What have you heard about ketogenic diets and can they offer a healthy option for you to consider? There are so many conflicting diet theories and thoughts on what we should eat to be healthy it is difficult to know which one to follow. Being frequently asked about my thoughts on the optimal foods to eat to be fit, healthy and strong this post will outline my research and thoughts. Because being healthy is a top priority for most of us we must continually be rethinking and reviewing our current digestion, metabolism and nutrition requirements. After many approaches with considerable trial and error my current nutrition success strategy is a ketogenic (Paleo light) with a 95% plant based whole foods approach. This combined with intermittent fasting is working great for me with my current active lifestyle.
After being vegetarian for 10 years I lost too much muscle mass, strength, tone and weight followed by some health related issues. Today there are more resources and role models with helpful information to design a nutrition program centered around a diverse plant based diet. Unfortunately many of the plant based foods today contain higher levels of agriculture chemicals and artificial ingredients that are serious health hazards. Being healthy can be a challenge in today’s world of highly processed and refined foods containing significant additives, carbs, GMO’s, preservatives and sugars especially High Fructose Corn Syrup. While it is easier to access organic nutrient dense whole foods, avoiding harmful ingredients and preparation methods is a big challenge. Genetic Engineering, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and glyphosate are hidden health hazards in many beverages and foods. Canola, corn, cotton seed oil, rice, papaya, potato, soy, squash, sugar beets and wheat are just some of the foods that may be wise to avoid. Many researchers say they lead to diabetes, obesity and syndrome X and feel the Keto diet is the solution. Unfortunately these foods make up the majority of foods consumed by most people in developed countries.
What to Eat?
The majority of animal products currently available are unhealthy due to poor husbandry practices including: antibiotics, confined feedlots, feed additives, hormones, GMO feeds, stressful substandard living, unsanitary packaging and processing procedures. While finding organic animal products is a bit easier and healthier most Americans eat too much animal products which is unhealthy for people and the planet. If you consume animal products they must be free range, grass fed and organic which is unsustainable for the rapidly growing global population. The consumption and conversion of animal feeds into usable products is fairly inefficient and thus produces less output of usable foods for humans. BTW Many Keto diet experts say bones and organ meat are valuable food items. Unfortunately most are being fed to pets instead of people which can bring up a sensitive issue with pet lovers. Maybe pets should be counted with people when discussing population statistics.
Commercial dairy is not necessary for healthy humans and is prepared, processed and produced in ways that are harmful. Most dairy cows are abused so their life span is cut short from a normal 20 years to 4 years and they end up as cheap hamburger meat at fast food chains. Giving up dairy often eliminates most allergy and sinus issues for good. Organic chicken and eggs would be a more efficient food source that could be a sustainable alternative to dairy cows and milk. While wild animal venison is a good option there is not enough protected land left for large populations and cattle ranchers do not like the competition.
It seems best to follow a middle of the road approach referred to as organic Paleo light plant based diet plus maybe some organic chicken, eggs and small wild fish if they serve you. Plant based diet means wide variety of fresh local nutrient dense organic whole foods that include all the colors of the rainbow. A large percentage should be consumed raw or a lightly saute. This includes a diverse selection of berries, fruits, greens, herbs, legumes, melons, mushrooms, nuts, roots, seeds, sprouts, tubers and sea weeds. The are many great resources and role models to explain ketogenic diets and how to become a fat burner instead of a sugar burner such as: Dr Mercola Ketogenic Diet 101, Dr Axe Keto Diet and Dr Ben Lynch The Keto Diet & Brain Health.
Start Ketogenic and Stop Disease Success Strategies
A healthy Keto diet would focus on a diverse locally grown nutrient dense organic rainbow of color whole foods including.
- Good fats from: avocado, coconut, chia, extra virgin olive oil, flax, hemp hearts, nuts & seeds are very healthy and provide lots of energy.
- Amaranth, mushrooms, quiona, wild rice are healthy and could fill a good portion of meals.
- Berries, fruits and melons are good if you focus mostly on the lower sugar ones. It is better to eat whole foods and avoid juices.
- Some bananas, mangoes & oranges are good especially when used in a smoothie with good fats, greens, nuts and seeds.
- Green plants like amaranth plant (callaloo), cruciferous veggies, moringa, mustard, sesame and taro leaf are delicious and nutritious.
- Roots and tubers like beets, cassava, carrots, sweet potato, taro and yucca are a great source of nutrients.
- Cactus and sea weeds are super foods and you will benefit from regular consumption
- FYI: All beans, grains, nuts and seeds must be soaked in water first and the water discarded before consumption or cooking to remove anti-digestion enzymes & lignin.
- BTW Avoid foods with gluten like breads, pizza and pasta made with wheat for better choices such as: almond flour, amaranth, cassava flour, chia, coconut flour, flax flour, mushrooms, pea protein, quiona and sea weeds.
Healthy Habits & Habitats
In 2018 Morningstar NEWS will focus 50% on Healthy Habits and 50% on Healthy Habitats. As we research and role model proven principles for a fantastic future we are eager to share these words with wisdom. Our vision is attracting a wide variety of eco conscious people to help design, build and live in a more sustainable way. We invite ideas, insights and inspiration to help us focus our planning and progress. Sharing solutions, strategies, suggestions and systems will help us all design and develop better eco communities.
Where is Your Gap?
What actions, behaviors, beliefs and decisions regarding your habits and habitats are impacting your happiness and health? What is your motivation for making better choices to avoid health hazards and adopt healthy habits? Investing in our health helps protect our wealth. When we are happy, healthy and holistic we naturally shift to a more sustainable ecological, economical and environmental friendly lifestyle.
Mastery Action Plan (MAP)
Our daily habits and habitats directly impact our happiness and health. There is a wealth of wisdom showing the benefits of conscious choice for a happy and healthy life. What are you willing to do different today to embrace better choices in 2018? Creating a healthy habits code of conduct and mastery action plan will enhance our quality of life. Our happiness and health benefit from healthy challenges, changes and choices.
Call to Action
What comments, commitments or concerns come to mind regarding healthy habits and habitats?
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