Dr. Weil to discuss healthy eating at OCPAC

While a lacto-pesco vegetarian diet may not sound very appetizing to some, the food regimen — consisting mainly of quality cheeses, fish and veggies — is the personal diet of integrative medicine proponent Dr. Andrew Weil, and it may be the key to optimal health.

The renowned physician and author will share his eating and cooking tips and introduce his line of The Healthy Kitchen cookware Tuesday at a Bloomingdale's-sponsored event at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

"Americans are eating too much of the wrong kinds of food," he said. "The reason we are seeing so much obesity, especially in kids, is because of all the refined food, processed food and manufactured food out there."

Weil's recommended Anti-Inflammatory Diet is designed to combat lifestyle diseases — such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer and heart disease — and breaks down to roughly 2,000 calories per day, about half from carbohydrates, 30% from fat and the rest from protein.

It also entails eating fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains and plenty of fiber while avoiding saturated fats, though that doesn't mean you can't enjoy goodies like pasta and dark chocolate in moderation.

"You are responsible for your own health, and a lot of the diseases that cause so much trouble in the population could be headed off if people made good choices early in life," he said. "Eating is really the foundation for good health."

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, and the first 200 guests will receive a copy of Weil's cookbook, "The Healthy Kitchen."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Dr. Andrew Weil speaks on cooking and eating for optimal health

WHEN: 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday; doors open at 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Samueli Theater at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

COST: $25; admission includes a $25 gift card redeemable in the housewares department at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza as well as a 10% discount voucher for purchases of Weil's The Healthy Kitchen products

INFO: For more information on the event or to make reservations, call (714) 824-4579. Learn more about Dr. Andrew Weil at www.drweil.com .