175 replies to this topic

[ElPirana]

I'm curious what you all might eat on a daily or weekly basis that you think contributes to healthy living.  I'd love to hear some ideas that I might be able to incorporate into my own culinary life.

 

Just to start it off, I have really changed up my food consumption for about a year and a half.  Well, I would say that for several years now I have cut out pop/soda completely, which was a big help.  This year I stopped drinking coffee...that took a long time to cut off with a lot of withdrawal headaches.

 

Then in the spring of 2019 I quit eating meat and fried foods nearly completely.  I started taking vitamins every day with a vegan protein shake powder, which I used to make with milk and since September this year I've been making my shakes with kefir that I make at home.  Last year I found a good mung bean curry recipe that is fairly easy to make and tastes great that I eat with quinoa instead of rice, and bring it with me to eat for lunch every day at work.  Oatmeal every morning for breakfast.  An apple and one or two bananas each day.  Cut out a lot of sugar..but not completely, this is my one vice, although it's much much reduced since my old life.

 

Oh, I almost forgot, over the past months I've started switching a lot of other foods to more natural versions.  Like butter made with cream and olive oil instead of margarine.  Or last week for thanksgiving for the pumpkin pie, I got whipped cream made with real cream rather than cool whip that's made mostly with high fructose corn syrup, veg oil, etc.

 

Some of the benefits I've noticed:

First, I used to have a lot of digestive issues - I probably had IBS since I was 8 years old and I'm almost 40 now.  That problem is almost completely gone, which I'm so grateful for.

My body-weight seems to stay more consistent.  I never had problems with my weight, but I would notice big fluctuations depending on how bad I was eating.  Now even if I have a "bad" day or week, it doesn't seem to matter much.

 

So what are you all eating? 

[PJammer24]

I feel like I am relatively healthy but I do not go the extra mile. I don't really snack and when I do it is on something like cheese and crackers. I try to stick to 3 meals per day... I eat a large breakfast, typically a couple breakfast sandwiches or breakfast bowls... I have found that the Jimmy Dean products are pretty good and easy to prepare. On the weekends I typically cook some bacon and occasionally eggs... I probably eat too much bacon... For dinner I like to have a little steak, chicken breast, or pork chop with rice when I feel like spending the time to cook... I have some of the "healthy" type frozen dinners in the fridge though I am sure they are less healthy than the homemade alternatives... pineapple chicken is actually good from the freezer!!

 

I eat vitamins daily, probably too many since I buy the gummy kind and have a hard time laying off them.

 

I have also added saffron to my regimen and eat it fairly regularly. It interacts with the same receptors as ketamine and has mood stabilizing properties and in theory would be beneficial for people suffering from depression and other "disorders" and "irregularities" (their words, not mine)...

 

I try to eat vegetables but even though I have a huge garden, I am not that good at it... I do like zucchini or oyster mushrooms with my meals when I cook myself! 

 

Fruit is also my shit!! I am definitely a berry guy!

[rockyfungus]

Suffering from IBS, my stomach basically has been forcing me to get on the right track.

I'm a tiny dude, and I don't eat enough. So, been trying to get them calories up.

I've cut out red meat, loving the beyond meat type of products.
I have a sweet tooth, so I cut out sodas/sugary drinks. Re-calibrated my tastebuds with sparkling water, now as little as 5g of sugar in a drink is way too fucking much.

Eat mushrooms when I have them flushing. Eat my fruits and berries to try and replace cookies. I have a nasty habit of snacking on chips instead of meals though. Been trying to do carrots, or some type of veggie instead.

@elPirana if you're into sour cream, look into cream fraische (sp?)

 

[ElPirana]

@elPirana if you're into sour cream, look into cream fraische (sp?)

I just looked into creme fraiche, looks pretty easy to make. I’ll have to give it a try.

So with the changes you’ve made to your diet, has it already helped your IBS? For me, that benefit alone makes it worth the change.

[clumsy]

A whole-food plant-based diet:

Shown by a study of 12,168 middle-aged adults.
Shown by a study of 71,000 middle-aged Japanese adults followed for 20 years.
The top five veggies
A plant-based diet versus premature death.

A plant-based diet works via lower IGF-1 activation.
A plant-based diet works via a happier disposition (evidence here).
A plant-based diet versus chronic diseases: shown by Finland.

Vs. the 15 top killer diseases.
Vs. even genetic diseases.
Humans are naturally herbivores.
More protective than animal foods.
Less medications to treat chronic diseases.

Especially effective for those with chronic disease.

Less DNA damage, longer telomeres, especially if one chooses wisely.
A plant-based diet for healthy mitochondria.

Insufficient consumption of fruits is the #1 dietary risk factor.

Apples and pears - yum!

A plant-based diet works via lower heme iron intake.
A plant-based diet works via vitamin K which help blood clot properly'
kaempferol.
A plant-based diet works via magnesium from leafy veggies and grains.
A plant-based diet provides phytonutrients such as:

alpha carotene, - sources
carotenoids: cooked or served with a bit of fat for best absorption

less risk of chronic disease

flavonoids
lignans
lutein
organic acids
organo-sulfurs
PQQ
salicylates - but not aspirin
terpenoids
vitexin, which has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperalgesic, and neuroprotective effects

A plant-based diet provides polyphenols such as flavonoids, and myricetin.

Polyphenols from spices and colorful foods, also broccoli and dates.
Polyphenols are also in fruits, cocoa, tea, coffee, legumes.
A plant-based diet prevents oxidative stress and age-related chronic diseases.
causes neurogenesis in aged rats
Shown by 12-year follow-up of 807 men and women aged 65 or over

Plant protein is the healthiest source of protein.
Fruits and vegetables contain special plant nutrients that neutralize toxins.
This is a nutrient-dense alkaline diet

Dietary (not supplemental!) antioxidants in whole-food
This is a high-fiber diet.

A plant-based diet vs. diverticular disease.
Proven in multiple long-lived societies around the globe and in Finland.

Proven by the Adventist Health Study 2.
Proven by 10,000 Norwegian men followed for four decades.
Proven by 40,837 Swedish men followed for 7.7 years.
Proven by the PURE study of 135,00 people followed for 7.5 years.
Proven by 11,879 participants (20-80 y of age) from NHANES III (1988-1994).
Proven by the CHIP program.
The nutritional equivalent of quitting smoking: not more costly.

This plant-based diet especially benefits those with bad habits.

Lower medical costs: less chance of animal-sourced diseases

Apoor diet causes 1/2 of all deaths.

Diet is the most important thing for good health. Stick with real food.

Chronic diseases are mostly effects, not causes.

Edited by clumsy, 06 December 2020 - 04:09 PM.

[rockyfungus]

 

@elPirana if you're into sour cream, look into cream fraische (sp?)

I just looked into creme fraiche, looks pretty easy to make. I’ll have to give it a try.

So with the changes you’ve made to your diet, has it already helped your IBS? For me, that benefit alone makes it worth the change.

 

If I could just stick to a diet, absolutely. The mind-gut connection is huge. I forgot, fermented shit=probiotics. Yogurt, keffir, kombucha, sourdough, real pickles, real sauerkraut, kimchi(not vinegar, same as sour cream).

Edited by rockyfungus, 06 December 2020 - 05:57 PM.

[ElPirana]

@elPirana if you're into sour cream, look into cream fraische (sp?)

I just looked into creme fraiche, looks pretty easy to make. I’ll have to give it a try.
So with the changes you’ve made to your diet, has it already helped your IBS? For me, that benefit alone makes it worth the change.

If I could just stick to a diet, absolutely. The mind-gut connection is huge. I forgot, fermented shit=probiotics. Yogurt, keffir, kombucha, sourdough, real pickles, real sauerkraut, kimchi(not vinegar, same as sour cream).

Last year I was looking for some kind of healthy snack and I started eating walnuts each day. After a bit, I started looking up what the health benefits were and I came across an article that mentioned a study that showed eating walnuts each day can reduce cravings. It might be worth a try.

[Auhron]

@Clumsy   Some interesting info there, however not all of it is correct.  Ex: "humans are naturally herbivores"  Explain the canine incisors (read Eye teeth) that are only present on carnivores / omnivores. the link to that video is dead btw. 

many Herbivores have the ability to synthesize Proteins within their bodies, more accurately in the case of some of them - the active bacteria/fungi in their digestive system synthesize the proteins as they break down the plant matter (rumen in cows). Humans do not have this ability, which is why we must consume proteins. The most readily available proteins come in the form of meat, cheese, beans.

 

There is a reason that many (bandwagon jumping) vegans are underweight and have unhealthy looking skin and hair. Many of the ones who don't research their diet aren't consuming the right amounts / types of amino acids.  Additionally, Soy products contain an enzyme that acts on the human system to increase estrogen levels. This can lead to serious health problems in men, even in some women if they consume too much soy derived protein ( beans / tofu / edamame / "vegan" cheese etc.). A staple form of protein for many vegans. Trading off potential health problems from meat for potential health problems from soy.

 

We are (as a species) Omnivores. Period. That being stated as an evolutionary aspect. I will not deny that current research is definitely supporting of claims that a plant based diet can be significantly healthier than eating meats. However most people lack the understanding to make sure they are consuming the right balance of micronutrients to be healthy from a strictly plant based diet. A friend of mine decided she was going vegan (she had body image issues and thought she was overweight), lost 25lbs REALLY fast and landed herself  in the hospital, after staying in the hospital for a 72 hour PSYCHIATRIC evaluation (they thought she was deliberately starving herself) she decided she wasn't going to stay a vegan. This is obviously an extreme example of the stupidity of (some) bandwagon vegans who don't research their diet.

Keeping in mind that the "nutritional contents" of any given item of food is not necessarily equivalent to the bio-availability of those nutrients or your own bodies ability to absorb those nutrients.

 

What I eat to stay healthy:

DRINK MORE WATER - seriously. I drink 2-3 Liters of water per day, more even if I'm very active that day. Being Dehydrated have significant impacts on your health, from mood, to ability to focus, immune response, physical recovery from injuries, etc.

Eat whole unprocessed foods. If buying something prepared ensure the ingredients listed are just the food itself. If the ingredients contain a chemical name - well that shit isn't food, don't buy it, don't eat it. Just eat Fruits / Veggies / Whole Grains / Legumes / Meats / Nuts / MUSHROOMS!!!!!! 

I do consume a Vegan protein powder, it consists of Brown Rice, Hemp Seed, Chick Peas and absolutely NO SOY. I always feel good after drinking it, it doesn't upset my system like the Whey Proteins do, no bloated feeling or lethargy.

The Key is Balance and Moderation. I LOVE deep fried food. but I only eat it once every few weeks. I LOVE cheesecake (and I make really good cheesecakes, I was an apprentice chef for a time but grew disillusioned with that career choice), however I don't make them very often.

 

Get rid of your Microwave. Sure they are convenient, however the research has been done and irradiated food has been proven to cause certain cancers in mice and rats. Cook and reheat your food in the oven or on the stove. Waiting an extra 10-15 minutes for your meals and not getting cancer seems like a good plan.

[Cuboid]

For me it's more of a case of what am I not eating.

 

Trying real hard to have no sugar or processed carbs' and keep overall carb intake to 50g or less per day.

 

I've lost 10kg in the last few months of doing this and my ME symptoms are somewhat improved - certainly more stable which make sit much easier to manage and has meant almost no sick days taken from my job.

[rockyfungus]

I do consume a Vegan protein powder, it consists of Brown Rice, Hemp Seed, Chick Peas and absolutely NO SOY. I always feel good after drinking it, it doesn't upset my system like the Whey Proteins do, no bloated feeling or lethargy.

The Key is Balance and Moderation. I LOVE deep fried food. but I only eat it once every few weeks. I LOVE cheesecake (and I make really good cheesecakes, I was an apprentice chef for a time but grew disillusioned with that career choice), however I don't make them very often.

 

Well that's the secret to life isn't it!

 

[clumsy]

 

 

We are (as a species) Omnivores. Period.

 

Get rid of your Microwave. Sure they are convenient, however the research has been done and irradiated food has been proven to cause certain cancers in mice and rats. Cook and reheat your food in the oven or on the stove. Waiting an extra 10-15 minutes for your meals and not getting cancer seems like a good plan.

Humans are naturally plant eaters. Of course, our neolithic ancestors ate whatever they though their bods could tolerate, including bugs, worms, furry critters, as well as plants. But does it matter what is "natural" versus what has been shown to keep us healthy?

 

Microwaves are a safe, effective, and highly convenient cooking method.

 

There is no evidence that they cause harm — and some evidence that they are even better than other cooking methods at preserving nutrients and preventing the formation of harmful compounds.

 

Being a (retired) EE, I can tell you that microwaves are non-ionizing radiation, which means that, in low doses, it is nothing to worry about.

[August West]

Humans are naturally plant eaters.

I'm not sure your link, promoting a particular diet, would be considered rigorous science. Besides outside perhaps, sugar, especially refined and most highly processed foods for that matter, being widely considered poor diet choices, food science is notoriously difficult to parse.

[Auhron]

As with most subjects there are conflicting opinions regarding microwaves. There is evidence that they can cause harm.

 

Recent advances in the effects of microwave radiation on brains  

https://mmrjournal.b...0779-017-0139-0

 

Microwave Oven Dangers

 

https://www.safespac...e-oven-dangers/

 

10 Reasons to toss your microwave

 

https://www.health-s...rowave-hazards/

 

The first is less relevant when it comes to the appliance "Microwave", because we are not the direct target of said microwave radiation.

 

I'm not a scientist, but I am capable of critical thinking. I have chosen not to own or use a microwave. Why take the risk?

 

Furthermore, the WHO is politically and economically motivated. Information available from the WHO is presented to align with the agendas of the governments / corporations that fund them. They are not and unbiased source of scientific knowledge. They do not exist to further the field of medical science. They do not have your best interests in mind, only their own. The WHO, while being formed with the best of intentions - has proven itself susceptible to the same corruption that infects every high level institution. 

Edited by Auhron, 07 December 2020 - 05:31 PM.

[clumsy]

As with most subjects there are conflicting opinions regarding microwaves. There is evidence that they can cause harm.

 

Recent advances in the effects of microwave radiation on brains  

https://mmrjournal.b...0779-017-0139-0

 

Microwave Oven Dangers

 

https://www.safespac...e-oven-dangers/

 

10 Reasons to toss your microwave

 

https://www.health-s...rowave-hazards/

 

The first is less relevant when it comes to the appliance "Microwave", because we are not the direct target of said microwave radiation.

 

I'm not a scientist, but I am capable of critical thinking. I have chosen not to own or use a microwave. Why take the risk?

 

Furthermore, the WHO is politically and economically motivated. Information available from the WHO is presented to align with the agendas of the governments / corporations that fund them. They are not and unbiased source of scientific knowledge. They do not exist to further the field of medical science. They do not have your best interests in mind, only their own. The WHO, while being formed with the best of intentions - has proven itself susceptible to the same corruption that infects every high level institution. 

That first link (here) is the only credible reference of the three. That link only raises concerns for those in the military working on radar installations or other occupational exposure. Again, the likely dose from microwave ovens is orders of magnitude lower/safer. The last two links are trash. They cherry-pick old studies to support their luddite agenda.

[Auhron]

Picking studies to support an agenda... same thing you are doing. the same thing I am doing - the same thing many critical thinkers do to validate their opinions. In the event of conflicting evidence the conclusions drawn by any given party are merely opinions. I respect your opinion, even though I disagree with it. 

[ElPirana]

Sorry Auhron, but I think I’ll be sticking with my microwave. It makes cooking faster and easier at home, and it’s the only way to reheat food at work. Reheating with a stove or oven doesn’t sound like much additional effort, but with work, family, and other things eating up my time each day, the microwave allows me to prepare foods that I otherwise may not do. For me, a part of eating healthy includes NOT making food preparation a burden, otherwise I probably would not have stuck to some of the healthy food choices. Either that or other areas of my life would get less attention, so I make my priorities.

[greenskeeper]

I eat mainly milk and wheat biscuits (weetbix) but also cheesecakes, chocolate, bananas, yoghurt, coffee, almonds, walnuts, and sesame crackers. That is pretty much my entire diet.

 

Try sticking your head in a regular electric oven when it's on and see how healthy that is! That's why I don't use incandescent light bulbs, or toasters.

[Auhron]

@ElPirana You have no need to apologize. Everyone has to make their owns decisions, I do not begrudge others for making choices different than my own. The only exception to that rule would be if their choices infringe upon my rights/freedoms.

[August West]

Get rid of your Microwave. Sure they are convenient, however the research has been done and irradiated food has been proven to cause certain cancers in mice and rats. Cook and reheat your food in the oven or on the stove. Waiting an extra 10-15 minutes for your meals and not getting cancer seems like a good plan.

I somehow missed this run of the conversation.

 

If it's health and cancer that you're concerned about, are you aware of the growing evidence to the dangers of gas (both natural and propane) stoves for respiratory issues? It may require a caveat that, "Only reheat your food if you have an electric oven and stove top" ;)

Edited by August West, 09 December 2020 - 12:22 AM.

[Auhron]

That's an interesting point as well. Considering the Sulphur that is added to natural gas so that we can smell gas leaks is converted into SO₂ and SO₃ (in smaller quantities) during combustion, and these are both highly toxic.