How much control do you take of your child’s screen / TV / Text time?

I watched the “Weight of the Nation” yesterday
View on YouTube here: Weight of the Nation

I heard concerned parents of overweight children complaining about the amount of time they spent online, and how having screen time stopped them doing exercise:

  • Facebooking with their friends, rather than spending real time with people.
  • Playing online games or ‘Playstation’ or Wii, rather than sports or playing outside
  • Watching TV (often with a TV in their own bedroom) in the evening until they felt like going to sleep.

According to research in this Daily Mail article British children now spend an average of one hour and 50 minutes online and two hours 40 minutes in front of the television every day.

That’s 4 hours in front of a screen each day.

And from the Telegraph “Teenagers spend an average of 31 hours a week online and nearly two hours a week looking at pornography, according to a study.”

Added to that, teenagers often stay awake at night receiving and sending texts, so they end up lacking sleep Texting teenagers who stay ‘on call’ all night pay the price in lost sleep The authors note “A National Sleep Foundation study released this month found that almost one in five teens ages 13-18 are awakened by a phone call, text message, or e-mail at least a few nights a week.”

I don’t know about you – but I find it alarming that children are actually allowed to spend this much time online, or watching TV and texting friends all night. I find it crazy that parents act as if they have no say in the matter. (Who’s in charge again?)

I’m a mother, I have teenagers, I have a say. We do – we all do – and we should for the sake of our children’s health and well-being.

What we do in our house:

We have 2 teens, a just turned 16 daughter and an almost 14 year old son.

No my teenagers are not quiet, introvert, compliant children like I was. They are outgoing, feisty, strong willed, loud, and not scared to speak their minds, or try to shout us down.

Still – we have rules, and we stick rigidly to them. They work.

TV: No TV during the week – that is NO TV Monday – Thursday night. When we first instituted this rule (after noting the research that the more kids watched TV the less likely they were to achieve in tertiary education academically) there was a fuss. But they got used to it. Their behavior improved markedly – I mean a lot – without American sitcoms, the smart mouthed disrespectful talk reduced hugely. Friday, Saturday and Sunday – NO TV before 5.00pm. None after dinner. No TV on Sunday until homework is finished.

Oh and we have just one TV, it’s in the lounge, the kids have to agree to watch the same thing without arguing, they have to learn to work it out and compromise. Hubby and I get to kick them off if we want, not that we do, we tend to just watch one hour a night, despite or maybe because of the fact hubby makes TV for a living.

Computer time: We have one fun computer for the children, it’s set up with KidsWatch. 45 minutes per day during the week, and 1 hour in the weekend. They have to fit their Facebooking, Tumblr and online games into that slot. Do they get extra? – sometimes, depends if homework is done and behaviour is good.

School holidays: They get TV and computer as though it was always a weekend, i.e an hour a day of computer and TV after 5 pm.

Homework: We have a homework computer, set up in my husband’s home office, they get to use that as needed, Facebook is blocked using KidsWatch. The sites they visit can be tracked.

Cellphones: Both kids have their own phone, the phones are not allowed in their bedrooms at night, the sound goes off and they stay in the kitchen. We have strict cellphone etiquette, no phones at the dinner table (for anyone – includes parents). No texting at extended family gatherings, parties or dinners out. Oh and they have to pay for their own texts.

Dinner time: We have dinner together, every night at the dinner table. We talk and laugh, sometimes the kids argue. It’s cool. Some of our childrens’ friends find it very unusual to have a sit down dinner. It is sad that it’s often not the norm. My children cook dinner about once every 2 weeks. They have to make it gluten free.

Children that eat dinner as a family have many academic, social and psychological advantages over those who don’t.

http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/cff/documents/promoting_meals/spellsuccessfactsheet.pdf

Activity: Fortunately our children like to be physically active, however I’m aware that physical activity often gets dropped by busy teens. We have made it a rule that our children play a sport all year round. My son loves tennis, he plays that all year, plus soccer in the winter. My daughter is soccer mad and plays for 3 teams. Even if they were not crazy about sport – they would still have to do it.

Other activities – Games: due to the fact that they don’t have much screen time, they have been introduced to old fashioned games like chess, drafts, monopoly. My dyslexic computer crazy son has found that he is good at chess, at 13 and first year in high school he joined the chess club, and is so far unbeaten. He goes to chess club once a week and plays games with other chess nuts.

Discipline: Use leverage. What do our kids love most? Computer and TV time. What gets taken away for bad behaviour? Yes – TV and fun computer time. With KidsWatch, it is easy to stop access. Okay if it’s minor they just get sent to their room, it’s not always TV or computer, but it’s great leverage if we need it.

Do our kids complain? Actually no, it’s just the way it is in our house.

Where do you stand? Do you control your kids online time?

 

 

 

Posted in Brain health, Sleep, Sports | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Beautiful Art from Animal Guts – Jude Graveson

I live in a pretty cool neighbourhood, there are cute  cafes with great coffee, organic whole food shops, and a butcher with award winning gluten free sausages and bacon. It also has a beautiful park with a lake, a zoo, and a fair few creative people.

One of those is artist is Jude Graveson who has recently been using cast off pieces of animal intestines to construct exquisite pieces of art.

Felt hat from stomach.

Intestines, spread out dried and made into a piece of clothing.

Stomachs (tripe)

And here is a video showing the construction process:

Here is a link to the video 3 news Guts into Art, One Artists bizarre formula

 

 

Posted in Art, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Why I won’t be buying Arnotts Tim Tams to support Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition

This just makes me mad!

In our local supermarket, there is a display – a large pallet of Tim Tams, begging to be bought. Actually Arnotts are begging us to buy a packet and if you do, 20cents goes to Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition. I pulled this screen shot off http://www.breastcancer.org.nz

Why is this so wrong?

I doubt whether Arnotts New Zealand have the slightest bit of interest in reducing Breast Cancer. If they did they wouldn’t be selling a product which does ZERO to decrease the risk of breast cancer, and in fact it is more likely to increase your risk.

Arnotts have made it a mission to target women to buy Tim Tams – just look at this advert: Watch it on You Tube here.

Arnotts are interested purely in using this opportunity to make more money out of their target market. They are trying to make us think we are helping other women if we buy a packet of their sweet poison.

Here are the ingredients of  Tim Tams:

Milk chocolate (38%)(sugar, milk solids, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, emulsifiers (e322: soy, e476), flavouring), wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, golden syrup, colours (e102, e110, e129, e133, e150), milk solids, cocoa, salt, raising agent(e500), emulsifier (e322: soy) and flavouring.

Main ingredients? Sugar, highly refined wheat flour, vegetable oil, plus a good number of additives.

Nutrient content – low

Breast Cancer protective nutrients – non existant

What foods are highly correlated with breast cancer? Yep – high glycemic index carbohydrates High glycemic diet and breast cancer occurrence

If Arnotts really wanted to reduce breast cancer risk in women they would take Tim Tams and all their other high glycemic, nutrient deficient, refined grain plus vegetable oil,  additive enriched products off the market.

 

 

Posted in Cancer | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Your BMI – is it fat or muscle? Surprising pictures – your weight has little to do with your body fat

Here is a compilation of body images to (hopefully) shock you into exercising, especially if you are older. And – if you already are, give yourself pat on the back.

Did you know that after the age of 30 – you lose 250 grams per year of muscle and gain 500 grams of fat? (reference)

Point 1: Weight on the scale does not indicate a healthy body fat.

I love this image from Jason Seib‘s post on his client Deb’s transformation. Deb stayed the same weight, but leaned out considerably. And is now impressively strong.

  • Waist went from 32.75 inches to 30 inches.
  • Chest went from 39.75 inches to 37.25 inches.
  • Hips went from 36 inches to 34 inches.
  • Upper arm went from 11.25 inches to 10.75 inches.

From CrossFit Revelation

This woman is 9 bls (4kg) heavier – yet looks leaner, especially in the abdomen

5 pounds of fat takes up THREE TIMES as much space as 5 pounds of muscle. If you’re shedding fat and gaining muscle your weight might not change but your clothes will fit better and you’ll look trim and fit.

Taking a look on the inside – DXA scan

A DXA (DeXA) scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)  is a low dose x-ray known as DXA, to determine percent fat. DXA can be used to estimate bone density, lean mass and fat mass.

Here is a cool colour pic of a DXA scan (link) – you can distinguish fat from muscle and bone.

From this article:  BMI scale not accurate measure for obesity

2 men – exactly the same BMI (What is BMI? – it is a ratio of weight to height, it does not tell you if that weight is healthy muscle, or unhealthy fat) DXA images below are of two adults with the same BMI. While their weight and height may be similar, resulting in the same BMI, the person on the right has twice as much body fat as the person on the left. DXA images allow doctors to analyse bone density, lean mass and fat mass.

Man on left:
Muscle Mass 88.7 kg
Fat Mass 13.8 kg
Bone Mass 3.8 kg
Body Fat 13%
Total Weight 106.3 kg
Height 1.83 m

Man on right:
Muscle Mass 69.5 kg
Fat Mass 25.8 kg
Bone Mass 2.8 kg
Body Fat 26.3%
Total weight 98.1 kg
Height 1.76 m

Many top athletes for example some of our (New Zealand’s) rugby players (yes we did win the world cup) would measure obese according to their BMI. For example Sonny Bill Williams has a BMI of 29 – bordering on obese (height 6’4″, weight 238lbs)

Want more eye-candy? – check out this video: Sonny Bill Williams removes his shirt

And now for an amazing cross section of a leg: an aging triathlete, compared to a couch potato. A graphic illustration of the importance of keeping active – particularly strength exercise to maintain muscle mass

The Incredible un-aging athlete from this study Chronic Exercise Preserves Lean Muscle Mass in Masters Athletes

And here is a rather sobering view of  the inside if you are very overweight

Crushed lungs, strained joints and a swollen heart – the extraordinary scans that reveal what being fat does to you

Take home message – keep up with your weight resistant exercise and eat real food

Links to read:

Lifelong Exercise and Strength Training in Older Adults

Exercise only preserves the muscles you actually use

Exercise dosing to retain resistance training adaptations in young and older adults

Seniors can still bulk up on muscle by pressing iron

Sarcopenic obesity: strategies for management.

http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2011/06/bones.html (the importance of weight resistant exercise for strong bones, ignore the diet advice)

 

 

Posted in aging, Body mass index | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Paleo diet carbohydrate list and carb counter

One recurring theme in the paleo world is carbohydrate confusion. Should I eat carbohydrates if I want to lose weight, and if so how much?

There are a couple of contributing factors to this confusion:

1. The paleo diet has become viewed as a low carbohydrate diet.

This stems from the work done by Cordain, Eaton and others whose research found that the majority of paleo and hunter gatherer diets are lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fat than today’s diet. However it needs to be noted (again) that this may be because of the dietary availability of carbohydrates, and the higher availability of protein sources. The Kitavan diet is a widely used example of a high carbohydrate paleo diet. Kitavan people are lean and healthy.

2. Very low carbohydrate diets are widely promoted for weight loss, and the low carbohydrate trend has become entwined with paleo eating. We are taught / or under the impression by very low carbohydrate advocates that any amount of carbohydrate which causes even the slightest rise in blood sugar, will raise insulin, and will cause us to turn carbs into fat and store it.

A diet high in refined carbohydrate diets is not healthy – especially the standard western diet, where carbohydrates are eaten far in excess of requirements. The sources of carbohydrates are mostly from grains and sugar / fructose, all of which contribute to health issues. As a result of our highly disordered eating – we are eating crappy carbohydrates in obscene amounts that are contributing to metabolic disease, inflammation, overeating and obesity – we’ve put most of the blame on carbohydrates, and consequently we’ve made all carbohydrates baddies. (Let’s not forget that there are many contributors to our poor health not just excess poor quality carbs)

I’m of the opinion that most people do not need to eat a very low carb diet. Most feel better on a moderate carb diet, which is still a lot lower in carbs than the standard western diet, and more importantly if you eat a paleo diet, you will be cutting out the damaging carbohydrates. Quality carbohydrates eaten in the context of a paleo diet will be less that the standard diet. I’ve been working with a moderate carb diet for years – people still lose weight easily.

How much carbohydrate do you need to feel / perform your best?

I like the work of Paul and Shou-Ching Jaminet, who recommend about 400 grams of carb calories per day (about 100 grams net carbs) and Barry Sears, who recommends approx 1 – 1.5 grams carbs per lb lean body mass / day. I’ve worked with hundreds of people, and in my observation most people feel best at around these amounts, they have good energy, sleep well, have good appetite control and lose weight, and don’t get any of the long-term problems that many people report on very low carb diets (less than 50 grams carbs / day)

I’ll leave it up to you to experiment on what works best for you. But I’d recommend no less than 80 grams day, and for most somewhere between 100 – 200 grams per day. If you are smaller, more sedentary, and prone to an apple shape, around the 80 -100 mark. The bigger you are, the more exercise you do, eat more. If you are lean, or tend to a pear shape – you will probably feel better with more – i.e 150 grams day or over.

To make it easy for you to get enough paleo carbs – I’ve done some charts with carb counts.

All portion sizes are approximately 10 grams net carbs. Easy.

Of course you don’t need to count carbs, but in my observation, many in the paleo world do not eat enough carbs. This is because they eat lots of volume of vegetables, but not enough of the carbohydrate containing ones.

I’ve used cup measurements as portion sizes, you can easily translate this to a volume that you can ‘eyeball’

1/4 cup = golf ball

1/2 cup = 1/2 large apple, or 1 large kiwifruit

1 cup = a large apple, or 1 small fist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Carbohydrates, Paleo diet | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Beef and butter, a bad combination for your heart?

In this interesting study – beef was eaten with either saturated fat from dairy or monounsaturated fat, in the context of a low carb diet. Blood lipids were measured to see what difference the fat type made.

In nutrition studies we used to hear all about saturated fat, and the positive effect of low saturated fat diets on cholesterol levels. Times are a-changing. There are a growing number of researchers who are looking beyond total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). It is increasingly recognised that LDL by itself is a poor predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There are many people who get heart attacks who have normal LDL.

The focus for these researchers is on atherogenic dyslipidemia. What is this – you are probably asking? Atherogenic – ” Refers to the ability to initiate or accelerate atherogenesis—the deposition of atheromas, lipids, and calcium in the arterial lumen” or simply – clogging your arteries.  Dyslipidemia – an abnormal cholesterol profile. Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a cholesterol pattern that leads to atherosclerosis. It is characterised by a particular triad: elevated triglycerides (TG), reduced High density lipoprotein (HDL) often called ‘good cholesterol’, and increased levels of small LDL particles.

LDL is made in different sizes. LDL is a transporter of fats (triglycerides and cholesterol) in the blood stream. Small dense LDL particles carry less lipids. The small size leads to a number of problems which are thought to contribute to atherosclerosis. They are more susceptible to oxidation and are pro-inflammatory to vascular endothelium. They bind more tightly to arterial proteoglycans and penetrate into the arterial wall more easily. They also have a lower affinity for the LDL receptor than larger LDL. As a result they stay longer in circulation, which gives them more potential to oxidse and increase atherosclerotic damage.

LDL normally binds to the LDL receptors on the cell surface, and then gets taken onto cells, so removing the LDL from the bloodstream. Here is a diagram of the LDL being taken inside a cell, the LDL particle is broken down into cholesterol and amino acids.

Confused? Here is a great little animated clip of an LDL particle connecting with an LDL receptor and being taken into a cell. LDL Receptor pathway

Anyhow – back to the influence of diet on LDL particle size. A number of studies show that the best way to influence this antherogenic triad is a reduced carbohydrate diet. This is so even if the diet is high in saturated fat. This 6 week study [Limited Effect of Dietary Saturated Fat on Plasma Saturated Fat] compared two low carbohydrate diets, one high in unsaturated fat, and one in saturated fat. 12% calories as carbohydrates, 29% as protein and 57% from fat.

In both diets TG reduced: by 39%, in SFA, and 34% in UFAdiet. HDL increased by 14% in SFA and 8% in UFA. LDL increased in both 21% in SFA and 9% in UFA diet. However the HDL: LDL ratio remained almost unchanged from baseline in both. What did improve on both diets was the LDL particle size – which increased the same amount (this is good, we want large LDL).

Back to the beef study – it was done to see if beef protein influenced lipid measurements when it was eaten as part of a low carbohydrate diet. The study really compares saturated fat plus beef, with monounsaturated fat plus beef, and the resulting changes in lipids. The diet contained 31%E carbohydrates, 31%E protein, and 38%E as fat, either 8% sat fat or 15% sat fat.The participants previously ate a higher carbohydrate diet (50%E carbohydrate)

Changes in Atherogenic Dyslipidemia Induced by Carbohydrate Restriction in Men Are Dependent on Dietary Protein Source

Previous studies have shown that multiple features of atherogenic dyslipidemia are improved by replacement of dietary carbohydrate with mixed sources of protein and that these lipid and lipoprotein changes are independent of dietary saturated fat content. Because epidemiological evidence suggests that red meat intake may adversely affect cardiovascular disease risk, we tested the effects of replacing dietary carbohydrate with beef protein in the context of high- vs. low-saturated fat intake in 40 healthy men. After a 3-wk baseline diet [50% daily energy (E) as carbohydrate, 13% E as protein, 15% E as saturated fat], participants consumed for 3 wk each in a randomized crossover design two highbeef diets in which protein replaced carbohydrate (31% E as carbohydrate, 31% E as protein, with 10% E as beef protein).
The high-beef diets differed in saturated fat content (8% E vs. 15% E with exchange of saturated for monounsaturated fat). Two-week washout periods were included following the baseline diet period and between the randomized diets periods. Plasma TG concentrations were reduced after the 2 lower carbohydrate dietary periods relative to after the baseline diet period and these reductions were independent of saturated fat intake. Plasma total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol as well as apoB concentrations were lower after the low-carbohydrate, low-saturated fat diet period than after the low-carbohydrate, high-saturated fat diet period. Given our previous observations with mixed protein diets, the present findings raise the possibility that dietary protein source may modify the effects of saturated fat on atherogenic lipoproteins.

The  actual changes – very small LDL fell 10% on low SFA diet and 2% on high SFA diet. Phenotype B LDL fell only on the low SFA diet. Total LDL increased on the SFA diet and fell on the low SFA diet. Non HDL-C fell significantly on the low SFA diet: 3.42 to 2.98, and to 3.37 on the high SFA diet. (HDL fell very slighty on the low SFA diet, but not on the high SFA diet)

So what to make of this? If you are eating beef – have it with olive oil? If you are eating butter – don’t eat it with beef – choose another protein?

Perhaps this study points to why red meat (and possibly particularly beef) is linked in epidemiological studies to a greater risk of heart disease.

From the article:

Hence, the present findings suggest an interaction between saturated fat and one or more nonfat components of beef on lipoprotein metabolism. Because there is little evidence for a major role of dietary protein composition on lipoprotein metabolism, this interaction is not likely to be caused by specific amino acids within beef protein. However, saturated fat might be interacting with a micronutrient or other component that is more abundant in beef than in other food protein sources. For example, systemic iron stores have been associated with altered lipid metabolism and there is evidence that heme iron absorption is substantially increased by saturated fat and, in particular, stearic acid, which is abundant in dairy fat.

An interesting study, showing an interaction between 2 foods that was unexpected given earlier studies showing a much smaller difference in the effect of fat types on lipid profiles, in the context of a low carbohydrate diets.

 

 

Posted in cholesterol, fats and oils, meat, Paleo diet | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

The 1st Australian Paleo Weekend, May 12 – 13, 2012!

Suz in Australia has organised Down-Under’s very first Paleo weekend. I’ll be there, as will another Kiwi Paleo Nutritionist ‘That Paleo Guy’ Jamie Scott. (I’ve been to some of Jamie’s work place seminars, always very well researched, up to date information – great presentations)

This from Suz’s website http://paleo.com.au

I’m very excited to announce the first Paleo weekend in the Southern Hemisphere will be held on 12th & 13th May, 2012 on the beautiful Cockatoo Island, in Sydney Harbour.

Whether you’ve been living a Paleo lifestyle for a while, have been interested but are yet to dip your toes in – or are looking for a way to finally improve your health and fitness – this is the weekend for you!

I’ve got together some of the leading experts from this side of the World (including Jamie ScottDr Anastasia BoulaisJulianne Taylor and Dr Ron Ehrlich), to talk about all aspects of health, nutrition & fitness and to demonstrate and teach techniques to participants.  The Paleo weekend will be held on 12th & 13th of May 2012, on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour – an absolutely fantastic venue!  The weekend will be fully catered with an amazing Paleo menu.  There is also the exclusive option for a limited number of attendees to sleep on the island overnight, in pre-erected luxury tents (it doesn’t get much more Primal than that!).

Attendees will: -

·         Learn about Paleo nutrition and health
·         Have the opportunity to quiz the experts,
·         Learn through a demonstration session how to cook quick and healthy Paleo meals,
·         Learn how to get on the fast track to peak sporting performance, by opening the door to their mind
·         Learn barefoot running techniques
·         Enjoy an early morning yoga session on the harbour shore to kick start the day
·         Enjoy a social Paleo feast on the Saturday night with like-minded new friends
·         Have the unique opportunity to sleep on the island
·         Enjoy fantastic Paleo meals prepared for them
·         Enjoy a life changing weekend in a unique venue like no other!

 

The harbour view from Cockatoo Island


Sessions Include: -

Cookery Demonstration; learn how to cook quick and easy Paleo meals at home

Barefoot running technique

Early morning Yoga overlooking the harbour

Fitness techniques – learn how to improve your technique and fitness – details to be announced

Paleo Nutrition lectures – on a variety of topics to be announced soon

Paleo Health lectures – on a variety of topics to be announced soon

Learn how to achieve improved health results & how to get on the fast track to peak sporting performance, by opening the door to your mind

Ticket prices are currently on sale at an early bird discounted rate until 31st March.  

Numbers are strictly limited due to the island licensing - so book yours today to avoid missing out!

Read more about the Paleo Weekend

Hope to see you there!

 

Posted in Ancestral Health Symposium, Notices, Nutrition Seminar, Paleo diet | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sally Fallon Morell, from Weston A Price Foundation – a speaking tour in New Zealand

Sally Fallon Morell, the Author of Nourishing Traditions, is visiting New Zealand and speaking in many centres around the country, as well as talking to Kim Hill on National radio this Saturday 24th March. Not to be missed!

I’ve taken this from WAPF.org.nz

Nourishing Traditional Diets

The Key to Vibrant Health

Visiting New Zealand for the first time in 5 years, from her home in Washington DC, Sally will speak about:

  • The pioneering work of Dr. Weston A. Price
  • Healing properties of traditional soups and stock
  • Curative value of enzyme-rich and lacto-fermented foods
  • Safety and health-giving benefits of raw whole milk
  • Health-promoting benefits of saturated fats
  • Dangers of modern vegetable oils
  • Dangers of modern soy foods
  • Myths and truths about real whole foods
  • Practical steps to shift you and your family’s diet for the better
  • and more crucial info for anyone on a healing path through nutrition

 

Sally is the founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation and is the author of the best selling cookbook, Nourishing Traditions.

Yes, The truth is out there – right here in this book. We’ve had this book for many years, use it constantly, and are healthier for that reason. I highly recommend it, especially for those who wish to improve your families health. (Recent review of Nourishing Traditions on Amazon)

***

Kim Hill, Radio New Zealand

will be interviewing Sally on Saturday morning, 24th March, at 11.05 am.

***

Sally will be accompanied by her husband, New Zealand born naturopath Geoffrey Morell.

In a separate presentation, Mr Morell will be teaching his unique healing method,
the Clendinning technique. Click here for more information.

Tickets can be purchased to see just Geoffrey, just Sally or both

Link here to see the chart below in the WAP NZ website and to book tickets http://www.wapf.org.nz/

Location
Date & times Tickets available from For more info, contact:
Invercargill

Invercargill Workingmens Club, 154 Esk St

Sunday, 25 March
Geoffrey: 1 to 2.30 pm
Sally: 3 to 6pm (doors open 2.30)
Invercargill: Holistic Health, Kelvin St

Gore: Natural Health 2000

Balclutha: to come

Queenstown: to come

Sherry Eltonsherry@thecroft.net.nz

phone: 03 213 1156

Christchurch

Rudolf Steiner School Auditorium, 19 Ombersley Terrace

Tuesday, 27 March

Geoffrey: 4.30 to 6 pm

Sally: 6.30 to 9.30 pm (doors open 6pm)

Tickets and more info:Sharon Molikensharon@earthwisegourmet.com
Wellington

St Pats College, Evans Bay Parade, Kilbirnie

Thursday, 29 March

Geoffrey: 4.30 to 6 pm

Sally: 6.30 to 9.30 pm (doors open 6pm)

Bookings now open at www.iticket.co.nz
or ph 0508 484 2538

Small booking fee applies

Deb Gully & Ian Gregsonwapf2012@frot.co.nz

Click here for more details of the Wellington event

Auckland

St Cuthbert’s College, 122 Market Road, Epsom

Sunday, 1 April

Geoffrey: 11am to 12.30 pm

Sally: 1 to 4pm
(registration 12.30)

Bookings open now at www.iticket.co.nz

or ph 0508 484 2538

Small booking fee applies

 

Caroline Marshall

carolinemarshall@ihug.co.nz

Havelock North

Havelock North Community Centre, 30 Te Mata Road

Monday, 2 April

Geoffrey: 6 to 7.15pm

Sally: 7:30- 9:30 with 1/2 an hour for questions

Door sales only

Sally $25

Geoffrey $15

Kay Baxter

kay@koanga.org.nz

Hastings

Te Aranga marae, 18 Boston Cres

Tuesday, 3 April

Daytime event

Both Sally and Geoffrey will speak, with plenty of question and answer time. There will be a lunch on the marae.

Details of the program will be announced early next week.

Koha Kay Baxter

kay@koanga.org.nz

Hamilton

Clarence Street Theatre, Clarence St

Wednesday, 4 April

Geoffrey: 4.30 to 6pm

Sally: 6:30 to 9:30pm

Tickets onsale now at www.ticketek.co.nz Deborah Murtaghdeb@healthykitchen.co.nz

 Plus:

Details will differ from venue to venue, but will typically include:

WAPF membership table

Information about your local chapter

Where to find good food in your area

WAPF-friendly practitioners table

Sales of Nourishing Traditions and other books or resources

Sales of WAPF-friendly foods

Free samples of WAPF-friendly foods

Tea & coffee

WAPF membership by credit card only, everything else cash or cheque

If you have anything to contribute to the above stalls, please contact your local chapter on the emails above.

Posted in Native diets, Paleo diet | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Triathlete’s paleo diet with bone broth dramatically reduces osteoarthritis pain

Shorty on Zone Diet, Dec 2003

Alternative title: Paleo trumps Zone diet, Osteoarthritis pain reduced on grain free, nightshade free paleo diet with added bone broth.

Shorty Clark is a triathlete here in New Zealand. I met him a number of years ago when he switched from a standard high carbohydrate diet onto the Zone Diet. In 1996 Shorty was an extremely enthusiastic athlete, but at 60th in world rankings (I. T. U. World Triathlon Age Group) was far from where he wanted to be. He was introduced to the Zone Diet by his then coach Kerry Goodhew. Shorty found that the switch to the zone – moderate in carbs and higher in protein than his previous diet, gave him a huge improvement in his performance, and increased his energy levels and health. The Zone diet along with and Sears OmegaRx supplement helped him reach 15 in word rankings in less than a year.

Internationally, his best result came from winning the World Masters Standard Distance Triathlon in Melbourne, 2002, (Men’s 50 – 54 Age Group).

This – on less carbohydrate that he was eating previously.

About 2 years ago I began letting my previous “Zone diet” clients about the added benefits I got from eating paleo food choices, as well as the results I had with around 30 people who took a paleo trials.

A consistent result many reported was improvement in joint problems; pain and inflammation would often reduce quite dramatically cutting out grains. See this post – Paleo Trial results

Shorty had been getting more and more severe osteoarthritis in one hip joint, so the improvement in others piqued his interest. He talked to me about doing a rigorous paleo eating trial to specifically see if eating this way might make a difference with his joint pain which was considerable. He moved towards paleo eating, removing gluten grains, and using gluten free bread.

However things weren’t as good as he hoped and we looked at doing a more rigorous eating plan specifically to see if his joint pain could be reduced.

I suggested he remove all grains – not just gluten grains and remove nightshades (eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes) for the trial due to their possible aggravation of joint inflammation. Plus I recommended he make bone broth and drink a cup each day.  Bone broth is high in glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and minerals, which provide building blocks for cartilage. Shorty also added in a teaspoon of turmeric each day – as it is a good anti-inflammatory for joints as it contains curcumin. He continued to take a multi-vitamin and omega 3. We also made sure he had his post training refuel and during race fuel was worked out (and tweaked), so he maintained good recovery and raced well fueled.

Shorty has now come to the end of his 13 week strict grain free paleo trial – he is ecstatic with the results! Here is Shorty’s account.

Hi Julianne,

Well what a FANTASTIC 13 WEEK TRIAL IT HAS BEEN. I officially finished my Trial on Sunday 11th March 2012, after starting on Monday 12th December 2011. This gave 13 weeks overall, although technically speaking I was 98% Paleo 2 weeks prior and then was ABSOLUTELY, UNEQUIVICALLY 100% FROM THE MONDAY 12th. There was not a lot of adjustment in what I had to change in my food, the main things were , NO MORE GLUTEN FREE BREAD , OCCASIONAL DRINK OF LOW FAT MILK, MOUNTAIN BREAD WRAPS , TOMATOES, PEPPERS , CAPSICUM AND SOME OTHER CONDIMENTS .

Pain levels from my Hip were around the 6 -10 point , 10 being very very painful, trouble sleeping, training , racing , working etc. . Also from the start point in December, my training and racing was a full speed, so I was in a full on Triathlon Season. As the Trial progressed I noticed within the first 2 weeks a dramatic drop off in pain levels, down to 2- 5 max. At the half way point in the Trial, pain had dropped again to 2-3 level, and this was for training and racing. Furthermore I race from out of town , i.e. Taupo, Auckland, Whangamata, so travelling long periods of time – e.g. 4-5 hours causes pain problems, – however these were not occurring . By the time 8 weeks was up, PAIN WAS AT 1-2 max, if not, non-existent!!. It is at this period that my training and racing is at it’s most frenetic. At the 10 week stage I can CONFIDENTLY SAY THAT PAIN HAB SUBSIDE 99:9% AND WHEN IT DID OCCUR, THE LEVEL WAS 1. I finished the season with my last major race and National Championship Triathlon in Wellington on Saturday 10th march 2012. At no time did I have ANY PAIN BOTH BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER.

My sleep patterns and length of sleep periods are “blissful” now, as prior to the Trial, I really struggled to get adequate,  no pain sleep. Now, it’s no worry or problem, I can lie on any side, sleep well and enjoy it. My training and racing has improved dramatically, to the point where I won 2  New Zealand National Triathlon Titles this year – Sprint Distance of 750 -20km -5km, and Olympic Distance of 1:500km -40km -10km. It therefore is abundantly clear and obvious that cutting ALL GRAINS, GLUTEN, FLOURS, NIGHTSHADE FAMILY OF VEGGIES, PROCESSED FOODS, ADDITIVES, POOR / BAD FATS, AND  DAIRY BASED PRODUCTS PROVES THAT A PALEO DIET REDUCES AND IN FACT DELETES PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE OSTEO-ARTHRITIS OF THE HIP,  FOR ME .

There is now no way in which I would reverse back to a Zone or similar Diet. There is near adequate variety in what I eat, and how I eat to more than sustain a super healthy lifestyle.

Below is a list of the main foods I eat :

Lettuce , Grated Beetroot and Onion, Raw Carrots, Broccoli, Roasted Kumara , Pumpkin , Garlic cloves and Turnips, Cucumber, Parsley, Avocados, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil , Bone Broth, Chia seeds , Bananas, Oranges, Apples , Kiwifruit, Strawberry-Cranberry-Blackberry, Blueberry mixture, Lean shredded Chicken, Lean Lamb, Steamed Fish, Raw Egg Whites, 1 egg yolk a day, Lemon, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Rock Salt. High Grade Dr. Sears Fish Oil Tablets / or Omega RX Liquid Oil.

Shorty, Post Paelo. March 2012

Another observation I have noticed is that I ONLY REQUIRE 2 MEALS A DAY, EVEN WHEN TRAINING AND RACING. I also DO NOT NEED A BREAKFAST ON RACE DAY
MORNING. A snack of 1 or 2 Bananas, plus a Sports drink 3 hours prior to race start is fuel enough for my events. I seem to reach the satiety point easily, and then maintain an even blood Sugar Level for many, many hours, and this also, is during a heavy training session. As well, straight after racing, I do Not seem ultra hungry , or ravenous . This also occurs with heavy training sessions of 2 hours long. Normally I have “breakfast” around the 11 o’clock mark – I have usually trained for 60-90 minutes, and then do not need to eat until around 5:0pm. During this time, I usually have trained again for about the 90;00 minute period. My weight prior to the Trial was 67:5kg, and now are a consistent 66:3kg. Height is 1:73cm, and Age is 60 years. Blood Pressure is 110/70. All blood tests are excellent, and my cholesterol profile improved. HDL increased and LDL decreased. Triglycerides are very good.
That’s about it in a “nutshell” BUT THE GLARING RESULT, FROM MY VIEW AND CONDITION IS MORE THAN PLAIN” TO SEE. A MASSIVE TON OF THANKS FOR GETTING ME ON TO PALEO, FOR IT JUST MAY HAVE STOPPED AN IMPENDING HIP REPLACEMENT.

WHY WOULD ONE WANT TO CHANGE BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.I will continue to monitor myself and very slowly, each month, introduce a new food BUT ONLY ON YOUR RECOMMENDATION. Basmati Rice will be the first introduction. (Note: Shorty and I discussed adding in some foods that may not be an issue, trialling each one carefully to test that it had no detrimental effect).

It’s been GREAT to find a new “lease” in life.
THANKS.

Cheers,
Shorty CLARK

 

Posted in Osteoarthritis, Paleo diet, sports performance, Zone diet | Tagged , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Red meat increases risk of heart disease and cancer! Study critiques

I opened up my email this morning to see what new awaited my from various nutrition study feeds.

Here is what I find: RED MEAT IS GOING TO KILL ME – Yikes

From Medsape

Eating Meat Ups Risk of Cardiovascular and Cancer Mortality

March 12, 2012 (Boston, Massachusetts) — Long-term data from two large studies might have more people considering a switch to vegetarianism, with investigators reporting results showing that processed and unprocessed meat consumption is associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, as well as increased risk of death from cancer [1]. After adjustment for multiple risk factors, eating one additional serving of meat daily was associated with a 16% increase in the risk of cardiovascular mortality and a 10% increased risk of death from cancer. ….

Hmm. thats a worry. However the study article went on to note – those who ate more red meat also had increases in other risk factors, including doing less physical activity, having a higher BMI, and higher rates of smoking. Were these properly accounted for? Did they really take into account the quality of the red meat? Hamburger is unprocessed meat?? Really?

How do we know that these factors were well enough accounted for?And remember this is association – yet headlines scream (or infer) CAUSE.

So before you get acutely worried about eating steak for dinner tonight let me point you in the direction of 4 excellent critiques of the study. Each one looks at the methods of data collection and analysis, and also re-analyse the raw data. When looked at critically – the correlation is hardly conclusive.

Awesome overview of the problems with epidemiology, critique, and great links here Nutritional Epidemiology: More Harm Than Good? by Bob Kaplan

Zoe Harcombe: Red meat & mortality & the usual bad science

Denise Minger on Mark’s Daily Apple: Will Eating Red Meat Kill You?

Robb Wolf: Red Meat: Part of a Healthy Diet?

J Stanton, Gnolls.org: Always Be Skeptical Of Nutrition Headlines: Or, What “Red Meat Consumption and Mortality” (Pan et.al.) Really Tells Us

Dr Briffa:  Red Meat Kills? It’s flagrant bias that’s killing me…

 

And do though be open minded – maybe there is more of a problem with red meat for some. Excess iron? The damage caused by eating charred meat? Could red meat be higher in problem fats and other chemicals related to the way we grow it (especially in America, with grain fed cows)
But do start worrying if you drink a soda, soft drink or even glass of juice each day:

Sugary Drinks Tied to More Heart Attacks

A Soda a Day Raises CHD Risk by 20%

 

 

Posted in Cancer, Heart Disease, meat | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment