January 26, 2015

Megan's Fabulous Foods

It seems obvious to indulge in plump, juicy berries and crisp, fresh vegetables when the warm sun of summer is producing mounds of fresh produce. But does this ever leave you wondering what are you supposed to eat in the long cold winter months? 

I found this answer most fascinating: “The ingestion of protein into our body causes the greatest increase in heat production. The metabolism—or chemical burning—is termed "specific dynamic action," SDA. Thus, biochemists of today state that the ingestion of 100 calories of protein leads to 30 calories of extra heat over and above the basal level, or the needs of the body, which is 70. This is wasted heat, which the body tries to get rid of by doing such things as sweating, etc. Our conclusion is: The so-called 'wasted heat' would keep a human body warmer in times of cold or winter; therefore, increased consumption of protein (meat) would be desirable and useful, in cold weather.” 1

MEAT is the answer! That is great for me, because I love meat, as I think most American’s would agree. Here is my major (and this is major) stipulation when it comes to being a meat eater. EAT GRASS-FED, HUMANLY TREATED, and HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE MEAT! Not all meat is created equally. The difference between your typical store-bought meat and my requirements (above) are most assuredly the difference between stunting your wellness potential and thriving toward your wellness potential. 

There are a few obvious benefits to following these guidelines. First is simple: when you buy from them, you’re supporting farmers who treat animals humanly. Obviously, buying hormone- and antibiotic-free meat means those added chemicals aren’t increasing the toxicity in your body. The best thing, though, about eating grass-fed meat is that is contains significantly more antioxidants, vitamin E, beta-carotene, B-vitamins, minerals, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and is higher in total omega 3s. 2

Some of you may be familiar with the increased cost of eating clean grass-fed meat vs. grain-fed meat, but that grass-fed meat is more nutrient-dense than the grain-fed meat, so the reality is that you are getting more bang for your buck. “When we switch from grain-fed to grass-fed meat, then, we are simply returning to the diet of our long-ago ancestors, the diet that is most in harmony with our physiology. Every cell and every system of our bodies will function better when we eat products from animals raised on grass.” 3

1. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705385018/Science-behind-eating-meat-primarily-in-winter-cold.html?pg=all
2. http://www.eatwild.com/healthbenefits.htm

3. http://www.mercola.com/beef/health_benefits.htm