Is Food Combining A Sham?

Some form of food combining has been included in many different approaches to health over the years, but in 1951 Herbert M. Shelton brought it to the attention of the general public with the publication of his booklet, Food Combining Made Easy. Later, Harvey and Marilyn Diamond made a strong case for food combining in their bestseller Fit For Life, published in 1985. Its proponents claim that combining foods in a specific way promotes easier digestion, helps the body maintain its ideal weight, and results in greater energy and a sense of well-being. But does it really work?

Although there appears to be no scientific evidence to support the practice, many people sing its praises, from health practitioners to popular health and personal development writers like Suzanne Somers and Anthony Robbins. Perhaps the easiest way to decide if food combining is for you is to take it for a test run and notice how your body responds.

Here are the basic principles of food combining:

1. Vegetables combine well with all other food categories, with the exception of fruits which should be eaten alone.