a person's beauty and looks. As for the average person who's concerned with his/her appearance, not only will good nutrition help, I would consider proper supplementation along with an exercise program as being central elements of a person's appearance. There are many foods that can contribute to a lackluster appearance, both in terms of the quality of one's skin and hair.

DM) You've consulted with many celebrities. How much of an impact does your book have on the average person, or is a consultation necessary?

OG) Although it's true that I have worked with many celebrities, the vast majority of my clients come from many different walks of life. The average person reading my book will have in their hands a great tool for making significant lifestyle changes. Not only that, we also provide resources (in the Appendix) where individuals can further obtain health information.

DM) You grew up watching your mother suffer from crippling migraines. Was this what first motivated you to go into the field of nutrition?

OG) What actually motivated me was the fact that I too developed migraines, and my concern was that I would follow the same path as my mother. As I sought out medical counsel, I found that the standard medical remedies and treatments for migraines were of no help to me at all when it came to my health issues and concerns. This led me to investigate alternative health practices as a means to deal with my health problems.

DM) Originally, you worked as a photographer. Do you still practice photography?

OG) I find that it's important, in order to be healthy and well, that we stimulate our brain in many new and often novel ways; this actually helps us stay young mentally. To that end, there is a wide variety of things that I practice, photography being among them, as well as doing my art, which consists of painting and making collages. These activities continue to be an important part of what I do for personal pleasure and well-being.

DM) In your book, you discuss the dangers of such foods as coffees, etc... What would you list as the definitive "bad" foods to eat?

OG) Anything fried, artificial sweeteners (Nutrasweet being the worst), starchy carbohydrates made from wheat, sugar, highly processed foods and margarine (because of trans-fatty acid content). These constitute food products that are detrimental to one's health. I would also add to this list all meats that are highly laden with hormones and antibiotics.

DM) Do you believe that nutrition can affect most health ailments?

OG) Yes. We are aware of a group of ailments known as Syndrome "X". This group includes diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol triglycerides. Syndrome "X" is something that can be caused by poor nutrition, but it most certainly can be controlled by adequate nutrition.

DM) Are you working on a second book?

OG) Yes, we are currently working on a follow-up to The Balance. It will be a more in-depth life plan for achieving prolonged states of health, well-being, and decelerating the effects of aging.

DM) A lot of people begin nutritional programs but quit months later, with great disappointment. Do you feel that some people might go through this with The Balance?

OG) Like anything in life, we always have to contend with our current levels of interest and motivation - in anything - whether it be a job, an exercise program, a relationship, or in this case, an eating program. What we offer you in The Balance is a very useful perspective on nutritional self-care. We teach you how to customize your way of eating, so that you get the most value out of your food and the effects it has on all facets of health. We're not telling anybody that ours is the only way; neither are we advocating that you be a saint! What we are saying is to be thoughtful and learn what food does to your body. Basically, the motivation lies within yourself.