Today for dinner I cooked a Bok Choy and Broccoli Stir Fry made with grass fed beef. My beef n' Bok Choy recipe is one of my more popular dishes, and it is always a popular cooking class. This particular recipe calls for the "greens and beef" combination, which is something that I teach my clients as a way of balancing nutrition and increasing the digestibility of the beef. Also, for some reason, I just love the way beef tastes with greens, especially with the more bitter varieties of green leaves, such as collards, kale, and the leaves of bok choy. The contrasting flavors create a unique eating experience and it is certainly one of my favorite combinations. I especially like to create Romaine Lettuce salads topped with left over spicy beef, or even taking large green leaves, say from Chinese cabbage, and making a flour-less, gluten free beef wrap.
For those of you not familiar with grass fed beef, it is beef that comes from a cow that was fed grass during its entire life cycle. This varies greatly from so-called "conventional" beef that originates from cows fed grains and grain-based feed in feedlots and factory farms. For a line of beef products to be "officially" labeled "grass fed" the cows must be fed grass from the time it is weaned to the time of its slaughter. The beef from grass fed cows is high in nutrients that are almost non-existent in non-grass fed cows, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, a special fatty acid called CLA or Conjugated Linolenic Acid (which when consumed by humans helps to boost immunity and helps to reduce body fat), and it also has higher amounts of Creatine. The reason for the abundance of these nutrients in grass fed beef is because cows are ruminants, which are animals who use a special digestive process to break down food and extract nutrients. This process extracts very high amounts of nutrients from the cow's natural food source, grass, and the animal is then able to synthesize these nutrients into compounds such as Omega-3 Fatty acids and also CLA. The amount of such compounds can be up to 300-500% greater in grass fed cows than in their grain-fed counterparts. Grass fed beef also has less fat overall than grain fed beef. All one has to do is to compare cuts and the evidence is obvious; grain fed beef is more "marble-y" and the fat content is noticeable, where as grass fed beef does not have the same appearance.
Something else that is important to note about grass fed cows is that they are not injected or given antibiotics or growth hormones of any kind. Again, a major distinction between grass fed cows and grain fed cows is the use of chemicals and medications. The natural food for cows is grass, not grain; cows actually get sick from grain, and it has even been reported that grain fed cows develop adverse, allergy like reactions, a weakened immune system, and even tumors as a result of the feed. The weakened immunity of the cows would necessitate the use of antibiotics, which in turn could actually be transferred to the final food product in the form of residue. This antibiotic residue may very well be a major source of the wide-spread candida infestations we have in this country. The bottom line is that grass fed beef is in fact, contrary to the belief that was created as a result of grain fed cows, very healthy and helps to strengthen the immune system, because of high amounts of CLA and other nutrients, and due the lower amount of saturated fat that is typical of grass fed beef. The idea that red meat should universally be limited in one's diet should only really apply to the meat from factory-farmed grain fed cows, which in reality poses as quite a health-hazard. This is where nutritional "dogma" attempts to supersede nutritional fact, and the fact is that grass fed beef is one of the healthiest, most nutritious, and least allergic sources of protein available in our society. To throw grass fed beef into the same grouping as grain fed and feed-lot beef is categorically and factually incorrect.
There were a few things I noticed about my meal this evening, which I thickened with arrowroot powder and had tossed over another super healthy food, the grain Millet. The beef itself, which I enjoyed tremendously, was a little "wild", or gamey, and it tasted less "sweet" than the beef I am accustomed to having. It was almost like someone had "crossed the meat with a leaf of kale", which is almost exactly what had happened; the food source of the cow, which was grass, made the beef taste a little bit more "bitter" to me. This of course can be because of the fact that my sense of taste has gotten super-sensitive after years of being a nutrition consultant and food specialist, but I am certain that the lay person would notice it too. I also noticed that after eating one plate of the beef, with adequate amounts of the broccoli, bok choy leaves and stems, and millet, I was satisfied and felt no desire for a second serving. This is a very good sign, because it meant that the meal I had just eaten was nutritionally complete leaving me with no feeling of "needing more". This is yet another benefit of grass fed beef: less is more satisfying, which means that one would eat less of the meal. However, between the millet, which tends to taste slightly "sour", the bok choy, broccoli, the grass fed beef, and the arrow root powder I used to create a thick sauce, the meal was a little on the bitter side. For my next venture into the realms of the grass fed cow and all its virtue, I think I'll add some sweet vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potato, to balance out the powerful and unique flavor of the beef that was raised the way nature intended: Grass Fed.
Check out US Wellness Meats, where you can find grass fed meats, free range chicken, game, and other great food products:
http://www.grasslandbeef.com/StoreFront.bok?affiliate_no=698
Michael
Staff of Life Nutrition Consulting
3/13/09
About Weight Loss and Diet Supplements
There is a certain weight loss supplement advertised on TV that says it is "clinically proven to reduce body fat and weight"
The clinical study performed at a university they are referring to has determined that the pill helped the participants lose an average of 3.86 pounds over the course of the 8-week study. This translates into less than 4 pounds in 8 weeks, or, half a pound per week, of weight loss.
Let me repeat that: ONE HALF OF ONE POUND PER WEEK
What does this tell us? It tells us several important things:
#1 Taking this pill over the course of a full year, or perhaps about 50 weeks or so, will result in the loss of about 25lbs. and this is the case if and only if the pill is taken under consistently ideal circumstances, i.e. you don’t have any health complications or sicknesses, you don’t overeat on the holidays, you are exercising and following a diet, you do not have food allergies or Candida overgrowth, and so on...25 lbs of weight loss from a so called "miracle" fat loss pill over the course of a year…Hmmmmm
#2 It also tells us that the so called university study accepts that significant weight loss is half a pound per week. One half a pound of weight loss per week is not significant; it is considered normal weight loss for anyone who is embarking on a healthy eating and proper fitness lifestyle. The advertisement seems to attempt to “mislead” the consumer by fabricating and exaggerating very mundane facts about weight loss.
#3 It clearly proves that there is no pill or snake oil that will cause you to lose 10 lbs in ten days or anything like that. The commercial also says that "75% of the weight lost was body fat". No, really? Under normal circumstances, the human body can only shed half a pound to one and a half pounds of fat per week. The exception would be under circumstances of extreme famine, starvation, or illness.
#4 So if 75% of the weight lost was fat, then the rest would most likely be water. This additional weight, which can fluctuate as much as 4 lbs per day, is water. When you go on a diet and lose something like 5 lbs in a week, I figure that at least 3 pounds (conservatively speaking) is water. If this is in fact the case, than this product acts as a diuretic and purges the body of its water stores. This can actually lead to more water retention in the long run. The immediate effect of dehydration alone makes this pill potentially dangerous.
And finally, in small print at the bottom of the screen, it says "diet and exercise recommended". So, what they are saying their pill is most effective when one is engaging in healthy eating and exercise, which people should be doing anyway. It is a well known and proven fact that healthy weight loss is next to impossible without diet and life style changes.
So, the bottom line:
If you are eating healthy diet and exercising properly, you will lose at least half a pound of fat a week anyway, and "said diet pill" is a modern day snake oil, as many fad diets are, and the only weight it will legitimately help you lose is in your wallet.
Michael
Staff of Life Nutrition Consulting Inc.
The clinical study performed at a university they are referring to has determined that the pill helped the participants lose an average of 3.86 pounds over the course of the 8-week study. This translates into less than 4 pounds in 8 weeks, or, half a pound per week, of weight loss.
Let me repeat that: ONE HALF OF ONE POUND PER WEEK
What does this tell us? It tells us several important things:
#1 Taking this pill over the course of a full year, or perhaps about 50 weeks or so, will result in the loss of about 25lbs. and this is the case if and only if the pill is taken under consistently ideal circumstances, i.e. you don’t have any health complications or sicknesses, you don’t overeat on the holidays, you are exercising and following a diet, you do not have food allergies or Candida overgrowth, and so on...25 lbs of weight loss from a so called "miracle" fat loss pill over the course of a year…Hmmmmm
#2 It also tells us that the so called university study accepts that significant weight loss is half a pound per week. One half a pound of weight loss per week is not significant; it is considered normal weight loss for anyone who is embarking on a healthy eating and proper fitness lifestyle. The advertisement seems to attempt to “mislead” the consumer by fabricating and exaggerating very mundane facts about weight loss.
#3 It clearly proves that there is no pill or snake oil that will cause you to lose 10 lbs in ten days or anything like that. The commercial also says that "75% of the weight lost was body fat". No, really? Under normal circumstances, the human body can only shed half a pound to one and a half pounds of fat per week. The exception would be under circumstances of extreme famine, starvation, or illness.
#4 So if 75% of the weight lost was fat, then the rest would most likely be water. This additional weight, which can fluctuate as much as 4 lbs per day, is water. When you go on a diet and lose something like 5 lbs in a week, I figure that at least 3 pounds (conservatively speaking) is water. If this is in fact the case, than this product acts as a diuretic and purges the body of its water stores. This can actually lead to more water retention in the long run. The immediate effect of dehydration alone makes this pill potentially dangerous.
And finally, in small print at the bottom of the screen, it says "diet and exercise recommended". So, what they are saying their pill is most effective when one is engaging in healthy eating and exercise, which people should be doing anyway. It is a well known and proven fact that healthy weight loss is next to impossible without diet and life style changes.
So, the bottom line:
If you are eating healthy diet and exercising properly, you will lose at least half a pound of fat a week anyway, and "said diet pill" is a modern day snake oil, as many fad diets are, and the only weight it will legitimately help you lose is in your wallet.
Michael
Staff of Life Nutrition Consulting Inc.
Client Testimonial: Non-Immune Mediated Food Intolerences
Here is a great client testimonial outlining some positive results while working with Michael in a consultation program.
One of the main focal points of this clients program was "non-immune mediated food intolerences", which will be addressed in another posting in the near future.
Dear Staff of Life Nutrition Consulting,
"Prior to working with Michael I was at the point in my life were I was looking for some solution that didn’t involve any more medications from the medical profession that were making me even more unwell. It was at this point that Michael was hosting a lecture where I was taking yoga classes. Although I was unable to attend the lecture I did make an appointment with him to discuss my treatment. Our first meeting put me at ease because I believed that I finally found someone who could help me deal more effectively with my anxiety. He outlined his program to me in a very organized manner and more importantly I truly believed that he would help me in a way that no doctor or psychiatrist could. I have always been a believer that proper eating and lifestyle changes can heal ones body as well as the mind and during the course of my treatment that theory was proven.
During our second meeting Michael took a blood test in order to determine if I had any food allergies which might be the cause of my anxiety. However, the test was negative and this presented him with more challenges because it wasn’t the simple elimination of certain foods which would relieve the anxiety but something more complex. Michael then proceeded to introduce me to the morning routine which I perform faithfully every morning. This routine involves drinking 2 cups of water upon waking up followed by deep belly breathing and some stretching and yoga postures. This routine has been so helpful in calming me down in the morning and the rest of my day reflects that.
Another issue that was plaguing me was difficulty sleeping. I would very often be unable to fall asleep during the night or wake up several times during the night with heart palpitations. This more than anything else was such a torture for me because it was a self-perpetuating cycle. The insomnia would sometimes be the cause of more anxiety and the anxiety would be the cause of many more sleepless nights. In response to this Michael introduced me to something called night shades. Night shades are foods that grow at night and include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Since it was determined that I was eating these foods regularly Michael instructed me to eat these foods no more than once a week since they might be affecting my sleep. He also instructed me to eat grains in the evening (especially millet) because they are high in the B vitamins and could help me sleep more soundly.
By incorporating these changes into my diet and performing the morning routine daily I have slowly been able to conquer the anxiety which use to rule my life. It is so empowering to say that I have finally found a solution that I can follow for the rest of my life and know that it is healing to my body and not destructive. It is such a blessing and I am so thankful to Michael for his support and instruction during those difficult months. My message to anyone is to not give up hope because a solution is there you just have to reach out and grab it. In the end this is your life and only you can help yourself.
Today I still keep in touch with Michael even though my treatment has come to an end. He is such a fountain of knowledge and it is always interesting to participate in his cooking classes or lectures. I am always learning something new about food and how it can affect my body and mind."
Sincerely,
L.B.
One of the main focal points of this clients program was "non-immune mediated food intolerences", which will be addressed in another posting in the near future.
Dear Staff of Life Nutrition Consulting,
"Prior to working with Michael I was at the point in my life were I was looking for some solution that didn’t involve any more medications from the medical profession that were making me even more unwell. It was at this point that Michael was hosting a lecture where I was taking yoga classes. Although I was unable to attend the lecture I did make an appointment with him to discuss my treatment. Our first meeting put me at ease because I believed that I finally found someone who could help me deal more effectively with my anxiety. He outlined his program to me in a very organized manner and more importantly I truly believed that he would help me in a way that no doctor or psychiatrist could. I have always been a believer that proper eating and lifestyle changes can heal ones body as well as the mind and during the course of my treatment that theory was proven.
During our second meeting Michael took a blood test in order to determine if I had any food allergies which might be the cause of my anxiety. However, the test was negative and this presented him with more challenges because it wasn’t the simple elimination of certain foods which would relieve the anxiety but something more complex. Michael then proceeded to introduce me to the morning routine which I perform faithfully every morning. This routine involves drinking 2 cups of water upon waking up followed by deep belly breathing and some stretching and yoga postures. This routine has been so helpful in calming me down in the morning and the rest of my day reflects that.
Another issue that was plaguing me was difficulty sleeping. I would very often be unable to fall asleep during the night or wake up several times during the night with heart palpitations. This more than anything else was such a torture for me because it was a self-perpetuating cycle. The insomnia would sometimes be the cause of more anxiety and the anxiety would be the cause of many more sleepless nights. In response to this Michael introduced me to something called night shades. Night shades are foods that grow at night and include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Since it was determined that I was eating these foods regularly Michael instructed me to eat these foods no more than once a week since they might be affecting my sleep. He also instructed me to eat grains in the evening (especially millet) because they are high in the B vitamins and could help me sleep more soundly.
By incorporating these changes into my diet and performing the morning routine daily I have slowly been able to conquer the anxiety which use to rule my life. It is so empowering to say that I have finally found a solution that I can follow for the rest of my life and know that it is healing to my body and not destructive. It is such a blessing and I am so thankful to Michael for his support and instruction during those difficult months. My message to anyone is to not give up hope because a solution is there you just have to reach out and grab it. In the end this is your life and only you can help yourself.
Today I still keep in touch with Michael even though my treatment has come to an end. He is such a fountain of knowledge and it is always interesting to participate in his cooking classes or lectures. I am always learning something new about food and how it can affect my body and mind."
Sincerely,
L.B.
3/12/09
Candida Infection: The Bane of Vibrant Health, Part 1: Primary vs. Chronic or “Hidden” Infections
Candida Infection: The Bane of Vibrant Health
Candida is a yeast that is a naturally occurring organism and I present in the digestive system and also the mouth. Under normal circumstances, this yeast is harmless and even beneficial to human health. However, in times of disease, stress, or illness, Candida can grow out of control and actually become pathogenic, potentially causing a variety of health problems in the host.
This is the first of a Multi-Part article explaining Candida Albicans and the effects of Candida overgrowth. This article is based on empirical evidence, clinical experiences, professional interviews, and academic research I have conducted on Candida over the past 6 years of professional practice.
Part 1: Primary vs. Recurring or “Hidden” Infections
A primary infection is a colonization of an organism that has become pathogenic, meaning, one that presents noticeable symptoms. The word "primary" denotes a "new" or current infection that the immune system is fighting, primarily. It is a "high priority" immune situation where much of the immune system's resources are devoted to fighting the pathogen, just like if someone would have a more commonly known infection, like respiratory infections, strep throat, a wound, etc... In this case, however, Candida Albicans is the primary pathogen causing the infection.
Candida, under normal circumstances, is a harmless part of the bacterial and micro organism ecosystem of the digestive system. But in cases of immune-suppression and a porous gut, Candida can grow out of control and leach into the blood, and possibly infest vulnerable parts of the body, namely the brain, nervous system, and in many cases, the joints. Sometimes, the yeast can grow out of control and actually eat through the protective mucosal lining and then leach out to the blood, in turn infesting vital areas of the body. These are just some of the many ways that this opportunistic organism can create havoc in the body.
One of the most immune-suppressive things is stress of a biological and/or psychological nature. A high stress environment can crush the immune system and actually create a high-risk environment for this yeast to grow out of control. One of the reasons is that stress reduces the amount of oxygen the body receives (hence creating a highly acidic environment due to the slight shift in the amount of CO2 in the body...even a slight shift can create an imbalance in body PH). Yeast reproduces in a low-oxygen, moist environment that has exposure to sugar, which is what the yeast uses for food. Just think about when you would bake bread from scratch; moisture from the water mixes with the dough, which traps the yeast already present in the flour, and oxygen is shut out. The yeast feeds off the sugars from the flour, and reproduces. The byproduct of yeast reproduction, Carbon Dioxide, is what causes the dough to rise. The same thing happens in the body when yeast is exposed to the same environmental conditions. The yeast "rises" in localized areas of the body, which is one of the ways that Candida can cause inflammation or exacerbate inflammation. This is how Candida can very well be connected to inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Also, if the yeast is present in tissue, then it is possible that the immune system can attack the yeast overgrowth and damage tissue collaterally.
So a primary infection would be an infection that presents noticeable symptoms, like redness, swelling, heat, swelling, pain, or any other symptom. It is an infection that is happening right now, or has just happened recently. A recurring infection is an infection that at one point was a primary infection, which utilized antibodies such as the IgM antibody, but now the IgG antibody takes over. A recurring infection can present symptoms, but also can be what is called an "occult infection" which is an infection that is present, but it does not display any noticeable symptoms, hence the word "occult", which means "hidden".
Coming Soon:
More on "Hidden" Infections
The Effects of IgG, IgA, And IgM Antibodies In Candida Infestations
Testing For Candida: Is There Such A Thing?
Causes of Candida Overgrowth: The Food Allergy-Candida Connection, Antibiotics
Treating Candida Infestations: Food, Supplements, and Medical Approaches
Selected sources:
Healing With Whole Foods Intensive @ the Heartwood Institute
Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Healing Arts and Modern Traditions by Paul Pitchford
UsBiotek.com
Hidden Food Allergies by James Braly and Patrick Holford
Candida is a yeast that is a naturally occurring organism and I present in the digestive system and also the mouth. Under normal circumstances, this yeast is harmless and even beneficial to human health. However, in times of disease, stress, or illness, Candida can grow out of control and actually become pathogenic, potentially causing a variety of health problems in the host.
This is the first of a Multi-Part article explaining Candida Albicans and the effects of Candida overgrowth. This article is based on empirical evidence, clinical experiences, professional interviews, and academic research I have conducted on Candida over the past 6 years of professional practice.
Part 1: Primary vs. Recurring or “Hidden” Infections
A primary infection is a colonization of an organism that has become pathogenic, meaning, one that presents noticeable symptoms. The word "primary" denotes a "new" or current infection that the immune system is fighting, primarily. It is a "high priority" immune situation where much of the immune system's resources are devoted to fighting the pathogen, just like if someone would have a more commonly known infection, like respiratory infections, strep throat, a wound, etc... In this case, however, Candida Albicans is the primary pathogen causing the infection.
Candida, under normal circumstances, is a harmless part of the bacterial and micro organism ecosystem of the digestive system. But in cases of immune-suppression and a porous gut, Candida can grow out of control and leach into the blood, and possibly infest vulnerable parts of the body, namely the brain, nervous system, and in many cases, the joints. Sometimes, the yeast can grow out of control and actually eat through the protective mucosal lining and then leach out to the blood, in turn infesting vital areas of the body. These are just some of the many ways that this opportunistic organism can create havoc in the body.
One of the most immune-suppressive things is stress of a biological and/or psychological nature. A high stress environment can crush the immune system and actually create a high-risk environment for this yeast to grow out of control. One of the reasons is that stress reduces the amount of oxygen the body receives (hence creating a highly acidic environment due to the slight shift in the amount of CO2 in the body...even a slight shift can create an imbalance in body PH). Yeast reproduces in a low-oxygen, moist environment that has exposure to sugar, which is what the yeast uses for food. Just think about when you would bake bread from scratch; moisture from the water mixes with the dough, which traps the yeast already present in the flour, and oxygen is shut out. The yeast feeds off the sugars from the flour, and reproduces. The byproduct of yeast reproduction, Carbon Dioxide, is what causes the dough to rise. The same thing happens in the body when yeast is exposed to the same environmental conditions. The yeast "rises" in localized areas of the body, which is one of the ways that Candida can cause inflammation or exacerbate inflammation. This is how Candida can very well be connected to inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Also, if the yeast is present in tissue, then it is possible that the immune system can attack the yeast overgrowth and damage tissue collaterally.
So a primary infection would be an infection that presents noticeable symptoms, like redness, swelling, heat, swelling, pain, or any other symptom. It is an infection that is happening right now, or has just happened recently. A recurring infection is an infection that at one point was a primary infection, which utilized antibodies such as the IgM antibody, but now the IgG antibody takes over. A recurring infection can present symptoms, but also can be what is called an "occult infection" which is an infection that is present, but it does not display any noticeable symptoms, hence the word "occult", which means "hidden".
Coming Soon:
More on "Hidden" Infections
The Effects of IgG, IgA, And IgM Antibodies In Candida Infestations
Testing For Candida: Is There Such A Thing?
Causes of Candida Overgrowth: The Food Allergy-Candida Connection, Antibiotics
Treating Candida Infestations: Food, Supplements, and Medical Approaches
Selected sources:
Healing With Whole Foods Intensive @ the Heartwood Institute
Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Healing Arts and Modern Traditions by Paul Pitchford
UsBiotek.com
Hidden Food Allergies by James Braly and Patrick Holford
Eco-stravagance
Eco-stravagant.
That's my new word of the day. It means going "green" by spending ridiculously large sums of money, basically making it impossible for lower income people to follow the same path.
The entire green movement is looking more and more like a "chic new fad that's hip and trendy" for the socialites to one-up one another at each organic coffee clique event. Do those fancy re-usable bags need to be $4 each? Will someone making $30k a year with less than perfect credit be able to afford a Hybrid, say, made by Lexus? The Green roof ...have you seen the price on that? And who can afford clothing made from organic fibers? AND have you seen the prices for "living" foods? How can you "live" when your food costs so MUCH??
And can someone explain to me why there are NO health food stores in lower-income neighborhoods? Why are there are no "Government Programs” to teach people living in those towns about the so-called "green living"? How come these diet Gurus who talk about "healthy eating" never, ever address affordability and "true" sustainability? (True Sustainability is the ability to financially maintain or “sustain” a healthy lifestyle)
It kinda turns my stomach when simple, practical things like recycling, eating organic "peasant foods", and conserving resources become fads as part of some "movement" that is essentially relegated to the "wealthy". It's funny, because years ago, whole foods like brown rice and whole grains were considered "peasant foods" and "unsophisticated" and where shunned by the upper-class for processed foods like white rice and white flour products. The peasant classes grew brown rice and ate it, but couldn't afford the refined stuff...and they lived longer, healthier lives than their rich counter parts....
NOW....brown rice is featured in fancy, expensive restaurants while white rice is sold at Pathmark for $.49 a pound and brown rice is nowhere to be found. Do you see a problem here? How come brown rice and millet and wheat grass juice and all of the "green" accoutrements are not available to those who don't make a ton of money?
Even organic "co-ops" are not cheap, and many require a membership fee of some sort. It actually makes me sick how I hear every day about "racism" in America, and yet, the entire green movement is the epitome of racism and class discrimination. Just go into the East Bay region [of San Francisco] and you'll see what I am talking about; Healthy restaurants and health food stores in "Limousine Liberal" towns and not a single mention of the sort in the "poor" regions. There is NO REASON for this, and I'd love to see one of those "greenies" actually put their money where their mouth is and truly help those who need the education about this stuff.
Michael
Staff of Life Nutrition Consulting Inc.
That's my new word of the day. It means going "green" by spending ridiculously large sums of money, basically making it impossible for lower income people to follow the same path.
The entire green movement is looking more and more like a "chic new fad that's hip and trendy" for the socialites to one-up one another at each organic coffee clique event. Do those fancy re-usable bags need to be $4 each? Will someone making $30k a year with less than perfect credit be able to afford a Hybrid, say, made by Lexus? The Green roof ...have you seen the price on that? And who can afford clothing made from organic fibers? AND have you seen the prices for "living" foods? How can you "live" when your food costs so MUCH??
And can someone explain to me why there are NO health food stores in lower-income neighborhoods? Why are there are no "Government Programs” to teach people living in those towns about the so-called "green living"? How come these diet Gurus who talk about "healthy eating" never, ever address affordability and "true" sustainability? (True Sustainability is the ability to financially maintain or “sustain” a healthy lifestyle)
It kinda turns my stomach when simple, practical things like recycling, eating organic "peasant foods", and conserving resources become fads as part of some "movement" that is essentially relegated to the "wealthy". It's funny, because years ago, whole foods like brown rice and whole grains were considered "peasant foods" and "unsophisticated" and where shunned by the upper-class for processed foods like white rice and white flour products. The peasant classes grew brown rice and ate it, but couldn't afford the refined stuff...and they lived longer, healthier lives than their rich counter parts....
NOW....brown rice is featured in fancy, expensive restaurants while white rice is sold at Pathmark for $.49 a pound and brown rice is nowhere to be found. Do you see a problem here? How come brown rice and millet and wheat grass juice and all of the "green" accoutrements are not available to those who don't make a ton of money?
Even organic "co-ops" are not cheap, and many require a membership fee of some sort. It actually makes me sick how I hear every day about "racism" in America, and yet, the entire green movement is the epitome of racism and class discrimination. Just go into the East Bay region [of San Francisco] and you'll see what I am talking about; Healthy restaurants and health food stores in "Limousine Liberal" towns and not a single mention of the sort in the "poor" regions. There is NO REASON for this, and I'd love to see one of those "greenies" actually put their money where their mouth is and truly help those who need the education about this stuff.
Michael
Staff of Life Nutrition Consulting Inc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
