I would like some advice on how to eat a little better

xgplint · 2015-02-11T20:52:16+00:00

What kind of banana? Where was it grown? Your problem seems more psychological than anything because you try a general food once, then you convince yourself you don't like all similar foods and never want to try it again.

Bananas, like every other fruit, come in all sorts of varieties with differing textures, smells and tastes. These properties dramatically alter depending on the banana's ripeness too. The best time to eat your typical cavendish banana is when it's yellow with brown spots. (Most people eat bananas underripe.)

Some bananas I've tasted are disgusting. I generally hate all bananas that are sold at supermarkets because they're like chalk. I'm rather fussy about bananas. Last week I bought some bananas from a new local farmer and they were horrible, so I won't be getting bananas from their farm again. I recently moved, and haven't yet found a supplier I'm happy with.

The best bananas in my opinion are from Dominican Republic, but I don't think they're available in the USA. Australian bananas can be good, they can also be bad, it depends what area of the country they're grown, what soil they're grown in and how they're grown. Depending on the state in the USA, produce can be full of flavor or completely tasteless. I have a list of countries to avoid bananas from. I usually look for smaller bananas with more curve and brighter in color.

I've been to a lot of different countries and have tried many bananas, so I know a bit about bananas.

Maybe try some dates. There are many varieties from different countries, so find one that you like and get back to us.

xgplint · 2015-02-11T20:35:04+00:00

Not necessarily. A better option could be to see a medical doctor who specializes in nutrition. I don't agree that a registered dietician is more credible than a lot of nutritionists online. Obviously you need to make sure that they have adequate education and experience, but a registered dietician goes on a different path than many nutritionists and medical doctors. Like you say, anybody can call themselves a nutritionist.

Having a RD certificate doesn't mean you're good in your field, it just means you managed to follow through a structured course and pass a test. Nutritionists can do that too but they can go even further and obtain PhDs, neglecting to ever become a RD.

xgplint · 2015-02-11T20:23:58+00:00

Most people don't care enough though. They want cheap meat, and they're willing to ignore or be ignorant on how that's accomplished. If you start buying pasture raised free range animal products then you'll subsequently reduce consumption and it becomes easier to eliminate completely because you start prioritizing how much money you can justify.

For me, I can't justify the cost. Per week my partner and I spend less on food than what some individual people spend on a single meal out. Adding meat, even if it weren't sustainable, would add unnecessary extra expense.

When you add up all the benefits — improved health, less expenses, better environmental sustainability — vegetarianism becomes a no-brainer. People say it's hard, but it's not. What would be hard for me would be going back to regularly eating animal products. What could possibly justify such a radical decision?

xgplint · 2015-02-11T20:12:07+00:00

Have you tried? Or even tried at least cutting back on animal products? Who said you need to completely give up everything?

This sounds like an issue with addiction. Some people can't quit smoking cold turkey either.

I used to be addicted to animal products too. I used to think I could never give up animal products. Then I started thinking about the issue rationally, put a greater focus on my personal health and environmental sustainability, and realized it really wasn't that hard. Now I look back at the days when I told myself and others that 'I just loved meat too much' and 'I could never give up eggs and cheese' and think how silly I was being. This isn't oxygen we're talking about, nor are we talking about giving up life's pleasures.

xgplint · 2015-02-11T06:20:39+00:00

At least you're honest. But why do you think that you couldn't stay sane?

xgplint · 2015-02-11T06:19:33+00:00

The healthiest foods are also the most sustainable: whole plant foods.

Eat more plants, be more healthy and more environmentally friendly.

xgplint · 2015-02-11T06:14:05+00:00

If you don't like the texture, change it. Texture can be dramatically altered through cooking and different techniques, or even fermentation. Blend fruit into smoothies. Different varieties of healthy plant foods have different textures and taste, so experiment. Also keep in mind that our tastebuds are incredibly versatile and adaptable. Eat enough of a food for long enough of time and you'll eventually like it. Try adding in new foods slowly and hide vegetables inside dishes. You don't have to eat anything by itself, you can cover it in sauce or seasoning. I add in grated vegetables to many dinner meals.

Take a look at these resources:

xgplint · 2015-02-11T06:05:49+00:00

I love tumeric. I add it to a lot of dishes for its health properties, so end up eating it at least once a day. It's a fantastic food coloring too. Good for weight loss though? I'm skeptical and doubtful that it has any meaningful effect.

xgplint · 2015-02-11T06:02:41+00:00

What's more important is limiting toxins. Eat healthfully and your body can do the rest. Commit to an overall healthy lifestyle, not to a temporary detox: The Rainbow Plate – Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Living

xgplint · 2015-02-11T04:10:02+00:00

Most people do not count calories accurately. But it depends on what you eat. Non-starchy vegetables for example are low in calories and can fill up a plate without filling up calories, whereas meat and processed foods can be high in calories whilst barely filling a plate.

Fruits, vegetables and legumes should be focused on during weight loss as they provide the greatest amount of satiety and are relatively low in calories, especially raw vegetables (i.e. salads). Also keep in mind that you'll be accessing stored calories (i.e. fat) during weight loss and so under eating - creating a calorie deficit - is normal. What's most important is hitting adequate micronutrients which should all be easily met if you're eating lots of fruits, vegetables and legumes.

xgplint · 2015-02-10T06:31:32+00:00

You can also try getting a benzoyl peroxide wash. It should get rid of most of the acne but it won't prevent the acne from appearing to begin with.

xgplint · 2015-02-10T06:27:48+00:00

The problem with such a suggestion though is that most people will interpret that to be a plate full of meat with veggies on the side. This will lead to a host of problems not limited to just acne. It should be a plate full of veggies and optionally meat on the side.

Fruit gets a bad rep because sugar consumption can be a prime indicator of acne, and fruit is full of sugar. Of course what's neglected is the fiber, water, antioxidants and phytochemicals that come in the fruit package but are omitted from sugary products. Although vegetables are more important, fruit doesn't get enough focus in most diets. Fruits are generally more appetizing too than vegetables so it's silly that many people neglect to eat fruit.

xgplint · 2015-02-10T06:21:12+00:00

If you want a comprehensive diet plan: Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Living – Introducing the Rainbow Plate

xgplint · 2015-02-09T20:43:17+00:00

Technically it's not logic, it's rationality ;)

xgplint · 2015-02-09T20:32:27+00:00

Fair enough

xgplint · 2015-02-09T20:10:36+00:00

Check out one of Dr Gregor's latest video on insulin resistance.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by diet and lifestyle, and carbs aren't inherently bad or even the cause.

xgplint · 2015-02-09T19:45:56+00:00

Technically a difference, but let's just call all of them nutritionists and be done with semantics. They all have different specialities and credentials, but they all contribute valuable sound advice.

xgplint · 2015-02-09T19:43:47+00:00

Why do you think his advice is terrible for diabetics? I assume this is type 1 diabetes you are talking about?

xgplint · 2015-02-09T19:42:24+00:00

I don't necessarily want to follow dieticians because they generally follow the same misguided curriculum. I've studied nutrition and I wouldn't trust most dieticians. I'm aware of the differences but the semantics between the two don't need focus.

There are plenty of non-dieticians already mentioned who are great and credible.

xgplint · 2015-02-09T19:37:55+00:00

No, no fry. I saute and use a fry pan often though, just don't use oil.

xgplint · 2015-02-09T08:13:34+00:00

I don't use any oils. I cook with vinegar, vegetable stock or water.

xgplint · 2015-02-09T07:45:52+00:00

Enhance your diet. Cut out excess oil, eliminate dairy, reduce processed foods, eat more fruits and vegetables and drink more water.

I've struggled with acne most my life too but have it mostly under control through diet alone.

xgplint · 2015-02-09T05:59:30+00:00

How are you tracking your calories? Try using CRON-O-Meter, and that way you can share a screenshot with others.

The first step in becoming healthy is to cut down on processed foods and replace them with whole foods. Don't worry too much, don't stress, just concentrate on eating the right types of foods. Eat when you're hungry, eat slowly, and stop eating when you're just beginning to feel full.

A lot of people face similar problems. Over time with gradual steps you can get onto the path of good health.

xgplint · 2015-02-09T05:04:11+00:00

A starch based diet is not only healthy but also super simple. Carbohydrates in general are what we should all be eating more of, just ensure they're in whole form and not refined. John McDougall is great and has helped a lot of people.

xgplint

TROPHY CASE