The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet

Made popular by Dr. Herbert Shelton, the natural hygiene diet is about the science of living. He and fellow practitioners had great success in restoring health. It requires discipline, but the benefits are worth it.


A thumbnail sketch of the dietary principles:

  • Eat in harmony with the natural cycles of the body:
  • 4am - 12pm: Elimination - nothing but raw fruit and fresh fruit juice should be consumed.
  • 12pm - 8pm: Digestion- all food should be eating during this period allowing enough time that digestion is complete by 8pm.
  • 8pm - 4am: Assimilation and use of nutrients.


  • Make high water content food the foundation of your diet.
  • A proper food combining diet is not necessarily vegetarian, though it is highly recommended.
  • Fresh fruit should be eaten on an empty stomach and at least 20 minutes (longer for bananas) should pass before anything else is consumed.  Fruit requires little digestion.  If consumed with other foods it begins to ferment them.
  • Concentrated carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, potato, yam or rice, should not be combined with heavy proteins such as meat, poultry or fish.  Proteins require an acidic medium for digestion while starches require an alkaline environment.  Combining the two slows down the digestive process.
  • Milk and milk products are not recommended any time but if one must have them occasionally they’re best eaten alone.  If that’s not possible wait several hours before eating anything else to give your digestion a chance to recover 😊
  • Nuts and beans contain both carbohydrates and proteins and should be eaten alone or with vegetables only.


Hygienists recommend fasting if one becomes ill to allow the body to cleanse and heal. Some practitioners suggest fasting one day each week to maintain good health.  Most prescribe an annual fast for the routine maintenance of good health.


Following these guidelines can result in abundant health and energy as it maximizes digestion while using a minimum amount of energy!


The best-selling 1985 book Fit for Life covers all the principles in depth.


Herbert Shelton wrote extensively on the pristine lifestyle man was born to live. 

Natural Hygiene in its purest form is about right living, consuming only what the Earth provides and only in the amount needed and conducting oneself in a manner befitting the most highly evolved creature on the Planet. It encompasses every aspect of one’s life.  It’s a diet and lifestyle for the seeker.


*Revised February 2023

Jo Anne's Place Staff

We have been supporting the wellness of our communities since 1976.


Our highly trained staff are here to help. Our Product Educators have vast knowledge and experience with the products we carry in our stores - whether they take them themselves, have taken brand training, or have received feedback from customers. 


Please visit one of our stores to chat with them about we can help support you and get you feeling your best!
Store Hours
wt

The Many Uses of Lemon Juice

By Jonathan Tessier • August 5, 2025
When Life Gives You Lemons...
quark quiche, cheesecake, and stuffed chicken breasts

3 Recipes Using Quark, The Underrated Protein Powerhouse

By April Allen • July 15, 2025
We wanted to take a moment to highlight a dairy product that doesn't get enough love: Quark! 

The Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15 2025

By Jonathan Tessier • July 10, 2025
What is the Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15?
functional iced drinks

Functional Iced Drinks for Summer: Iced Dirty Chai, Iced Matcha with Collagen Cold Foam, and Turmeric Coconut Smoothie

By April Allen • July 8, 2025
Happy Summer! We hope you've been enjoying the heat, lots of outdoor activities, and are keeping hydrated. Speaking of hydration, today we are sharing some delicious, functional, summer drink recipes! Why not add some additional benefits to your summer sipping? These recipes feature mushrooms, collagen, matcha, and adaptogens to keep you healthy and hydrated all summer long! Below are recipes for 3 summer drinks with amazing functional benefits:

How to Make Working Out Fun

By Jonathan Tessier • July 8, 2025
How To Make Exercise Fun

Shilajit: The Hidden Power in the Mountains

By Jonathan Tessier • June 25, 2025
What is Shilajit? Shilajit is a sticky substance found in the rocks of the Himalayas. It develops over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for boosting energy, testosterone and preventing cognitive decline. What Are the Benefits of Taking Shilajit? Testosterone: Taking shilajit may improve testosterone levels in men. In one clinical study , half of the participants were given a placebo, and half were given a 250 milligram (mg) dose of purified shilajit twice a day. After 90 consecutive days, the study found that participants receiving purified shilajit had a significantly higher testosterone level compared to the placebo group. Fatigue: Naturally boosting your body’s mitochondrial function with shilajit supplements may help improve energy levels. Since shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, a strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, it may also protect against free radicals and cellular damage. As a result, regular use of shilajit may contribute to longevity, a slower aging process, and overall better health. Menopause: During menopause, many females can begin to lose bone mass, making bones weaker. Taking Shilajit supplements daily may help postmenopausal women with bone mass loss improve their bone mineral density. Prevent Cognitive Decline: The fulvic acid in shilajit contributes to cognitive health by preventing the accumulation of tau protein. Tau proteins are an important part of your nervous system, but a buildup can trigger brain cell damage. How To Use Shilajit Shilajit is available in powder, capsule and liquid forms. For powder use, simply add a 1/4 tsp to a glass of water or milk and consume, for liquid use, same thing just dissolve a small drop into your drink. For capsule use, take the capsules with food. Options in Our Store
Tiny Canadian flags are pinned into cooked burgers and an entire picnic setup with all kinds of food

Festive & Fun Canada Day Recipes 2025

By April Allen • June 24, 2025
Celebrate Canada with these wholesome and festive recipes. They're fun and full of nutritious ingredients - great for all ages!

Iced Matcha Latte 3 Ways: Traditional, Whipped, & Strawberry

By April Allen • June 24, 2025
Whether you're a die-hard matcha lover, enjoy the occasional matcha, or are trying it for the first time - an iced matcha latte is a great place to start. Especially in the summer heat, an iced matcha latte is a great way to get a caffeine boost while staying cool - and avoiding that post-coffee crash. Did you know? Matcha doesn't give you the caffeine jitters or crash because it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and counters the stimulating effects of caffeine! Here are 3 ways to enjoy an iced matcha latte this summer: Traditional, Whipped, & Strawberry!

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen

By Jonathan Tessier • June 24, 2025
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better For You Than Chemical?

What Are Intestinal Parasites and How to Get Rid of Them

By Jonathan Tessier • June 19, 2025
What Are Intestinal Parasites?