Understanding Cholesterol FOX News She would skip breakfast and eat Chinese food or a hamburger for lunch -- if she ate lunch.
Flexing the Vegetarian Model Chicago Tribune Have you ever wanted to become a vegetarian because you love vegetables and know a plant-based diet is really healthy but you just couldn't quite commit to banning burgers and pork chops from your life?
New Research Links Low-fat Milk to Lower Risk for Heart Disease Xinhua Grabbing as little as one glass of lowfat or fat free milk could help protect your heart, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Amelia Earhart was an aviation pioneer that challenged herself and a whole new generation of women to do more with their lives.
July 03, 2008
I've always had a soft spot for contrarians. Especially those who were later proved right.
Galileo, Archimedes, and Columbus are a few that come immediately to mind. And, given our culture today, I definitely think we could use a few more of these contrarian thinkers.
I guess that's why one of my favorite books is "The China Study."
It's not a best seller. Partly because it wasn't published by the same people who brought us "The Abs Diet for Women," "The UltraSimple Diet," and, my personal favorite, "The South Beach Diet Supercharged."
But "The China Study" makes sense to me (and proves all of our mothers right, who forever admonished us to "eat your vegetables").
The main thesis of "The China Study" - conducted in some 2,400 Chinese counties and covering some 880 million people - is that while we all need some protein, we don't need as much as we're getting. And we shouldn't be getting it from meat, but from vegetables. If we made these simple changes, we'd be a whole lot better off - and feel markedly better, too.
Not only is a vegetable protein diet better for you, it can sometimes reverse the harm that's already been done by all of our other bad habits.
The authors - Drs. Colin & Thomas Campbell - even found that a low-protein vegetable diet - and the operative word here is "low" - can negate the effects of some cancers.
So how come we haven't heard more about "The China Study"?
It's partly cultural.
Sometime during the Middle Ages, meat became a status symbol. It was the 12th-century equivalent of the iPhone or the Geländewagen. If you had meat, you were considered wealthy.
"Protein equaled meat, and everyone aspired to have meat ... just as we aspire to have bigger houses and faster cars," Drs. Campbell wrote.
It's what prompted German scientist Carl Voit to discover in the 19th century that the average person only needed 48.5 grams of meat a day, but recommend 118. And it's what makes Americans eat, on average, 125 grams per day, or almost 45,000 grams of meat a year.
The other problem - and I'm not breaking any news here - is that in today's culture the distinctions between government, industry, science and medicine have become blurred. After all, the goal of the big pharmaceutical and agrifood firms is to make a profit, and there's nothing wrong with that. But consumers have to realize that and understand that making a profit is not always the same as promoting a healthy lifestyle.
If you don't believe me, just ask Oprah what happened when she espoused some of the same opinions about meat as put forth by Drs. Campbell in "The China Study." The cattleman's association, whose job it is to make sure we eat a lot of meat, not the right amount, savaged her. Same thing would happen if you said something bad about the dairy, wheat, corn or ice cream cone industries. A bevy of "experts" - all bought and paid for, of course - would emerge to not only refute your claims, but say a few nasty things about your mother, as well.
And this isn't a merely a corporate bias. It's throughout our culture.
Think I'm crazy? Stop and consider what your friends would say if you told them you were treating some serious ailment with Chinese or Amazonian herbs instead of some FDA-approved drug, which may also cause you to lose your hair, your lunch and your libido.
Like I said, I think this culture could use a few more contrarians, don't you agree?
Waiting here at Peterman's Eye to hear from you (and, of course, the cattlemen's association).
Share the Eye:
9 Mini-Moves That Boost Your Health Huffington Post Prevention and ABC News have teamed up to lower the bar on these life-changing habits, giving you, instead, nine guidelines that aren't rules, aren't the golden standard, but are, instead, just good enough.
Unhealthy Meals Immediately Affect Diabetic’s Memory NewsMax Adults with type 2 diabetes who eat unhealthy, high-fat meals may experience memory declines immediately afterward, but this can be offset by taking antioxidant vitamins with the meal.
Low-Fat Diet as Heart-Healthy as Mediterranean NewsMax After a heart attack, adopting either a low-fat or Mediterranean-style diet similarly and significantly benefits overall and cardiovascular health, research suggests.
still thinking about today...
How many times a day do you eat fruits and vegetables?
0% 22% 56% 11% 11%
I'm still thinking about last weeks discussion about barbecue. Vegetables? Does a Gin soaked olive count as a vegetable?
My personal diet is low-carb, high protein (mostly from veggies), fruit, fish, and small portions of animal protein. When I'm training for an endurance race I load up on the carbs (good carbs not the the bad carbs) before the longer distance phases of my training. I carbo-load the afternoon before the race.
I "cheat" occasionally and have high fat/sugar desserts. And I like an occassional steak, too. (That'll keep the cattlemen's association happy)
Everything in moderation. But someone else's "moderation" may be different.
It works for me.
amoslanka said...
the lines between cultural common knowledge and corporate interests are also blurred in modern society. I appreciate your point of view on how the lines are blurred. its nice to find more people out there who don't assume from the start that whatever is common knowledge or something they've been told their whole life is true.
Local, in season, organic or untreated... I hardly touch meat; if I could say the same for alcohol, I'd probably be a good 10 lbs thinner! Ah well...
Heiress: Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Last week's barbecue discussion was my "E" ticket at Disneyland. Mostly euphoric recall, but now reduced to a still too frequent indulgence. Today's menu is closer to my regular diet (pass the Boca Burger and broccoli please) which will hopefully keep me active and above ground a lot longer.
I think in their heart of hearts, most people really do know the problems associated with unhealthy diets. Until it attains the social stigma that is now associated with smoking, however, it'll be a tough behavior to change. Especially with so many organizations enticing you with their products that both taste and smell so good.
They want to keep their stockholders happy, not necessarily healthy.
I know that vegetables are healthier. I've acknowledged it, accepted it, and I've tried to make vegetables a more integral part of my diet. The only things that are keeping me from realising my healthy new lifestyle are that a) I'm a teenager, and as such a notoriously bad eater, and b) I love meat. There are times that I crave a good steak, but there are never times when I crave a good broccoli.
However, there is a great compromise: chicken. Chicken doesn't have many of the bad things that can be found in beef; but it's still meat. I mean, I know that it probably still encourages some meat-related ailments, but in light of what red meat can do to you, I'll settle for chicken.
The One at the Desk,
If you still need some red meat, Buffalo is probably your best alternative..... less fat and calories than beef, and I do believe its tastier.
To All,
I just want to wish everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July, and to especially thank and remember those who continue to make it possible.
Be well everyone!
jwb said...
The lines have been blurred? No, the lines have been kidnapped by big business, beaten, rolled in a carpet, beaten again, driven out into the desert, beaten one last time, and buried. Let's be clear about that.
We need contrarians to remind us of this and do the job that the now-complicit big-business-media has abandoned.
Oh, and to remind us of how our politicians have sold us down this river.
You all are starting to sound like some of my songs!
I personally I'm a meat & potatoes type of gal. I grew up in that type of family though most meals had salad, meat, & 2 types of veggies always served. I think that makes a HUGE difference in eating habits for all people.
I also like Vegetables. Raw, cooked, in casseroles or soups whatever.
Husband really only likes corn as a vegetable. Never had a Ruttabaga in his life until he met my family... To me it was inconceiveable that he had NO idea what that was or tasted like. I have my dislikes but we taught to try everything once I don't care for beets, my sister can't stand mushrooms. Big deal at least we like Califlower, Brocolli, carrots, celery, Yes even Lima beans are fine with us.
Although I admit REALLY hate Stuffed Peppers. But give me a steak, or venison tenderlion as any option any day & I will choose it over a carrot everytime.
To: Heiress,
Welcome back! How was your holiday?
To: The One at the Desk,
You can "have your cake and eat it", too. Try stir-fry beef and brocolli, it's the best of both worlds. However, as I get older (very much older) I get less beef and more brocolli in that stir-fry!
To: All
I think it's getting close to that discussion on "gluttony"...........
Dear All,
I believe that we are all prisoners of our past upbringing and present proliferation of misinformation. I don't know for sure that this book is the absolute truth, but it is supported by real research that you can actucally check out, unlike the fad diet claims and other virtually unsubstantiated claims. Our culture gets in the way of eating a healthy diet, it's difficult to eat as if we were poor when we are rich, both physically and psychologically. There in lies the rub. I've tried.
Just got back from our Farmers Market. Made a fresh tomato sandwich on a french baguette with olive oil and salt.
The Cherry Pie Desert bread will be served with espresso tonight.
Spinner said...
We were visiting our kids last week and to our astonishment, both families have independently gone to a diet lower in carbs and higher in protein. We all have lost weight and really feel so much better. My workout regimen has really gone way up as my endurance has skyrocketed. The best I can say about my husband is... that he rarely seems to need a nap. That is real progress. We haven't gone all the way to Adkins Diet levels of high fat and hardly any veggies, but simply cut out most carbs and upped the protein. I have most of my carbs for breakfast before I workout and then back off for the rest of the day. We simply decided that since we are getting older and our appetites are decreasing, we should really concentrate on quality since there is less quantity. Yes, we get lots of veggies but have replaced the carbs with chicken, fish, some beef, and things like more yogurt and beans. 68 and never felt better! Or never had such an easy time controlling my weight! And I don't feel the least bit deprived or depraved.
Capt. Neptune:
My husband has always considered a martini olive a green veggie! And I think most mothers will agree that catchup is a veggie as well...
rings90,
Bugs Bunny would choose a tenderloin over a carrot every time!
Spinner and Capt. Neptune,
Then it's safe to say that a good Bloody Mary with satisfy most of your daily veggie requirements.
J. Peterman,
You steered me in the right direction with your "Confederacy of Dunces" recommendation (2 thumbs way up) so I've already ordered "The China Study". My cardiologist thanks you in advance.
Be well.
turling said...
Neptune.....yes....it does.
Spinner said...
Another thought on this. I am disturbed by a lot of these studies because they seem to look at only one item. The Inuit exist on only protein and fat. No veggies in their diet at all. Somehow they make it. We have an anthropologist friend that did work in Mongolia. For several months she also ate only what the tribes ate which was only meat and fat. And she ate well. When she got home, she found she had lost several pounds and felt great. So, the question is, is it purely the lack of animal protein in the oriental diet vs. ours or do we need to look at other things as well? Like, what else is eaten with that 12 0z. steak? Is it the fries? Is it the butter and rolls? Is it the salad dressing slurped all over the wedge of lettuce? Is it simply the serving size? Vegans have to really watch it to make sure they get sufficient protein intake. I think the jury is still out here. Most of the studies do indeed seem to have an agenda to prove and it is hard to look through all the hype and see if good, scientific methods were used in making the conclusions.
I really don't think that "genetics" can be blamed for our obesity as often as it is. I am definitely in that category of people that have a family history of problems. Yes, there is more and more research saying that there are a cascade of genes that affect how efficiently we metabolize food, but we also know that there is a series of genes that make some families prone to alcoholism. If two young people start drinking beer in their teens and one becomes an alcoholic because his family has the tendency to head that way after they are exposed to alcohol, do we just sit back and say, oh well, they have the genetic tendency and there is nothing we can do? Don't we try to convince them to get help? Then why should we not try to convince those that have a problem with metabolizing food more efficiently to get help also and not allow them to use their "genetics" as an excuse? I know where of I speak here as my sister and I both have such a problem and she said "oh, well", and I have fought it my whole life...and won.
A definite rant here, but I feel strongly about this topic as you can see. All I am saying it that we have to learn to eat sensibly and in moderation. Any studies that tip the balance one way or another, should be examined with great scrutiny.
Spinner, You are so wise for one so young at heart.
We are what, and how much we eat. We make the choices. If genetics is part of the problem, then its up to us to adapt. Its our choice whether or not to eat what is right for our individual genetic make up and metabolism. The only compromise to this is to exercise more if you are capable in order to compensate.
No one said it would be easy.
ExPat: Thank you for the recommendation: I find things do taste better stir-fried than alone, so though I generally have quite the aversion to broccoli, I shall definitely try it out. I'm one of those 'try new things' people.
Everyone on the topic of quantity of food: I travel quite a bit, and I've found that in America, people tend to eat a lot more than in other countries. Maybe it's just another one of those things that accompanies affluence, and America is the best country to develop a little wealth, so I guess it follows. Genetics does play a role, but don't think that a Denny's Moon Over My Hammy won't fatten you up a good deal, too.