Hi deetermined and Rana,
Rana, your words are so true. This is similar to macrobiotic eating, though I can't say I've been quite as "clean" in my food choices as macrobiotic dieting promotes. I have noticed amazing changes though. Among them:
--no more acid reflux
-- no more "upset/ acidic/ unsettled stomach feeling after meals
-- I used to flush easily, especially in my cheeks, and turn red while/ after eating or drinking wine. Not any more!
--clearer skin
--Drastically less bloating after some meals/ less sodium retention
-- no more "food hangovers" the next day
--- more energy, and better workout performance.
-- weight loss, of course-- the last 10 of my 30 or so lost has been while on this plan. And this has happened, at least in terms of my historic progress, fairly quickly. I'm in the last 15 or so that I want to lose, and I lost this previous 10 in the span of one month.
I live by the useful book "The Acid Alkaline Food Guide" which has lists of foods that are very alkaline/ somewhat alkaline/ somewhat acidic and highly acidic.
I eat nothing in the "highly acidic" category, stick to the Alkaline category, and limit the "slightly acidic".
It IS a way of eating, and takes some planning, especially when eating out-- but I've found that almost all places I've been (italian, indian, mexican, thai, chinese, lebanese restaurants) have some sort of option. I'm often ordering a lot of appetizers and side dishes
It is a great change for me--- if you'd like more info on a typical day of eating or menu ideas, let me know!