Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Yoga & Nutrition At 67

Bob Crowther, 124.8 pounds this morning, presents an approach to one back bending asana, shares what he is eating and promotes the new nutrition book "FOOD: What The Heck Should I Eat?"


My twice a day, morning and evening yoga sessions have continued during the past six weeks - with one exception during a weekend trip, enjoying a Saturday walking 17+ miles.  


Emphasis 
On
Whole Body Mobility
Evaluating
 My
Progress
With
Upper Facing Bow*
[The Yoga Loft, 2015]

In 2010 I Could Barely Raise My Body A Few Inches

Demonstrating
A Limited Range of Motion
Restricted
 Muscle, Joint, Connective Tissue Mobility 
Achieving Some Spinal Flexibility 


*I am reminded of what is possible in this asana having seen, enjoyed for many years the full range of possible motions, height and exquisite form achieved by two of my former instructors, Patty Tremblay and Jen Gendron   

I practice Upper Facing Bow and other asanas including original and  variations of Cobra, Updog, Bow, Locust, Camel, Pigeon, Upper Facing Plank daily to further open my spine, shoulder and hip girdles.

To facilitate movements in the absence of a partner at home, I have found using yoga blocks at different heights and a stair effective props to safely enhance my lift from a supine position.
Two Yoga Blocks At Stairs
Allow
My
Practice 
Of
Upper Facing Bow
Without
 Any Sensation Of Numbness (Waist - Feet) 
Recent Nutrition
Sources & Selections
Whole Foods (Shrewsbury)
Organic Green Asparagus
 Organic Daisy Tangerines
 Wakame, Kombu
Chocolove Extreme Dark Chocolate (88% Cocoa 
Wegmans (Northborough)
Organic
Blueberries, Goji Berries
 Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds
Trader Joe's (Shrewsbury)
Organic Avocado
 Wild Unsalted Sardines
 Organic Pomegranate Seeds

A Grain & Seed Mixture 
Of
Sprouted Buckwheat, Sprouted Millet
&
Chia, Golden Flax, Shelled Hemp Seeds
Plus
Red Quinoa, Amaranth
The Living Earth (Worcester)
Organic Coconut Flakes
Organic Bliss Fruit 
[Unsulfured Apricots, Plums, Figs]

Organic Kelp (Maine Coast)
Organic Tri-Color Ouinoa (Shiloh Farms)


These components were added to my daily meals during the past six weeks - examples of morning and afternoon meals are shown below. 
Morning Nutrition

March 14th Meal
Combination
Of
 Seafood, Vegetables, Fruits, Dairy, Seeds, Spices
Wild Sardines
Wakame
Asparagus, Broccoli
Purple & Orange Carrots
Blueberries, Blackberries
 Medjool Date Pieces
Some Organic Egg
Plus
Chia Seeds, Rosemary, Tumeric
California Extra Virgin Olive Oil


March 20th Meal
Nutritous Plant Foods
A
Small Mixture
Of
Avocado, Broccoli, Asparagus
Raspberries, Blueberries, Pear
With
Purple Carrot
Golgi Berries
Chia & Sesame Seeds

&
Coconut Slices
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
 Afternoon Nutrition

March 13th


Small Nutrient-Rich Mix
Of
Spinach, Arugula

Wild Pink Salmon
&
Aspagagus Tips
Pecans, Hazel Nuts, Pistacio Meats
With
Blackberries, Blueberries
&
After Photo Taken 
 Chia Seeds
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (California)


March 19th Meal

Combination
 Of
Avocado, Asparagus, Broccoli
With
Goji Berries

Blueberries, Raspberies Pear Slices
&
Chia, Pomergranate, Pumpkin Peppitas & Sesame Seeds

Plus
Extra Virgin Olive Oil  
These and other daily home prepared meals have continued to provide notable health benefits.

Arcade Snacks (Auburn) continues to be my primary source of mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nut, hazelnuts, pistachios, macadamias) and seeds (chia, flax, sunflower) among other items eaten daily.

Isador's Organics (Oxford) has continued to provide local nutrient-rich foods: D'anjou pear, kiwi, roma tomato, rainbow carrots, black radish, parsnip, grapefruit, cylindra red beets.   

Local food stores provided organic eggs, organic broccoli sprouts, non-GMO extra sharp chedder (Old Croc, Australia), both organic rosemary & ground turmeric, organic pear and orange among other items.      

My interest in seeking an informed presentation and analysis on food and nutrition led me to include, introduce the book by Mark Hyman, MD. 

Physican, 35 Years Nutrition Experience 
Clinicial Treatment Of 10,000+ Patients
Using Food As "Drugs"
Author of Many Nutrition Books
 Including
 "Eat Fat, Get Thin"
Director
Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine
&
The UltraWellness Center
This book, organized into four chapters, provides an updated status and assessment of how we the public should be thinking about food.

The author presents selected historical and current data on a wide range of topics in a clear manner - sharing his insights, perspectives and solutions from decades of personal and professional interactions with his clients. 

I highly recommend this book as a valuable resource for anyone interested in nutrition and making more informed choices about what to eat. 

The inclusion of various online websites, organizations including the Environmental Working Group in the Chapters and sources referenced in the Notes both facilitates, promotes further inquiry.

My objective for presenting the book as an outline, with limited commentary, is: (1) to promote an appreciation of the diverse topics covered and (2) to encourage others to learn how they can help to achieve, maintain a lifestyle that includes healthy nutritional habits.

 Introduction [pp. 3 - 6]
How This Book Works
Comments 
Selective Quotations 
Food "is medicine"
Food is "effective in treating chronic disease"
 "The science of nutrition is often squeaky"

"This book is meant to be a roadmap based on the best and latest science of what to eat"

See Books 
 Marion Nestle (2002)
 Food Politics
 How The Food Industry Influences Nutrition And Health
&
 Joel Salatin
  Polyface Farm [in Virginia]

[1] Folks, this ain't normal
 A Farmers Advice
 for 
Happier Hens, Healthier People and a Better World (2011)
[2] Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal
 War Stories from the Local Front (2007)
Chapter I [pp. 7 -29 ]
Ending Food Confusion, Fear And Insecurity
Includes
Nutrition IQ Quiz
So, What Exactly Are we Eating
Cooking Our Way Out Of Obesity And Disease
The Cure Is In The Kitchen
Cooking Our Way Out of This Mess One Meal At A Time
Untangling The Research On Food
The Need For A National Food, Health, and Well-Being Policy 
Shifting Our Focus Back To Real Food
Getting Clear On What The Heck We Should Eat
Answers To The Nutrition IQ Quiz
Comments
See Books
by
 Michael Pollan
  • Omnivores Dilemma A Natural History of Four Meals (2006)
  • Food Rules  An Eater's Manual (2009)
  • Cooked A Natural History Of Transformation (2013) 
  Eric Schlosser
Fast Food Nation the dark side of the all-american meal (2001) 
Chapter II [pp. 31-252]
 What The Heck Should I Eat? 


Categories Of Foods Discussed, Evaluated
Meat, Poultry and Eggs, Milk and Dairy

Fish and Seafood, Vegetables, Fruit, Fats and Oils

Beans, Grains, Nuts and Seeds

Sugars and Sweetners, Beverages 

And

 Addresses the Following Topics

Nutrition IQ Quiz, Science of each food category
What the experts got Right, What they got wrong
What we still do not know for sure
(Number) Things you need to know about
Geek Alert: A Little more Science
&
Adds Discussion Of Specific To Each Category
Comments
The author challenges common myths associated with the food groups.
NOTE
Salim Yusuf 2017 Ouote
President of World Heart Association
 "Contrary to common beliefs, the current recommendations to reduce saturated fat have no scientific basis"
Cites Book
John Yudkin 1972 book "Pure, White, and Deadly" 
"sounded the alarm on sugar and urged the public to adopt low-carb diets"

Other Suggested Readings
> Michael Moss (2013) Salt Sugar Fat How the Food Giants Hooked Us
> Gary Taubes (2010) Good Calories, Bad Calories Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It  (one of several books by author on this topic)

> Robert H. Lustig (2013) Fat Chance Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease

> Christopher McDougall (2015) Natural Born Hero (see comments on William Banting, Ancel Keyes, John Yudkin - the author presents an interesting history associating these people to fat metabolism, the inhabitants of Crete)

Reviewing Food Categories
Future blog posts will address, comment on each of the 12 food categories as listed by the author reflecting my own experiences.  

I did, however, want to highlight the table presented on page 212 citing some known nutritional benefits of the seven nuts shown below. 
Healthy Nuts
I Eat Daily
Raw & Unsalted

Almonds, Walnuts
Pecans, Brazil Nuts
HazelNuts, Pistacchios
Macadamias
From
Arcade Snacks
(Auburn)
Chapter III [pp. 253 - 277]
What Else You Need To Know About Food

Things To Keep Out Of Your Food
Including
Unhealthy Processed Foods
 Pesticides and Herbicides
Additives
 Genetically Modified Organisms
Antibiotics, Hormones
 Emulsifiers and Gums
Chemicals In Containers
Phony Fats and Fake Butters
Refined Oil High In Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Things You Can Add To Your Diet
Including
 Spices, Herbs
&
  Other Condiments:
 The Powerful Medicine In Our Food
Salt, Condiments, Dressing
 Vinegar and Juices
Healthy Processed Foods

Good Health Starts In The Kitchen
Including
Toss These, Keep or Purchase These, Perishibles

Is Food Enough, Or Do We Require More?
Comments
As with the 12 food categories, I will share my perspectives on the author's assessments of each topic in future posts.
See Books
>Marie-Monique Robin (2008) The World According To Monsanto Pollution, Corruption, and the Control Of the World's Food Supply 

> See 2009 book edited by Karl Weber Food, Inc How Industrial Food is Making us Sicker, Fatter and Poorer - And What You Can Do About It


Chapter IV [pp. 279 - 331]
The Pegan Diet And How To Eat For Life

Before The Diet, the Detox
Eliminate Sugar, Processed Food, And Potentially Inflammatory Or Toxic Foods for 10 Days
Focus On Eating Real, Whole Foods For 10 Days
Take Supplements To Support Your Health
Enhancing Your Detox experience

The Pegan Diet
The Two-Step Transition To The Pegan Diet
Pegan Diet - A Way Of Life

Meal Plan And Recipes
A 7-Day Meal Plan
See Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Recipes
Sides And Snacks
Comments
The Detox Program is based on Mark Hyman's 
 2014 Book
 "The Blood Sugar Solution 10 Day Detox Diet"

The author's tongue-in cheek name (The Pegan Diet) - selecting preferences from the Paleo and Vegan communities that includes many plant foods, those with the healthy fats and have low sugar and starch along with animal foods raised, processed without the use of extraneous harmful chemicals - reflects both personal food history experiences, nutrition knowledge. 

I cite the author's list of 13 Pillars of The Pegan Diet (pp. 290 -292). 
Stay away from sugar
 Eat mostly plants
 Easy on fruits
Stay away from
 pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and GMO foods
Eat foods containing healthy fats
Stay away from most vegetable, nut and seed oils
Avoid or limit dairy
Think of meat and animal products as condiments
Eat 
sustainably raised or harvested low-mercury fish
Avoid gluten
Eat gluten-free whole grains sparingly
Eat beans only once in a while
&
Get tested to personalize your approach
Comments
These 13 items are reasonable considerations for selecting those foods contributing to ones daily nutrition - especially the recognition that an individuals nutritional needs are personal, unique 

These recipes are a good introduction to understanding what constitutes informed food selections contributing to a healthy meal
 See Book
Daniel Charles (2014)
 Lords of the Harvest Biotech, Big Money, and the Future of Food

Notes [pp.  335 - 364]
Comments
Books I have mentioned from other authors writing on a wide range of topics related to Foods, Nutrition provide historical references of potential interest. 
Index [pp. 365 - 384]
comments
The Microbiome
This important and emerging research area referred to as nutrigenomics  was not included in the Index (see pp. 116, 136). 

Our understanding of the microbiome, including the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi associated with our gastrointestinal system, continues to emerge.

What we eat effects the microbiome and the microbiome in turn produce chemicals that our cells respond to.


Also missing from the Index 
 Josh Tickell
Kiss The Ground
How The Food You Eat Can Reverse Climate Change, Heal Your Body & Ultimately Save Our World

Additional Thoughts
Consumers Confront Major Questions: 
  • What constitutes accurate information reflecting available science about the nutrition, safety of our foods? 
  • What are the known positive and negative short and long term effects, outcomes of eating specific foods? 
  • Significantly, how does one distinguish between correlations and cause & effect in nutrition studies designed to evaluate what we eat?
  • How do consumers evaluate the the Pegan, Vegan, Paleo, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Raw Food, Ketogenic, High- Fat, Low-Fat, Omnivore among others mentioned by the author?
Unfortunately, informed and accurate communications, guidelines to the public from the major organizations impacting our nutrition often have been incomplete, inaccurate and misleading and simply wrong:
  • The Food Industry, Monsanto (creating addictive levels of salt, sugar and fat in processed foods, misleading food marketing & branding, misleading labeling, negative consequences of genetically modifies organisms, loss of biological diversity)
  • Government Agencies such as (1) the Food and Drug Administration historical conflict: often supporting big business interests at the expense of consumer health (2) US Dietary Guidelines that advocate unhealthy nutrition practices (about saturated fats, cholesterol, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup among others)
  • Pharma Industry (influencing doctors, creating conflicts of interests to prescribe drugs (including antibiotics, opioids, statins, blood pressure meds) when other options including healthy foods, becoming more mobile are available 
and
  • Medical Organizations including The American Heart Association not challenging compromised science data [see Ancel Keys vs. John Yudkin  re: saturated fat, sugar controversy]
  • Scientists acting badly at request of Food Industry (Fred Stare and Mark Hegsted 1967 paper "dismissed the link between sugar and heart disease and shifted the blame to saturated fat")
  • Nutrition studies: "Much nutrition research suffers from a fatal flaw: It relies on short-term studies to examine chronic, long-term problems"- from the Daniel Engber 2017 article in The Atlantic reviewing the book "The Case Against Sugar" by Gary Taubes 
  • Print, digital media (for reporters not being more critical of their sources within The Food Industry, Government, Medical Community, Pharma. Others that contributes to our nutrition, health problems 
Last Words
Today I celebrate experiencing my biological, not chronological, age: 
  • I have eaten well this past year to maintain good health, to experience my adolescent weight 
  • My yoga practice has kept me lean and mobile; I enjoy good balance, breathing and a calmer mind
  • No medications or any supplements are being used
  • Pain is not an issue
Your reactions to my comments and images are welcomed.

I will share the outcomes of a year long experiment to further lower my health risk factors through yoga and nutrition in my April blog.

#BobCrowther #Food #Nutrition #Yoga

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *