Food combining ("Fit for Life" by the Diamonds) is one of the few good nutrition books available. I read it years ago and it works. The trick to it is don't combine your starchy carbohydrates with the proteins. Eat meat, salads and fruits OR starcy carbos, you know potatoes, pastas, crackers, etc. One or the other - not together. It works and is a great way to get your normal weight back.

Water will dilute the digestive enzymes but a sip or two with your meal won't hurt. I sip on juice with my meals for the sugar content. Gives your body some immediate energy to handle the digestion of food. That's how deserts got invented. A bit of sweets after your meal helps the energy levels needed to digest the food. My favorite is dark chocolate after lunch and dinner.

The vegetaian way is good for cleansing but not building or rebuilding. So eat some meats along the way. After all, if you look in a mirror you'll see your body is made of meat protein.

Otherwise, eat what makes you feel strong the next day, that gives you more endurance the next day, that allows you to sleep well. Don't get lost in the dogma of any specific diet regime. Amd most important - be of good cheer when you do eat. No fighting or discusing serious problems at the dinner table.

Doc