Blog Archives - Feed Your Headsimply, a new perspective

Betty ... You disappoint me!

8/23/2012

While we are advised that trans fat (a known artery-clogger killer) is being taken out of our food supply, these junk-food purveyors keep putting them their foods. In the ingredients, look for these words: Partially Hydrogenated Oil. That's trans fat.

When I learned of all the poison in our manufactured food, it motivated me to make a change. I have no desire to voluntarily put toxins in my body. How about you?

Some information about the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

8/16/2012

This is the organization that has garnered much attention because of its recommendations about the PSA and mammograms. Dr. Lundberg provides some insight about the USPSTF.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fiber Cupcake

8/15/2012

This incredibly simple recipe includes: Peanut Butter, Nutella, and Uncle Sam's high fiber cereal. Put the peanut butter and Nutella in a bowl and microwave for about 10-seconds (just to soften it up). Place Uncle Sam's cereal and peanut butter/Nutella in a bowl and stir with spoon.

Place in cupcake cooking pan to shape. No cooking required. Just put them in the refrigerator.

As far as quantities, I do not measure. I base it on taste. I do recommend going lighter on the Nutella.

Medical Care Today

8/13/2012

At some time in our lives, most of us will require care in a hospital. Take some time to learn more about our hospitals and care within hospitals.

Dr. Robert Wachter, author of Internal Bleeding: The Truth Behind America’s Terrifying Epidemic of Medical Mistakes, discusses progress and pitfalls in our health care system.

Atul Gawande, author of The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right, discusses the health care system.

What's Your Inspiration?

8/12/2012

While watching the Olympic Marathon, it made me think of the 1984 Olympic Marathon race. At that time, I was 29. After watching the men run the marathon, I assumed I could run a 3 mile course near my home. So, I laced up my tennis sneakers - didn't own any running shoes - and proceeded to do the run. 'Round about 1.5 miles, winded and wounded, I gave up. I couldn't even make it a mere three miles.

Fast-forward 28 years, a couple of marathons, a regular exercise routine, and 30 fewer lbs, I am in much better shape and health than when I was 29.

So, no matter what age and health condition you are in, it's never too late to move toward a healthier lifestyle. While you're watching these amazing athletes perform, use it as a starting point to say: "I can do that." Certainly not as well. However, every time you exercise, you'll be scoring a 10.

Use this great Nike commercial for some motivation.

Obesity System Influence Diagram

8/8/2012

No doubt, obesity can be turned into a complex subject. Just look at the diagram below. However, this explanation by Dr. Yoni Freedhoff' sums it up beautifully:

I'd describe obesity as the natural consequence of placing a collection of truly ancient genes, genes forged over millions of years of incredible and constant dietary insecurity and upheaval, into an insane, calorific, modern day, dietary utopia. In other words: Obesity and overweight are our bodies' normal, natural, responses to the world they find themselves living in.

The fact is that right now the accepted global viewpoint is that if obesity is a disease it's a disease of willpower, of gluttony, of sloth.

My hope is that one day obesity will be seen as a modern day scourge, a day when the trite advice "all you need to do is eat less and exercise more" is seen by the general public as over-simplified nonsense.

Quote of the Week

8/7/2012

When you take a lot of the fat out, essentially cheese will turn into an eraser.

Source: Asked to Get Slim, Cheese Resists

When people ask me about fat and carbs, I always tell them: I go full-bore. I'm not fat or carb phobic. Fat and carbs are not the problem. The problem is all the junk and fake food in the American food supply.

Olive Oil - Heart Healthy or Not?

8/1/2012

Frequently, advice about living a healthy lifestyle can be confusing. Here's one example.

Sonoma Diet states:

Research has made clear that a major reason for southern Europeans' low rate of heart disease is their liberal use of olive oil as their main source of dietary fat.

The kind of fat that olive oil is mostly made of (monounsaturated fat) actually lowers your levels of the bad LDL cholesterol and blood fats called triglycerides. The fats you'll be limiting (saturated fat) and avoiding (partially hydrogenated trans fats) raise those levels. The healthy fat alone qualifies olive oil as a Power Food par excellence.

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn (author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease) states:

NO OIL! Not even olive oil, which goes against a lot of other advice out there about so-called good fats. The reality is that oils are extremely low in terms of nutritive value. They contain no fiber, no minerals and are 100% fat calories. And above all they contain saturated fat which immediately injures the endothelial lining of the arteries when eaten. It doesn't matter whether it's olive oil, corn oil, or any other kind of oil. You should not consume any oil if you have heart disease

My thought: If I had heart disease, which I do not, I would most definitely follow Dr. Esselstyn's plan.