Andy/Baldy - feed me

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  • cmasoncmason Registered Users Posts: 2,506 Major grins
    edited August 11, 2007
    Interesting thread, and a good read. I am not personally ready for this leap yet, but I would like to 'butt in'.

    Regardless of whether you choose the life-style change suggested here or not, you should do SOMETHING if while reading this you feel guilty about your diet and exercise habits.

    I highly recommend a book written by Dr Walter Willett, that provides basic nutrional info and good common sense backed by 25+ years of clinical research. Dr Walter Willett is on the Faculty of Harvard's School of Public Health, and is a key researcher in one of the most comprehensive diet studies ever done, known as the Nurse's Health Study.

    Anyway, using the research from this, Dr Willett published a book that is a very important read for anyone wanting to understand nutrition and health, and one that offers real research-backed advice on what to eat.

    The book, and much of the approach doesn't point to any particular trick, or diet, but does show how to eat heathy, including plenty of vegetables. Dr Willett caught alot of attention a few years back suggesting the USDA Food Pyramid is upside down, and that the foundation should be vegetables and complex carbs. Of course this advice is right inline with what is being discussed here.

    So, if you want to learn more so that you can take up healtier dietary habits, check out this book:

    Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating

    You should understand that this book is written to help regular people understand this info, and also written to help take the wind out of the sails of all the fad diets out there, especially diets such as 'Adkins' and other.

    You can also read about much of this info on Harvard's Nutrition web site:

    http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/

    Good luck and healthy eating!
  • BaldyBaldy Registered Users, Super Moderators Posts: 2,853 moderator
    edited August 12, 2007
    I've come to a surprising conclusion wrt Vitamixes... What I thought I'd do is keep the kitchen stocked with produce from the various farmer's markets in our area, and with the stuff we used to get by subscribing to Farm Fresh to You.

    But... I spent a lot of time shopping, washing, & chopping off stems and cores and peeling oranges and removing pits from peaches.

    And what I was eating wasn't that fresh. It had to make its way to sale, then wait in my kitchen for a few days on average. Any my smoothies weren't brain-freeze cold like I like them.

    When I was lazy or in a rush, I'd just throw frozen stuff in the Vitamix.

    I finally decided the action was in the freezer section. I buy big bags of frozen berries, mixed chopped fruit, collard greens (can you believe it?!) and other stuff you'd think was disgusting. Zzzzt. Into the Vitamix it goes. Yum!

    It's picked ripe, it keeps its nutrition, it's chopped, it's cheap, it's cold... What's not to love?
  • stirfrystirfry Registered Users Posts: 242 Major grins
    edited August 12, 2007
    Baldy wrote:

    I finally decided the action was in the freezer section. I buy big bags of frozen berries, mixed chopped fruit, collard greens (can you believe it?!) and other stuff you'd think was disgusting. Zzzzt. Into the Vitamix it goes. Yum!

    It's picked ripe, it keeps its nutrition, it's chopped, it's cheap, it's cold... What's not to love?

    thumb.gif I still have this argument with my mother in law on a regular basis Laughing.gif. She thinks I'm cheatin' the kids by serving the frozen stuff but I swear by it - if for no other reason that it works with my lifestyle. My job requires constant frequent travel and fresh foods often spoil before we can use them. Messy and wasteful. But .... I love to cook, and find it relaxing and fun to prepare foods. I still love to make things from scratch, from the selecting of individual ingredients to the creating of dishes. Love it.

    I actually came to find this information about frozen foods quite by accident. In editing a friend's research on bio-engineered foods, I was educated on something I hadn't thought about until reading it and having it spelled out in front of me: foods were picked unripe and expected to ripen en route or at their final destination (groceries, markets, etc.). Duh! I hadn't ever thought about that! At the time, bio-engineers were called upon to create a food product that would better sustain travel time and conditions.

    Meanwhile, frozen foods are picked at ripe and flash frozen ... thus making them more nutritious and ironically, more fresh. I was hooked, and we've never looked back :DI knowthat I'm not cheatin' the kids by indulging my laziness and relying on a convenience food!

    That said, nothing beats fresh from your own garden iloveyou.gif and I only wish I could find frozen grapes because I can't ever seem to yield any decent grapes rolleyes1.gif. Anyone with secrets, feel free to PM me ... I'd be eternally grateful.
  • BaldyBaldy Registered Users, Super Moderators Posts: 2,853 moderator
    edited August 12, 2007
    Hahaha. You're right, the garden rules.

    I just read a big story about the Oregon berry industry. They were big producers of strawberries but the farmers in California went with a variety with longer shelf life at the expense of taste and nutrition.

    Consumers chose shelf life and Oregon's strawberry industry was gutted.

    They came back by flash freezing other berries, which is where Costco's 3-berry blend comes in. They didn't have to choose varieties with long shelf life.
  • jdryan3jdryan3 Registered Users Posts: 1,353 Major grins
    edited August 12, 2007
    We actually by 'fresh' and the freeze them as they get older. Bananas for example. Then you don't need to add ice to get the smoothies cold. It isn't in there long enought to get freezer burn. And here in the midwest, frozen fruits Like Baldy & Stirfry are talking about are often LESS expensive than the fresh on the shelf stuff.

    I know most here aren't doing meat, but a butcher told me one time the freshest fish is the frozen stuff - flash frozen right on the ships at sea. Anything else is not as fresh.
    "Don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to. Oh well."
    -Fleetwood Mac
  • BaldyBaldy Registered Users, Super Moderators Posts: 2,853 moderator
    edited August 12, 2007
    jdryan3 wrote:
    I know most here aren't doing meat, but a butcher told me one time the freshest fish is the frozen stuff - flash frozen right on the ships at sea. Anything else is not as fresh.
    I eat some fish. I love the frozen tilapia filets that Costco sells. Frozen at the time of the catch.

    I throw one in a pot black bean soup. Yum.
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited August 12, 2007
    Baldy wrote:
    I eat some fish.


    Why?

    Health, or you just like it?
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  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited August 12, 2007
    Oh, and BTW:

    I

    Love

    My

    Vitamix.

    :D
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  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited August 12, 2007
    DavidTO wrote:
    Why?

    Health, or you just like it?
    Relying on a pill to complete your diet doesn't sound very natural to me. ne_nau.gif
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited August 12, 2007
    wxwax wrote:
    Relying on a pill to complete your diet doesn't sound very natural to me. ne_nau.gif


    headscratch.gif
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  • BaldyBaldy Registered Users, Super Moderators Posts: 2,853 moderator
    edited August 12, 2007
    wxwax wrote:
    Relying on a pill to complete your diet doesn't sound very natural to me. ne_nau.gif
    You talking about B12? Yeah, fish has some.

    I say I eat fish 2-3 times a week but I've noticed I haven't been getting around to it more than once a week. I do it because I like to race triathlon and work out a lot. I read Martina Navratilova's book and she said she was vegan for 7 years, winning championships, but felt better when she ate small amounts of fish & poultry. Dave Scott, who I've met, 6-time world IronMan champion & former vegan, says he also feels a little bit better with fish 2-3 times per week but otherwise vegan.

    I can't seem to tell the difference if I eat a little fish or not so I don't stress over it.
  • Mike LaneMike Lane Registered Users Posts: 7,106 Major grins
    edited August 13, 2007
    wxwax wrote:
    Relying on a pill to complete your diet doesn't sound very natural to me. ne_nau.gif
    Sounds more natural than having to rely on insulin shots, a pacemaker, or chemotherapy. thumb.gif
    Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.

    http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
  • wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited August 13, 2007
    Mike Lane wrote:
    Sounds more natural than having to rely on insulin shots, a pacemaker, or chemotherapy. thumb.gif
    I believe there are paths between those two extremes. lol3.gif
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
  • Phil U.Phil U. Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited August 13, 2007
    Ok, I keep seeing the posts about the Vitamix and yea, it looks good. Anyone have any opinions on the Blendtec blenders? http://blendtec.com - I love their "Will it blend" videos but is Vitamix somehow better?
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited August 13, 2007
    Phil U. wrote:
    Ok, I keep seeing the posts about the Vitamix and yea, it looks good. Anyone have any opinions on the Blendtec blenders? http://blendtec.com - I love their "Will it blend" videos but is Vitamix somehow better?


    The tamper in the Vitamix sets it apart, I believe. There's a post above with a link to a smoothie site, and they compare the two, and come to that conclusion.
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  • Phil U.Phil U. Registered Users Posts: 1,330 Major grins
    edited August 13, 2007
    DavidTO wrote:
    The tamper in the Vitamix sets it apart, I believe. There's a post above with a link to a smoothie site, and they compare the two, and come to that conclusion.

    Ah, I see - very cool. Thanks for the info!
  • BaldyBaldy Registered Users, Super Moderators Posts: 2,853 moderator
    edited August 13, 2007
    Yesterday a young woman approached me with a big smile and said, "I've wanted to meet you! I love what you're doing with my father."

    Her father is a diabetic, a good friend of mine who I see at the gym several nights a week. His identical twin dropped of a fatal heart attack 5 years ago. After reading the China Study, he's been vegging, losing weight, and his blood sugar has been dropping.

    Then she dropped the bomb. "Guess how much I've lost?!"

    I expected her to say 15. She looks really good. If she has any more to lose it's not much. She said 100. I had to have her repeat it a few times before I was sure I heard it right.

    I asked how. She said vegetables, cutting out the fruit juice she drank all day, and exercise.

    I'm still in awe.
  • AnneMcBeanAnneMcBean Registered Users Posts: 503 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    DavidTO wrote:
    I didn't buy Dr. F's Blood Orange Vinegar, but I did modify the salad dressing that calls for it in his book, and it's great.

    My version is 3 cluster tomatoes, 1/2 cup of Balsamic Vinegar, pureed. That's it. Better than any non-fat commercial dressing on the market, and no added salt, sugar, fat or thickeners.

    Bless you.

    I just made this (with extra tomatoes because Scott's not a huge vinegar fan) and it was yummy. I threw in some fresh basil and a bit of garlic as well.

    Because it had no oil, it was a breeze to clean up the Vitamix afterwards. And, I could go down on a big bowl of greens without a care in the world. clap.gif

    -Anne
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    AnneMcBean wrote:
    Bless you.
    :D
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  • DJ-S1DJ-S1 Registered Users Posts: 2,303 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    I'm psyched - I just found a really great market that has more variety than the one I usually use. There's a Whole Foods in Providence but that's totally a pain for me to get to. This place is near my work and has an excellent produce section, plus lots of other goodies.

    They even had Kashi frozen dinners which will be a great thing for me on occasion. There's 6 or 7 varieties, but only one was vegetarian and one was vegan. Still, it will be convenient for when I'm rushing out to a baseball practice or whatever.

    They also had more frozen fruits, like blackberry and mango. The old place only had strawberries and blueberries.

    And I scored some almond butter, can't wait to try that!

    I can see I'll be spending a lot of money in my new market! Best of all, I think the variety will be key in keeping me from straying into old habits.

    Honestly though, I think I am losing the taste for the old junk. I used to down 3 or 4 diet Coke's a day and I haven't had one for a month. Today I figured I'd have a half a glass - meh, it wasn't that great. I don't miss it. thumb.gif
  • Rolling StoneRolling Stone Registered Users Posts: 203 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    Another interested party, let the reading begin. thumb.gif
  • LeoLeo Registered Users Posts: 10 Big grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    wave.gif

    Hey, my username and password still work!

    :lurk
  • DJ-S1DJ-S1 Registered Users Posts: 2,303 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    Leo wrote:
    wave.gif

    Hey, my username and password still work!

    :lurk
    Welcome back! I'm pretty impressed you remembered your name/pw from 3 years ago - I can't remember what I had for breakfast...headscratch.gif
  • DJ-S1DJ-S1 Registered Users Posts: 2,303 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    Another interested party, let the reading begin. thumb.gif
    Hey Stone, do what I did and jump right in. Why wait for the reading to catch up? If you decide not to continue with it after your reading is done, you haven't lost anything.

    I started by hacking out meat and sugar, oh and white flour. Tons of fruit and veggies, whole wheat pasta, natural peanut butter and "all-fruit" preserves were the beginning meals. I was surprised how easy it was.

    Welcome aboard!
  • SeefutlungSeefutlung Registered Users Posts: 2,781 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    I'm with DJ-S1. I had a frig full of stuff so I just phase into the whole eat healthy deal. I looked at this as a life change not a diet. Mainly replacing high caloric foods with food rich in nutrients (like a Double-Double and Twinkies with fish and fruit), cutting out red meats, fast food and reducing processed foods. What little meats I do eat are now fish and bird. But I took my time and eased into the new life style ... haven't purchased a high power blender yet ... sorta wondering what for ... I enjoy munching my fresh veggies and fruits rather than slurp them up. With summer here I have a ton of veggies and fruits in my backyard ... so my supermarket is within easy walking distance of my kitchen.

    DJ-S1 ... get out of RI and come to CA ... plenty of organic foods, fresh veggies and fruits out here ... all year long.

    Gary
    My snaps can be found here:
    Unsharp at any Speed
  • Rolling StoneRolling Stone Registered Users Posts: 203 Major grins
    edited August 15, 2007
    DJ-S1 wrote:
    Hey Stone, do what I did and jump right in. Why wait for the reading to catch up? If you decide not to continue with it after your reading is done, you haven't lost anything.

    I started by hacking out meat and sugar, oh and white flour. Tons of fruit and veggies, whole wheat pasta, natural peanut butter and "all-fruit" preserves were the beginning meals. I was surprised how easy it was.

    Welcome aboard!

    I really don't like pasta very much but can handle just about everything else.
    Oh yeah, bananas and egg plant make me queasy, believe me, I've tried. I've been taking lunch on the road at Thai or Vietnamese joints and have done really good at ordering the healthy stuff. I am a chicken addict but only eat beef about once a week in the form of a very lean top choice fillet. I don't eat fried or wings, just roast in various forms. I just need to knock off the snacks, ice cream, cookies, candy bars and so on. I'm looking forward to getting to the next step. I do lots of kayaking and the days that I do are the days that I eat the best, I pack water, granola bars, p&j sandwich, orange/apple/grapes etc. We'll see how it goes on further improving the intake. deal.gif
  • DJ-S1DJ-S1 Registered Users Posts: 2,303 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2007
    Seefutlung wrote:
    DJ-S1 ... get out of RI and come to CA ... plenty of organic foods, fresh veggies and fruits out here ... all year long.
    :D Tempting! My father-in-law lives in San Diego, so I've been there a few times. The weather just can't be beat!
  • SeefutlungSeefutlung Registered Users Posts: 2,781 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2007
    DJ-S1 wrote:
    :D Tempting! My father-in-law lives in San Diego, so I've been there a few times. The weather just can't be beat!

    aaahhh San Diego ... great place ... great surfing, diving and sailing. No mountains in SD ... so no winter sports ... hell no winter anyway - lol

    LA isn't as mild as SD ... hotter in summer cooler in winter ... unless you live within five miles of the Pacific, then, it rarely get hot in summer or cold in winter. On the coast the summer nights are down right chilly ... long pants and sweaters for thin blooded locals.

    Gary
    My snaps can be found here:
    Unsharp at any Speed
  • Mike LaneMike Lane Registered Users Posts: 7,106 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2007
    wxwax wrote:
    I believe there are paths between those two extremes. lol3.gif
    The path may not be as wide or as meaty as you're thinking though thumb.gif

    You should read the china study if you haven't.
    Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.

    http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
  • SeefutlungSeefutlung Registered Users Posts: 2,781 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2007
    DJ-S1 wrote:
    :D Tempting! My father-in-law lives in San Diego, so I've been there a few times. The weather just can't be beat!

    BTW- There is a "Newport" here in SoCal ... so changing your address would be less painful.

    Gary
    My snaps can be found here:
    Unsharp at any Speed
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