Meat lovers, I haven't forgotten you!
Grab your steak sauce! Or whatever people put on steak these days!
Look, there’s no denying that there’s been lots of talk about plant-based eating here on the newsletter. Yes, I admit, I follow a vegan diet: but I would never tell you that you have to. A meat-based diet has its merits; and if you forego animal products for health, economical, religious, environmental or ethical reasons (or really, any) your choice is just as valuable. It’s all about balance. All are welcome here.
This is one of the reasons I was drawn to the Sports Nutrition program at Precision Nutrition. Unlike many of their competitors, Pn does not advocate a “one-size-fits-all” approach to eating. We may want to eat healthy, but there are cultural, lifestyle, or social factors that have a strong influence on our food choices. Which leads to our next segment…
What I’m Listening To
My involvement with Pn is what put Dr. John Berardi’s podcast on my radar. Dr. Berardi is the founder of Precision Nutrition, and now the host of the Dr. John Berardi Podcast. In this episode, which is Part 1 of a 3-part series, he entertains the age-old diet debate: Plants, or Animals?
Why I think you’ll like it: Dr. Berardi showcases two interviews with Dr. Paul Saladino and Dr. David Katz, One is pro-meat, the other pro-plants. Both make very compelling arguments, based on real science and research.
Why it might annoy you: if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll have to sit through the pro-meat discussion first. If that’s you, I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and listen to Dr. Saladino’s side of the argument. It’s pretty solid.
(It just occurred to me that the pro-meat guy is named “Saladino”. Salad-ino.)
If you’re a meat eater, you might be tempted to turn it off before we get to Dr. Katz’s pro-plant argument. If that’s you, I would ask you to sit tight and listen to Dr. Katz make his case.
If you find this series compelling, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app!
What I’m Reading
Writers who write for The Atlantic, that’s who! Amanda Mull penned this piece, the title of which nearly blew my mind: There’s No Real Reason to Eat Three Meals a Day.
HOW MANY OF US HAVE BEEN DOING THIS JUST BECAUSE WE GREW UP LIKE THIS AND SOCIETY SAID SO?
When I started intermittent fasting, I felt guilty for skipping the most holy meal of the day: breakfast. One simply doesn’t do such things! Yet, I didn’t really miss it (as long as I had coffee) and wondered if our obsession with three big meals a day was a little misguided. Unless you’re out working in the fields, in construction, in fitness, or some other physically demanding profession, you don’t need it. Furthermore, spoiler alert: skipping meals is not unhealthy (as long as it’s occasional).
Anyway, I’ll let Amanda explain. However, a disclaimer: while the author does cite information based on research and history, she mainly talks about her own experience. She is not a nutritionist, and your experience may be very different than hers. While I share this article with the intention to shed some light on our eating habits, it’s important to remember to listen to your body when it comes to food. If you’re hungry, eat! If you’re not, don’t. Both are ok.
If you are struggling with healthy eating (or not eating), seek a professional’s help. Health coaches, nutritionists, registered dietitians and even behavioral therapists can be very helpful if you have a troubled relationship to food. You don’t need to eat all the time, but when you do, it should be a positive experience. Learn more at the NEDA website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn
What I’m Watching
Cooking demos, that’s what! Check out this neat little video on How to cook a nutritionally balanced meal in one pan with Chef Jen. It features chicken, but will work just fine with tofu, beans, or the meat substitute of your choice (I would recommend adding your protein later in the process in that case, unlike the chicken).
That’s all for this week’s issue. The Highway to Health Newsletter may follow a different schedule next month, as I’ll be busy with some classes. Always be a student!
***PS: Are you a “floor sleeper”? As in, do you sleep on the floor (on purpose)? I want to hear from you! Email me @ laura.rebecca AT pm DOT me and let’s chat! I’ll be featuring a future segment (and possible podcast episode) on the subject.
Until next time—Be Well!