THE BIG FAT LIE

THE BIG FAT LIE 

Myth: Fat makes you fat

Fact: You need fat to burn fat

The human body NEEDS fat. Fat is one of 3 of the fuel components.

Fat is imperative for:

• Healthy cholesterol levels
  
• Optimal liver and gallbladder function
  
• Healthy hormone balance
  
• Cell wall integrity {permeability}
  
• Production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins
  
• Main fuel for the muscles (this includes the heart muscle)
  
  
  And remember, fat is the main slow burning, long acting fuel.
  Thus, fats are ABSOLUTELY necessary for blood sugar regulation, and gallbladder/liver function, and therefore optimal weight control. (Optimal Health)
  Caveat
  There is a difference in the QUALITY of the fats available.
  
  
  GOOD FATS -vs.- BAD FATS
  
  
  The difference between a Good fat and a Bad fat is in the way they are processed, not in the inherent nature of their source. Exception: canola, soy, cottonseed oils
  Bad fats are extracted from their sources using high heat and/or chemical solvents.
  
  The human body needs a balance of the various components of saturated and unsaturated fats
  i.e.: saturated fats are necessary to digest proteins

How do we know the difference???

When reading a label (READ LABELS, you will be amazed ) look for these terms:

GOOD FATS

• Cold Pressed
• Unrefined Expeller Pressed
• Organic
• Extra Virgin

BAD FATS

• Hydrogenated

• Partially Hydrogenated
• _______ oil ( name of polyunsaturated vegetable oil) i.e: sesame oil,
sunflower oil, olive oil etc
• Cold PROCESSED is a dirty trick on words

THE HUMAN BODY CANNOT (does not have the capability to) DIGEST REFINED OILS

Our choice of fats and oils is one of extreme importance. Most people, especially infants and growing children, benefit from more fat in the diet rather than less. But the fats we eat must be chosen with care. Avoid all processed foods containing newfangled hydrogenated fats and poly unsaturated oils. Instead, use traditional vegetable oils like extra virgin olive oil and small amounts of unrefined flaxseed oil (never heat flax oil or any other omega 3 oils.) Acquaint yourself with the merits of coconut oil for baking and with animal fats for occasional frying. Eat egg yolks and other animal fats with the proteins to which they are attached. And finally, use as much good quality butter as you like, with the happy assurance that it is a wholesome, - and indeed and essential- food for you and your whole family.
Organic butter, extra virgin olive oil, and expeller pressed flax oil in opaque containers are available in health food stores and gourmet markets. Organic coconut oil can be found in health food stores.

*Provided by Colleen Dunseth, CCHT, CNT 

Healthy Hormone Diet....Find Balance In Your Body

Food Craving? Find out what you really need!

Nourishing Traditions Book Review

Well, studies are well on their way, so hopefully I'll be able to post about what I am learning. For starters, here is a book review that I wrote for an assignment in my Nutritional Therapy class. Check it out as you might find some of the content interesting. This is my first paper of the class, so forgive my rusty writing skills. Hopefully they will sharpen with time.

Enjoy!

1) What is the "Big Idea" of this book?

2) List three things you learned about nutrition from this book.

3) Did you find anything contradictory to the philosophy of this class?

4) What are your thoughts/comments/perspectives about this book?

As modern day's idea of health is blurred by a political fog related to food production, Nourishing Traditions, written by Sally Fallon, brings clarity by providing accurate information about our food that is supported by years of history and research. As placed on the title, this cook-book "challenges politically correct nutrition and the diet dictocrats" as well as emphasizes the importance of real, properly prepared, nutrient-dense foods of our ancestors.  Three of the most interesting items I learned about from this book include: the process of hydrogenation, pasteurization of milk, and the refining of salt--all which have significantly harmful effects on their consumers and simple remedies. 

  To be quite frank, the process of hydrogenation of oils and the creation margarine is quite repulsive. In the hydrogenation process it " turns polyunsaturates, normally liquid at room temperature, into fats that are solid at room temperature" by a manufacturing processes that "begin with the cheapest oils…already rancid from extraction--and mix them with tiny metal particles…then subjected to hydrogen gas in a high-pressure, high temperature reactor." As if that weren't enough, "soap-like emulsifiers and starch are squeezed into the mixture to give it a butter consistency" and "Margarine's natural color, an unappetizing grey, is removed by bleach. Dyes and strong flavors must then be added to make it resemble butter" (Fallon 14). To think that these manufactured products are in almost every American's pantry and are regularly consumed in the American family is astounding! Just a simple step of removing these toxic substances, that can be found in "Skippy's peanut butter" and "I can't believe it's not butter", along with many other products, can substantially make a difference in a person's overall health. Another interesting fact on hydrogenated oils is that, "during the 1940's researches found a strong correlation between cancer and the consumption of fat--the fats used were hydrogenated fats although the results were presented as though the culprit were saturated fats" (15). This unclear research led many to believe that a "low-fat" diet was beneficial, when in reality, it led to more consumption of highly processed, low-quality foods. Using real food, like raw (unpasturized) butter, that our ancestors have been using for generations, not only make food taste great, but are chalked full of natural vitamins, enzymes, and minerals that are nourishing to our bodies. Our modern day food has been compromised of quality because of various events throughout history; another great example of this being the pasteurization of milk. 

  During the great depression when people were desperate to sanitize milk from sick cows, they turned to pasteurization, or heating of milk, to kill off infectious diseases, but it also destroyed many of the vital nutrients that raw milk contains. As Sally describes, "Heat alters milk's amino acids lysine and tyrosine, making the whole complex of proteins less available; it promotes rancidity of unsaturated fatty acids and destruction of vitamins…the Wulzen or anti-stiffness factor is totally destroyed as is vitamin B12 needed for healthy blood and a properly functioning nervous system" (34, 35). Even though it is no longer necessary to pasteurize milk if obtained from healthy cows and farms that use great sanitation practices, Americans continue to consume these compromised products void of nutrients. In addition to killing the nutrients, "pasteurization destroys all the enzymes in milk--in fact, the test for successful pasteurization is the absence of enzymes" (35). Milk, in it's raw state, is packed with enzymes that help your body to digest it and assimilate the nutrients it contains. This perfect food becomes difficult to digest and void of nutritional value in modern day processing. A simple remedy is to find a local dairy farm that has healthy cows where you can obtain raw milk. A simply adjustment, such as your source of milk, can significant impact your overall health. 

  Another interesting/repulsive fact I learned about food is that most store-bought salt is refined. As Sally describes, "to keep salt dry, salt refiners adulterate this 'pure' product with several harmful additives, including aluminum compounds" (48). In order to provide a "nicer" consistency for salt to pour, corporations have added harmful substances. Salt, in it's natural, unrefined state is a great source of essential minerals which are lost in the refining process. Sally explains that, "to replace the natural iodine salts that are removed during processing, potassium iodide is added in amounts that can be toxic" (48). It's a tragedy to know that our food is being polluted in such a harmful way and many people are completely unaware of the toxins being put into their bodies. Again, a simple solution is finding a source of Celtic sea salt, or unrefined sea salt and getting rid of polluted, refined salt. 

Reading Nourishing Traditions, not only was highly informative, but it also reignited my passion to help educate people about real food and help them achieve optimal health. There are simple remedies to degenerative diseases and it begins by educating the general public to obtain real, unadulterated foods and properly prepare them for optimum nourishing of their bodies. Throughout this book, I didn't read anything that I found contradictory to the philosophy of the Nutritional Therapy class, but I found much information that was supplementary to the teachings. I love everything about this cook-book and I look forward to following the recipes and sharing them with my future clients. 

Coffee Enemas

Okay, so hear me out. When I first heard about coffee enemas I was more then skeptical--I was disgusted.

Now I love coffee, but the thought of lodging it up my rear end was less then exhilarating.

Reading about it online I found that it is quite a controversial topic. My lovely nutritionist assured me in it's effectiveness and importance in stimulating the liver to release the "junk". Every 3 minutes your blood circulates the liver, so if you can "hold" it in for 12-15 you guaranteed to get something out of it.

Now I've ton plenty of different "cleanses" and I still wasn't convinced that this was the best method, but out of respect for my nutritionist, I decided to give it a go.

The first time I tried it, I failed. I'll let you try to imagine what that was like...but basically it didn't work out well...

My nutritionist persuaded me to do it again, so I did, and HOLY CRAP!

Seriously...ridiculous...I'll try not to get into too much detail, but basically EVERYTHING came out! Best "cleanse" I've ever done--you really feel "fresh" afterwards!

After I did this a few times, I noticed my skin started clearing up--who knew acne was part of an issue of the liver! Not to brag, but I used to have the most beautiful skin and complexion, and right around the time I started have digestive issues in college, I also started breaking out! I thought acne was for hormonal teens--I'm supposed to be a mature 22 year old who has conquered hormones...

The great thing about holistic medicine is it recognizes how connected our different systems are. One imbalance in the body can have a ripple effect in other areas of the body. That's why I believe in healing from the inside-out!

Photo Credits to seasonjohnson.blogspot.com

Fats

I have been reading a lot about Fats the last few days in the "Nourishing Traditions" book---The image below pretty much sums up which fats to consume and which to avoid.

The funny thing about fat is that people think if you eat it, you will become fat. People don't realize how important it is for brain function and cardiovascular health to eat the good fats. Fats actually take longer to digest and keep you fuller for longer periods of time. Sugar and carbs are quickly and easily transferred to energy in the body, but excess is stored as fat in the body.

There is a lot more fascinating information about the important a of good fats and cholesterol in the "Nourishing Traditions" cook book! Along with how to properly prepare foods and much more great information. Be sure to check it out!

Butternut Squash Soup

Made a delicious butternut squash soup today with organic ingredients and my home-made chicken stock (aka bone broth).

This soup is healing to the gut as the chicken stock is made with apple cider vinegar, which breaks down the calcium from the chicken bones, and chicken feet, which are rich in gelatin which seals the gut. This home-made chicken stock is rich in natural probiotics and I would highly recommend for everyday consumption--especially for people with digestive issues like me! It is the perfect base to make nutrient dense soups--the home-made gaps recipe is definitely the key to a healthy, happy gut!


Recipe is easy:

You need:
-1 butternut squash, cut & peeled
-1 medium onion, chopped
-2 apples, sliced
-salt, pepper, sage
-home-made chicken stock
(optional coconut cream to add at the end)

Instructions: Put all ingredients in slow-cooker. Cook on low for 4-8hrs. Once soft, blend into a puree. Add coconut cream to taste.

Where the journey begins

Health and healing--my passion and my purpose.

This blog's main purpose is to document my journey toward achieving optimal health and healing in my spirit, mind, and body. This specific blog will focus on healing the body through proper nutrition and consumption of real, quality food.

 In order to know where I am headed, it's best to know where the passion and purpose was found.

I've always been an active person as I was a gymnast for many years beginning at a ripe age of 3 years-old. From the outside I was your average, happy kid that loved popsicles, crackers, penny candy, hot pockets, fruit roll-ups, gold fish, gummy worms, and more. I didn't think twice about the intensive stomach pains that occurred when I ate dinner after an intensive workout, because well, everyone else was just fine. Growing up, I struggled with asthma, allergies, infections, digestive upset, and other degenerative symptoms, but I never recognized it a real problem until about my sophomore year of college when I was overcome with adrenal fatigue and complete digestive upset. 

It was a stressful time a pre-med student. Working hard to keep up my grades, have a social life, and get a decent amount of sleep, was an on-going challenge, and it felt as if my life was completely out of balance from the start.  I went to a prestigious college where most my "free-time" was spent in the library. I was not much of an English person and I struggled with reading and writing as a child, but I found most of college was writing endless papers on whatever subject you were studying at that time. I wrote 10 page + research papers about the importance of exercise and proper nutrition, but I lived in college dorms with an unlimited meal plan and would stay up all night studying, drinking energy drinks, eating starchy  processed, and sugar-filled food. I had little access to outlets of what I was learning in the academically intense environment I was in--and there was limited access to healthy food options. Quite frankly I felt the most sick, depressed, over-weight, and out-of-shape that I've ever felt in my life in that time. What I was doing, and what I was studying wasn't meshing---there was a huge gap between my body and my mind. I needed a different plan.

I transferred to a less "academic" school in hopes I would find the answers I was looking for. Living off campus and being able to do my own grocery shopping definitely helped me lose that freshman-fifteen. I was more consistent at exercising and I had more time to do the activities I enjoyed, but spiritually and emotionally I was at an all-time low. I began heavy binge drinking, as many college students often do to "relax" and "forget" along with experimenting with recreational and prescription drugs. Not surprisingly, I started having more serious digestive issues, frequent illness, and also found out I had a leak in my heart valve. After the heavy drinking period, I did my best to eat well, but I honestly was so confused with all the health jargon you can find on the internet, media, and news that I really didn't know what was actually good for me. Also, the college learning style didn't sit well with me. I don't know anyone who learns well through brain bulimia---cramming and barfing information for mid-terms and finals. I felt deep down that there had to be a better path to learning and implementing healthy living habits that the route I was on.

By the end of my sophomore year of college, I was unhappy, depressed, and lacking vision for my future. I also had some serious digestive issues that no doctor I visited had a treatment for. I was constantly bloated--alternating between chronic constipation and diarrhea--and was incredibly low-energy all the time until I finally crashed.

I made the difficult decision to take a "semester" off of college, as I knew there was something wrong with me. I slept and slept and slept for what felt like a whole year. My body was exhausted from all that I put my poor adrenal glands through in my life-time ---It finally crashed and took almost two years to regain my strength! I spent my first year off regaining my spiritual health and strength, as I believe that is the most important, and the next seeking physical health and healing.

Now, one thing I learned from college was critical thinking, and well, I can be one of the most "critical" thinkers of other people's ideas, studies, and findings that I know. I won't believe any information that people share with me unless I can find supporting evidence to their claim. I am very skeptical of people's ideas of health as  I've learned how flawed we as human can be. So, all that to say, I have done quite a bit of personal research, and will continue to do more research, on health and proper nutrition in order to find "TRUTH". If people try to convince me to try this revolutionary "health product," I refrain from getting swept into the hype, as when closely examined, many "health products" are sources of financial gain for some wise entrepreneur who is just trying to make a profit---and thats where a large portion of the corruption in our health system began--with the food giants "innocently" seeking a profit without realizing the true cost.

It wasn't until I met a nutritional therapy practitioner, Season Johnson, that I found information on health that was revolutionary, well supported with evidence, alternative, and resonated with my spirit to be "truth".  The foundation is simple: properly-prepared, nutrient-dense, real food, is the foundation of optimal health. I've met with her for a few months, and I found break-through for my digestive issues that I had been seeking medical help for the last two years. This finally made sense! 

After having some breakthrough, I knew I needed more, I needed to learn more about this! How is it that not more people know about this?! How have we become so disconnected from our natural primitive diet? 

The power of properly-prepared, nutrient-dense, real food is profound. I have since graduated as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner from the NTA and have grown leaps and bounds in my personal health. I love health and nutrition, and I want the world be able to experience the healing I've walked through in my own life. Yes, it is a journey. The natural way takes a bit more time to rebalance then a quick symptom relieving drug---but the fact is--it rebalances the body fixes the underlying root. It's time to challenge Big Pharma and the Food Giants, and once again find our balance.


To your health!

 The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease. -Thomas A. Edison US inventor (1847 - 1931)

I have created this blog to document my journey of seeking the truth to optimal health through my findings, ideas, and learning experiences.

If you wish to enjoy this journey to optimal health with me you are welcome to follow my blog! Otherwise---thanks for checking it out!