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 Diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diet. 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, November 10, 2014

Diabetes - A 21st Century Scourge: The Beginning of Healthy Eating for Diabetics (Phase 1)



Now that we have a little background knowledge how can we be practical in its application and where do we begin? Let us start with eating right for diabetes. Emphasis is given to eating plans as opposed to diets. The reason for this is a diet is done for a short period and is usually rigid and therefore intolerable to maintain for greater lengths of time. Eating plans are lifetime changes that are maintained or modified without stopping. Eating plans tend be less rigid as adjustments from less desirable eating habits are made gradually but for diabetics gradual adjustments might be a little to slow depending on the nature of the condition. With that said the first phase eating plan is not meant to be for the long term but is intended too jump start healthy habits while encouraging weight loss. Careful consideration has been given about the necessity to jump start your diabetes reversal protocols. Dramatically reducing the consumption of inflammatory foods and ensuring equalized and stable blood sugar is imperative from the start. As you move from phase one to phase two the restrictions will be relaxed and more emphasis will be placed on establishing an eating plan for life while seeking diversity in your food choices.

This initial phase will usually last for 4-6 weeks depending on your needs and should consist of meals that are 1,000-1,250 calories per day (caloric intake should be adjusted higher if you are involved in strenuous work or activities).

     Choose organic fruits, vegetables and meats as often as possible. The chemicals from herbicides, pesticides and fungicides in addition to growth hormones, antibiotics and grain fed cattle all causes toxic build up and inflammation in the body. Neither of these conditions are conducive to reversing diabetes and actually helps to promote it.
     Meats should be the leanest cuts since animal fats store toxins you do not want in your body.
     Clean pure water is the preferred drink (at least 2 quarts daily) with occasional tea or coffee during the day. Coffee and tea should be made with clean pure water and only lightly sweetened with stevia.
     Absolutely no artificial sweeteners. In addition to slowing your metabolism artificial sweeteners are broken down into toxic substances that increase inflammation thwarting your efforts to reverse the diabetes condition.
     A high quality fiber should be consumed daily. Fiber slows the absorption of carbohydrates which helps maintain level blood sugar.
     If you experience light-headedness increase water consumption and consume high quality fiber with every meal
     Any listed fruit eaten between meals should be consumed with fiber.
     Do not consume all of your bread and fruit ration at the same time. This would have the potential to elevate blood sugar levels too rapidly.
     Food from one day cannot be saved and eaten on the next. Maintaining the same number of calories and the correct proportion of foods to blood glucose ratios is imperative.
     Meat variation: Occasionally you may substitute 3 1/2 ounces fat-free cottage cheese or one whole egg and three egg whites for a meat portion.
     Eat only the meats listed and be sure all fat is trimmed by the butcher before purchase.
     A list of approved foods will be given to you. If it is not listed do not eat it in any quantity
     Consume only fresh white fish low in mercury (Tongol tuna, cod, haddock, wild caught tilapia, white fish or whiting)
     Fiber will be an integral and extremely important aspect of this entire protocol (phase one and two). It is imperative that you find a quality fiber that is natural and works without chemicals or being harsh.
     Salad dressing cannot contain any oil. The light use of balsamic vinaigrettes is recommended.
     A sweetener can be used sparingly and the only one allowed is stevia.
     The only allowable dairy is fat-free cottage cheese. All other dairy must be avoided.

Preparations

     All meat must be broiled or boiled
     Vegetables must be raw or steamed
     The juice of one lemon is allowed for all purposes (seasoning, cooking, etc)
     A small amount of salt, pepper, vinegar, garlic and spices (e.g. thyme, parsley, sage, turmeric, rosemary, basil, etc.) can be used for seasoning but absolutely no butter, oil or dressings of any kind
     Convection ovens would be very helpful (microwave as little as possible or not at all)

Other Considerations

     No creams, synthetic oils, chemical based astringents or lotions should be used on your face, skin, or body during this program. This will allow the body to take a break from xenoestrogens and other chemicals found in personal care products that create inflammation in the body. If you need a moisturizer use extra virgin coconut oil.
     Get a pedometer. You should be walking at least 10,000 steps per day every day.

If you experience constipation during these phases increase water intake. 

The next article will contain the approved foods list for phase one along with a helpful sample eating plan.


Sunday, February 9, 2014

Multivitamin Use Absurd and Dangerous? I Think Not Part I



Do you remember Christmas as a child with that jolly red nosed Santa who most kids idolized in every sense of the word? Or maybe for you it was the tooth fairy, the great pumpkin or even Peter Cottontail. Any or all of these myths seemed to be real to us and for some the realization that they don't exist was quite the shock. Banished to the realm of make believe our childhood idols went and now some would have us believe another one of our cherished beliefs (that is actually a fact) should be relegated to the same place we put St. Nick and the others.

Recently several studies were analyzed that purport to firmly establish the "fact" that multivitamin supplementation is at best useless and at worst detrimental to your health to the point of causing harm. Harm from vitamins? Let us explore the article and the studies it cites in an effort to keep vitamin supplementation out of the realm of make believe.

The Researchers

Eliseo Guallar and his colleagues recently analyzed three studies and came to a shocking conclusion. They have stated, unequivocally, that multivitamin supplementation has no clear benefit and could prove harmful to your health. The group of researchers went on to say that multivitamins should not be used in the prevention of chronic disease and that "enough is enough" when it comes to the silly people who erroneously use these vitamins (emphasis mine). After you get past the initial shock that vitamin supplementation is harmful or useless and wrestle with the condescending tone of the abstract written by the researchers you are left to ponder things that you have held to be true: that vitamins are good for you. Should vitamins head off to the island of misfit beliefs with the rest of our childhood idols? Intuitively you know the answer but let us spell a few things out for the sake of clarity and sound reasoning.

The conclusion of these researchers has been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and is chock full of assumptions. One of these assumptions provided by Guallar et al is that the average western style diet provides adequate nourishment to the masses to the point that vitamin and mineral supplementation is unnecessary. Surely, there are a percentage of westerners who eat pretty healthy by consuming clean, pure water and either natural or organic foods while limiting processed foods but this does not pertain to the vast majority especially in America. In addition, due to soil depletion and over-farming mineral and vitamin levels in fruits, vegetables and grains have been on a decline for decades.

Aside from the assumption let us to take a look at what really lies at the heart of the matter for the people who take great interest in their health. An analysis of the three studies is appropriate and fundamental so we can understand what the researchers saw and what the newspapers, online publishers and television programs failed to report.




The Studies

Three studies were cited by the researchers and here is where we really have to pay attention which is unfortunate. It is unfortunate because there is a sense among most people in the general public that studies are impartial, truthful and therefore should be taken as gospel. Since the word gospel literally means "good news" some of these studies should be taken as the anti-gospel. Let us review

Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Study

The first study mentioned in the article is the "Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer". I know it's a mouthful but bear with me. Researchers in this study wanted to establish whether cardiovascular issues and cancer was actually preventable through supplementation. It appears to be a noble endeavor on the surface even with flawed results (an explanation on why it is not noble will present itself a little later). It was acknowledged that the results of this study did not pertain to individuals with nutrient deficiencies or others that would be considered high risk. The article cited above would have you believe the results of this trial pertained to everyone. When you consider that most people are nutrient deficient the article becomes just plain misleading.

At one point in the analysis of the trial the researchers had to admit that the study was actually set up to measure results in a drug trial not a nutrient trial which may skew the data. In addition, it was noted that the difference between examining optimal levels of a nutrient intake and "normal" levels may have established a different result. In other words studying minimum nutrient supplementation may not be in the best interest of the general public. Then the question becomes "Why do the study in this way if the results do not apply to most people"? Great question!

Cognitive Function in Men

This study was a misnomer from the very start. Called "Long Term Multivitamin Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men: A Randomized Trial"  it looked at a very particular group of men: doctors. The importance of this will become clear in a moment. The intent of this study was to assess cognitive function in men and whether multivitamin supplementation would improve it. The conclusion was that multivitamin supplementation does not improve cognitive function or prevent dementia.

There are three interesting points to consider regarding this study. The first is that physicians were studied and this poses a problem. It has been long established that people who pursue academics have a lowered risk of developing dementia. Secondly, most older physicians generally eat very healthy and are able to afford the best, most nutritious foods. Proper nourishment combined with a high level of education diminishes the likelihood of developing dementia which is a great thing but it makes you wonder why this study was used to attack multivitamin use. There was not much of any chance to see any improvements from multivitamin use because of the group of men that were studied. The third, and perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this study was the fact that actual dementia or any cognitive dysfunction was never tested for. None of the participants were assessed for any level of dementia either before, during or after. How do you purport that something does not work (multivitamins) if you never test for the dysfunction you are looking to improve (cognition)?

Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy

This study set out to assess whether or not high doses of vitamins and minerals help prevent a another occurrence of a second myocardial infarction (heart attack). Two things of import to note for this one.

The first is that the people studied had a high incidence non-adherence. This is a fancy way of saying more than enough people failed to do what was requested of them ultimately affecting the data collected. In addition, the participant dropout rate was also high. It becomes a difficult task to honestly document and extract accurate information to convey to the public when so many people involved in the study fail to comply with the instructions or complete the program. It puzzles me that Eliseo Guallar and his colleagues used this study or any of the previously mentioned ones to attack vitamins and minerals.