Salutations!

As the cost of "Sick"care skyrockets so to do the cost associated with every aspect of the sick care industry (insurance premiums, co-pays, pharmaceutical drugs, sick leave, etc.). The time to act and take care of ourselves while jealously guarding our health has come. We can no longer afford to hand over our health or our wealth to others and hope to live happy, productive lives. The goal of this blog is to wade through some of the more mundane as well as a few sensational health issues that affect us today and how to get over them.







Showing posts with label Overweight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Overweight. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Diabetes - A 21st Century Scourge: Phase 2 Approved Food List



Admittedly the Phase 1 part of the plan is restrictive to say the least which is why it is designed to last just 4-6 weeks at a time. The benefit is extensive, however, allowing for an appropriate jump start to any anti-diabetes campaign. At some point it becomes necessary to transition to Phase 2.

The second phase of this plan is meant for lifelong changes to eating habits that will nourish the body and sustain your efforts to reverse or significantly mitigate diabetes. The first thing you will notice is the increase in the variety. The uptick is based on the increased likelihood that your metabolism is either higher or in much better working order after following the phase one program. The phase 2 food chart gives the recommended amounts of each food category that should be consumed during any particular meal.

The focus of every meal is to be as healthy as possible. Limit meat portions especially red meat which should be kept to no more than 18-22 oz. per week. Lean meats such as fish, elk, lamb, and turkey should be your focus. You may also find it helpful to have one or two of your meals be vegetarian based limiting your meat consumption to one or two meals a day.

Eating Out

Extreme care must be taken when eating out. Your diligence is required when ordering for many reasons. One, the ingredients used to create meals in most restaurants will be inflammatory and have the potential to set you back in your goals. Second, portion sizes are almost always two or three times larger than what is recommended for consumption at one meal. You may find it helpful to decide in advance that you will only consume ⅓ - ½ of what your ordered and ask for a box to pack it in in advance. Remember to eat slowly and savor each bite. This will help you feel satisfied without overeating.

When ordering salads order dressing on the side and stick to vinaigrette style dressings. Soups should be broth based. Avoid cream based soups as they are loaded with rancid oils, fats, and calories. Soups with lentils and beans will be far more filling with fewer calories. If having a meal that consist of only soups and salad be sure to have some fiber handy to help you feel full after the meal if necessary. This will help you not succumb to the temptation of ordering additional food. 

Desserts

Having a tasty treat with a meal or as a snack is always tempting but there are some things that must be considered. If you have reached your waistline goal and your blood sugar is under control then partaking from time to time shouldn't be a problem. If at all possible, though, save dessert for special occasions and rare treats. Your focus is to not go back to what you are trying to leave behind. When you do have dessert be sure to consume some fiber in the form of a supplement to help lower the glycemic value thus avoiding a spike in blood sugar and insulin production.


 Meal Planning


Plan your meals on a weekly basis. Shopping and preparing your meals on a day that is convenient for you is a great way to ensure success on your journey. The food chart provided will come in handy in assisting you in this process.


Approved Foods for Phase 2

Legumes, Beans and Starches (Servings are 1/2 cup for women and 1 cup for men)
Cereals (with unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened coconut milk)
Low Glycemic Fruit (1/2 cup servings)
Vegetables (at least 1/2 cup or more women and 1 cup or more for men)
     Beans: kidney, lima, navy, pinto, red, black
     Black-eyed peas
     Green peas
     Butter beans
     Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
     Green beans
     Lentils
     Yams
     Sweet potatoes


















     Old fashioned oatmeal or steel cut (1 serving for women, 1-2 servings for mens)
     Blackberries
     Blueberries
     Raspberries
     1/2 grapefruit
     Granny Smith apple
     Kiwi
     Strawberries
     Asparagus
     Bell peppers
     Broccoli
     Brussel sprouts
     Butternut squash
     Cabbage or sauerkraut
     Carrots (1/2 cup, raw only)
     Cauliflower
     Celery
     Collard greens
     Cucumbers
     Eggplants
     Lettuce
     Okra
     Onions
     Spinach
     Squash
     String beans
     Taro
     Tomato
     Turnips
     Watercress
     Zucchini



Approved Foods for Phase 2 Cont.


Lean Proteins
(Dairy) - Dairy is best avoided but limited quantities of the following is ok.
Lean Proteins (Meats) - 2 to 6 oz. for women and 3-8 oz. for men
Healthy Fats (two servings per day, none at dinner)
Oils (two servings per day, none at dinner, do not heat)
     Cottage cheese, plain-non fat
     Cream cheese
     Low-fat Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
     Eggs (pastured center or organic) - two to three large eggs or one yolk and three egg whites

















     Beef, organic extra lean. Limit red meat consumption to 18 oz. per week.
     Buffalo, bison, elk, caribou, venison, goat, ostrich
     Chicken and turkey (remove skin)
     Turkey sausage
     Turkey bacon
     Fish, wild caught (cod, flounder, haddock, herring, halibut, mahi-mahi, sea bass, perch, snapper, tongol tuna, orange roughy, tilapia, salmon, trout, sardines, mackeral
     Almond butter (2 tablespoons)
     Almonds (about 18 almonds, 1 oz.)
     Organic peanut butter (2 tablespoons)
     Peanuts (1 oz.)
     Pecans (1 oz.)
     Cashews (1 oz.)
     Avocado, fresh (1/2 cup
     Guacamole (1/3 cup)
     Hummus
     Pumpkin seeds (2 tablespoons or 1 oz.)
     Sunflower seeds (2 tablespoon or 1 oz.)
     Flaxseeds (3 tablespoons or 1 oz.)
     Organic cold-pressed olive oil (1 tablespoon)
     High-oleic sunflower oil (1 tablespoon)
     Cold-pressed peanut oil (1 tablespoon)
     Cold-pressed sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
     Cold-pressed avocado oil (1 tablespoon)
     High-oleic safflower oil (1 tablespoon)


Cont. Lean Proteins (Meats) - 2 to 6 oz. for women and 3-8 oz. for men



     Lean pork (limit pork consumption to one serving per week)
     .Shellfish (wild caught if possible) - Limit consumption to 1-2 servings. (shrimp, crab, lobster, scallop, oysters, mussels)



Monday, December 1, 2014

Diabetes - A 21st Century Scourge: Approved Food List and Sample Meal Plan for Phase One




In line with the previous post we continue with practical ways to help alleviate or mitigate diabetes through meal plans. As stated in the aforementioned article Phase 1 is not intended to be a plan that lasts forever. It is only intended to jump start your transformation and accelerate weight loss when combined with an exercise plan. Eventually there should be a transition to Phase 2 which usually happens at the 4-6 week mark. As with any meal plan or exercise regime please consult with a trusted medical practitioner.


Approved Foods for Phase 1

Beverages
Lean Meat/Protein (grilled or boiled 3.5 oz.for women, 6 oz.for men  - choose one per meal)
Vegetables (raw or steamed, 1 cup; choose one per meal)
Fruits (choose one per meal or as a snack)
Breads
     Water

     Tea

     Coffee




     Lobster

     Veal

     Beef

     Chicken breast

     Crab

     Fresh white fish

     Shrimp

     Bison (buffalo)

     Elk

     Venison (deer)

     Egg (only occasionally either hard boiled, poached or scrambled but no oils
     Spinach

     Chard

     Chicory

     Beet greens

     Green salad

     Tomato

     Celery

     Fennel

     Onions

     Red radishes

     Cucumbers

     Asparagus

     Cabbage
     Apple
     Granny Smith apple*
     1/2 Grape- fruit
     1/2 cup Straw- berries

(You may choose to eat your fruit with a meal or as a snack)

















*Recommended
     1 Piece Doctor Krack-er Crisp Bread





Phase 1, Week 1 Meal Plan

Day One:
Breakfast:
     Fresh white fish or one egg (hard boiled or poached). Vegetables can be added to the egg (onions, tomato, spinach, chicory, celery with a little salt and pepper to taste. No cheese or mushrooms.
     1 apple
     Or you may have a protein shake with fruit
            Snack:
     1/2 cup strawberries
            Lunch:
     Chicken breast
     1 cup spinach or green salad
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads
            Snack:
     1/2 grapefruit
            Dinner:
     Lean beef, elk, buffalo, veal, or filet mignon
     1 cup green salad or asparagus
     5 pieces 365 mini-toast

Day Two:
            Breakfast:
     1 egg and 2 extra egg whites
     1/2 grapefruit
     Or a protein shake
            Snack:
            Lunch:
     Fresh white fish
     1 cup cabbage or green salad
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads
            Snack:
     1/2 cup strawberries
            Dinner:
     Crab or shrimp
     1 cup asparagus or green salad
     5 pieces 365 mini-toast




Day Three:
            Breakfast:
     Fresh white fish or one egg (hard boiled or poached). Vegetables can be added to the egg (onions, tomato, spinach, chicory, celery with a little salt and pepper to taste). No cheese or mushrooms.
     1 Granny Smith apple
     Or a protein shake
            Snack:
     1/2 Strawberries
            Lunch:
     Chicken breast
     1 cup tomatoes or green salad
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads
            Snack:
            Dinner:
     Deer, elk, veal or fillet mignon
     1 cup spinach or green salad
     5 pieces 365 mini-toast

Day Four:
            Breakfast:
     Fresh white fish or one egg (hard boiled or poached). Vegetables can be added to the egg (onions, tomato, spinach, chicory, celery with a little salt and pepper to taste. No cheese or mushrooms.
     1/2 grapefruit
     Or protein shake
            Snack:
     1/2 cup strawberries
            Lunch:
     Chicken breast
     1 cup romaine salad
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads
            Snack:
            Dinner:
     Filet mignon
     1 cup spinach or green salad
     2 slice melba toast




Day Five:
            Breakfast:
     Shrimp or one egg (hard boiled or poached). Vegetables can be added to the egg (onions, tomato, spinach, chicory, celery with a little salt and pepper to taste). No cheese or mushrooms.
     1 Granny Smith apple
     Or protein shake
            Snack:
     1/2 grapefruit
            Lunch:
     Fresh white fish
     1 cup cucumbers or green salad
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads
            Snack:
     1/2 strawberries
            Dinner:
     Veal, filet mignon, or extra lean hamburger meat
     1 cup mixed greens salad or asparagus
     5 pieces 365 mini-toast

Day Six:
            Breakfast:
     Shrimp or one egg (hard boiled or poached). Vegetables can be added to the egg (onions, tomato, spinach, chicory, celery with a little salt and pepper to taste). No cheese or mushrooms.
     1 Granny Smith apple
     Or protein shake
            Snack:
     1/2 grapefruit
            Lunch:
     Fresh white fish
     1 cup cabbage or green salad
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads
            Snack:
     1/2 cup strawberries
            Dinner:
     Deer, elk, veal or fillet mignon
     1 cup mixed greens salad or asparagus
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads



Day Seven:
            Breakfast:
     Fresh white fish or one egg (hard boiled or poached). Vegetables can be added to the egg (onions, tomato, spinach, chicory, celery with a little salt and pepper to taste. No cheese or mushrooms.
     1 Granny Smith apple
     Or a protein shake
            Snack:
     1/2 grapefruit
            Lunch:
     Chicken breast
     1 cup romaine salad
     1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads
            Snack:
     1/2 cup strawberries
            Dinner:
     Veal, filet mignon, or extra lean hamburger meat
     1 cup mixed greens salad or asparagus
1 Doctor Kracker Seedlander Crispbreads








Monday, February 24, 2014

The Story of Cholesterol: The Next Generation (Our Children)

The pharmaceutical industry has its eye on what could be one of the most lucrative demographics that can be tapped into: our children. With obesity rates among young people on a steady rise it was only a matter time before higher cholesterol rates were observed with an eagerness to address it with statin drugs.

Other than the elderly our children are the most vulnerable of us all. That is why special care must be undertaken to ensure a healthy and prosperous start to life. Could statin drug use in our children be the start they need?

The Effects

No one knows for sure the long term effects of statin drugs on children. The reason for this is that no long term studies have been conducted to show efficacy (benefit or harm). What is known is how it affects adults in a relatively short span of time and most often the news is not good.

Also we must consider the fact that statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting the production of hormones especially sex hormones (e.g. testosterone and estrogen). In children this could be potentially devastating altering how their bodies develop forever by interfering with puberty and proper growth. It is known that statin drugs communicate with the pituitary gland blocking or discontinuing certain hormonal functions stunting biological processes.

Children, eating habits, and exercise

According to the Centers for Disease Control childhood obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. In 2010 it was estimated that nearly 1/3 of all children were overweight or obese. With these statistics there are some doctors and pharmaceutical reps chomping at the bit to get statins into the mouths of children but it doesn't have to be so.

Children tend to eat the way their parents eat. In fact, it is highly likely that if the parents are sedentary, fast food junkies so to will the children likely be. It is estimated that 1/3 of all adults in the U.S. are obese so the estimate for children makes sense. After all the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We live in a world where we seek the path of least resistance which means we sometimes take short cuts with our health and the health of our children by doing the least possible by way of exercise and activity. We should encourage children to be more active by word and by deed. Children must be told and shown how and why to be active because their very lives depend on it. The same goes for eating habits. A healthy meal plan for the entire family is a great way to get kids involved in healthful and nourishing eating habits that will last their lifetimes.

Medications have their place but long term habitual use in our children will only lead to devastating consequences during or before early adulthood. After all, when you really get down to it, do we really expect an 11 year old child to take statins for 40-60 years without consequences when we know what it does to fully grown adults? Can you imagine the potential profit base for pharmaceutical companies over the same period of time? The average annual per patient cost for a statin is $800 X 60 (years) X 14,000,000 (number of children between the age of 6 and 17 years old that are considered obese or overweight as of 2012) = $672 billion (yes, billion with a B). This number does not take into account the portion of money covered by insurance which is covered by those who pay premiums. It also does not take into account the money that will be spent on other health issues as a result of statin drug use. What is very sad is that the figure above may be overstated because the assumption is a child of 11 would survive until their 70th birthday while taking a statin drug which is unlikely.

More fruits and vegetables, less processed and fast food and a little more movement will allow our children to grow healthy and strong while allowing parents and premium payers alike to keep our money and sanity.