diet

Protein

in ,

Protein

How much protein do we really need? High protein diets, like The Paleo diet, are popular because people are losing weight and feeling better on these regimens. 

Like carbohydrates and fat, protein is a “macronutrient.” We need relatively large amounts of it to stay healthy. Unlike carbohydrates and fat, the body does not store protein, so it has no reservoir to draw from when you’re running low. 

The body needs protein to build muscle mass. Your brain relies on protein. It is necessary for the proper function of the digestive tract and for our endocrine system, which is responsible for the production of hormones that regulate the immune, reproductive, and central nervous systems.

The best sources of protein are those that contain the essential amino acids we need to sustain growth, repair our muscles, bones, organs, cells, and gut.

The healthiest sources are meat from livestock and poultry that eat pesticide-free grass and bugs and roam chemical-free pastures. And wild caught fish.

Enjoying a surge in popularity is Bone Broth. Bone broth is easy to make and buy in liquid and powders, it can help heal the gut and boost the immune system.

Then there’s whey protein. A high-quality whey protein will contain 100 percent whey protein isolate derived from chemical-free, grass-fed milk. Whey contains the full spectrum of amino acids.

For vegetarians and vegans, nuts and seeds are a great source of protein. Two superfood choices are chia and hemp seeds. The shelled varieties of Hemp seeds contain 11 grams of complete protein per 30-gram serving.

We need about .8 grams for every kilo, that’s 2.2 pounds, of bodyweight. Thank heavens for calculate.net, where you will find out how much you need in a day. If you are moderately active, pregnant or a real steam engine, your needs will vary. 

Cruciferous Vegetables

in ,
Screen Shot 2017-04-21 at 11.47.03 AM.png

Cruciferous vegetables are unique because they are rich in sulfur containing compounds called glucosinolates which support detoxification and indole-3-carbinol which greatly reduces the risk of breast, colon and lung cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, glucosinolates are powerhouse chemicals that break down during chewing and digestion into bioactive compounds that prevent cancer cells growth.

Glucosinolates stimulate the body’s natural antioxidant system, triggering the liver to produce detoxifying enzymes that block free-radical attacks on your DNA.

Glucosinolates are:

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Contain antibacterial and antiviral properties

  • Inactivate carcinogens

  • Reprogram cancer cells to die-off

  • Prevent tumor formation and metastasis

Your top twelve cruciferous vegetables are:

  • Arugula

  • Bok Choy

  • Broccoli

  • Brussels Sprouts

  • Cabbage

  • Cauliflower

  • Collard Greens

  • Kale

  • Mustard greens

  • Radish

  • Turnip

  • Watercress

 A common concern is can eating cruciferous vegetables cause thyroid problems?

Research shows it would take a lot of cruciferous veg to cause hypothyroidism and only if someone also has an iodine deficiency.

Studies show the consumption of 5oz a day of cooked Brussels sprouts for four weeks had no adverse effects on thyroid function.

So if you have a thyroid issue, eat cooked cruciferous vegetables and keep it to about 1-2 servings daily.

FDA Healthy Food Guidelines

in ,

Today, the FDA says its going to need a few more years to get a grip on what’s healthy and what’s not. Like Frosted flakes are ok but the jury is out on salmon, nuts and avocados. Really? How many times does the clue phone have to ring? We are responsible for our own bodies and everybody’s body is different. Now hear this: Frosted Flakes, much as I love them, and I do love them and Tony The Tiger too, are not healthy food. Corn, GMO Corn and sugar are going to make you fat, cranky and sick. That’s the real truth. Somebody has to tell you and that somebody is ME.

My private clients are well aware that we must take charge of our own health. National statistics declaring we are a sick society, and getting sicker, are skyrocketing and if you have been waiting for the US government to tell you what to eat, you will get, be or stay sick. Your brain wont function as it should, you will get fat, depressed and ultimately sick. We are talking obesity, heart disease, diabetes and Cancer, just for starters.  Then you will be subjected to the medical system of medications that mask your symptoms, don’t make you well and feeds the fatcat salaries of Big Pharma.

Come on, be your own person. Get your head out of the sand. Take charge of your health. The human body is designed to heal itself. Every time you put something in your mouth you have the opportunity to feed your body, mind and soul. That’s what makes and keeps you well.  Food is meant to stimulate your brain. Anticipation triggers your nervous system. Smelling and seeing a beautiful plate of food stimulates your digestive juices. Chewing your food well breaks down the fibers and allows your digestive juices to do their job, so your body can absorb the nutrients and process the wastes, giving you the proper amount of time to feel satiated and satisfied.

If you are waiting for the Government to tell you what’s right for your body, you could wait a very long time and given the state of our political system and the current election dog and pony show…. well, I think I’ve said enough!