I’ve seen dogs dig up months-old bones… and start chewing on them. And… I’ve unfortunately witnessed dogs attempt to eat their own… well… Iet’s not get into that.
If you want your dog to eat better than you - check out this frozen organic yogurt.
This is a guest post from Dr Joel Fuhrman MD.
Most people never experience the healthy sensation of feeling hungry. Most of us keep eating to avoid hunger! But actually, feeling hungry is healthy. It directs your body to consume the amount of calories it requires for optimal health and ideal bodyweight.
Hunger, in the true sense of the word, indicates to us that it is time to eat again.
Instead of TRUE hunger, people experience TOXIC hunger–detoxification or withdrawal symptoms that they mistakenly consider hunger.
It’s easy to think of fat as just inert tissue - useless blubber just sitting there on our hips taking up space…way too much space. On the contrary fat is smart. It is considered by many scientists to be an organ in and of itself - a hotbed of chemical communicators and the proprietor of a prominent metabolic thermostat known as leptin.
New research out of Temple University is showing that fat in obese patients is “sick” when compared to fat in lean patients. Here are the specifics:
During a sports lesson, A short, chubby fourteen-year-old girl stares at the hurdles ahead. They look impossibly high; she’ll never be able to clear them. But the teacher is blowing his whistle impatiently, so, with classmates lining the track, she runs, jumps as hard as she can, and trips at the first hurdle. She carries on, but falls over the next, landing hard on the rough grass. Hot tears sting her eyes at the shouts of “Fatty!” and “Lard-arse!”
A shy, plump boy of thirteen sets off alongside several others at the start of the four-hundred meters track. Arms and legs pumping furiously, he’s fallen behind within seconds. After a hundred meters, he gives up and stumbles along, breathing hard. Someone shouts, “Who ate all the pies?” and the rest of the class snigger.
Flickr / Megan
New research in the Medical Journal of Australia suggests that reality TV shows focused on appearance may be bad for your self-esteem.
[...] the portrayal of cosmetic and weight loss procedures on television typically distorted the speed and difficulty of these physical changes - creating unrealistic expectations for viewers - and had been shown to lower viewers’ self esteem. (src)
Traditional Asian diets include little or no dairy products. This limits the amount of calcium consumed since milk and other dairy products contain high amounts of calcium and are the usual food group to provide this essential nutrient. Modern version of this diet presented to the Western world generally include low-fat or reduced-fat dairy products in moderation. Pregnant or nursing women will need to take calcium supplements to insure that they have enough calcium. Dieters who do not wish to consume dairy products may also decide to take calcium supplements. In Asia, most people are far more active than typical Westerners. Their activities often involve lifting heavy objects and manual labor. Weight bearing exercise has been shown to strengthen bones and my offset the lower amounts of calcium consumed.
The Asian diet is a wholesome option for most healthy adults. However, children and pregnant women may not receive the proper balance of nutrition needed. Children may need the calcium dairy products provide and increased fat consumption during stages of rapid growth and development. Pregnant women need to insure sufficient intake of.
calories and other nutrients that meats, fats and dairy products provide
A traditional Asian diet is low in dairy products and may, therefore, be low in calcium. Diets low in calcium can lead to osteoporosis, a weakening or the bones. Women are especially vulnerable to this disease after menopause when lower levels of hormones weaken bones as well. Similarly, pregnant women and children have higher calcium requirements. To insure that adequate amounts of calcium are in the diet, a calcium supplement may be needed or the addition of low-fat dairy products.
Attempting to follow an Asian diet by eating at Asian style restaurants in the West may not be successful or healthy since many of these restaurants have adapted to Western tastes by adding high levels of fats and sodium. To enjoy the benefits of Asian style eating, it may be necessary to prepare the foods at home. Though many communities enjoy authentic Asian restaurants and it may be possible to find healthy Asian cuisine.
Countries that eat a traditional Asian diet have lower rates of many illnesses that plague the Western world such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, and obesity. The Asian diet is plant-based. Most calories come from grains, vegetables, and fruit. The benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are well documented. Full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the Asian diet is very healthful.
Antioxidants are a category of vitamins and minerals that help to prevent damage to the body caused by substances called free radicals. Free radicals are the by-products of molecular functions in the body and environmental toxins ingested such as tobacco smoke and radiation. Antioxidants are believed to reduce the negative impact of these free radicals and reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer and heart disease.
Fruits and vegetables also provide fiber. Many studies have shown that adequate amounts of fiber in the diet may reduce the risk of several forms of cancer including colon cancer, the third most prevalent cancer among both men and women in the United States.
The Asian diet limits fat in general and almost completely eliminates saturated fat. A diet high in saturated fat has been shown to cause chronic illnesses such as coronary artery disease, obesity, and cancer. Many researchers believe this is the primary reason such diets are so healthy.
Vietnamese cuisine relies on rice and vegetables as its foundation with meat and fish used sparingly. Fish.
sauces called nuocmam is the main flavoring. Fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, coconut, and pineapple are also an important part of each meal.
Philippines cuisine is a unique blend of Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Islamic, and American influences. The typical day includes four meals, three main meals and a light afternoon snack. Unlike other Asian diets, meat is very important. Favorite meats include pork, beef chicken, and water buffalo in the rural provinces. Rice and noodles are served with most meals and vegetables such as broccoli, bitter melon, mung bean, bean sprouts, and okra.
Malaysia and Singapore share a spicy cuisine incorporating Chinese, Muslim, and Indian influences. Traditional foods include meat kebabs called Satays which are served with a spicy peanut sauce. Curry is a favorite spice and is mixed with meat and marinades. Rice and Chinese noodles are eaten daily. Deserts made from coconut milk, green noodles, sugar syrup, and sweet beans are local favorites.
China is the largest country in the world and has many different cuisines. Although China stretches across mid-Asia as well as to the east, Chinese food as a whole is considered East Asian food. Throughout most of China, rice is an important food staple. However, in some regions, noodles rather than rice are the foundation of the diet. Most food is prepared by mincing and cooking it, along with a small amount of oil, in a wok.
Within China there are three distinct regional cuisines: Shanghainese, whose regional food is known for its hot and spicy chili pepper flavoring and distinctive red-colored meats. Cantonese and Chaozhao regions associated with flavorful meat and vegetable combinations. Beijing, Mandarin, and Shandong regions serve noodles and steamed bread dumplings used instead of rice as the foundation of most meals.
Japan is an island nation and much of its food uses fish and fish-based ingredients. Rice is a staple in Japanese cooking as are sliced, salted vegetables. Soy products such as tofu, soy sauce and soy paste called miso are used in many dishes. Foods of Japan also include sushi, meats flavored with teriyaki sauce, and lightly battered and fried meats, fish, and shellfish called tempura.
Korean food is a blend of Chinese and Japanese influence, yet it has its own distinct flavors including soy sauces, garlic, ginger, chilies, pine nuts, and sesame seeds among other spices and foods. Traditional Korean meals include meats and seafood. Most meals include a vegetable dish called gimchi made of grated vegetables pickled with garlic, chili, and ginger.
The Asian diet is an ancient and time honored way of eating. For thousands of years people of the Asian world have eaten a diet based on plant foods such as rice, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Unlike Western diets, meat is rarely the main dish of any meal but rather an accent and flavor compliment. Fish is often eaten in main courses.
In many Asian cultures diet is closely related to religious practices and tradition. It is an extremely healthful diet. Asian populations who have access to a sufficient variety of traditional foods are some of the healthiest and longest lived people on Earth. Many chronic illnesses that plague Western cultures such as heart disease, cancer, and obesity occur rarely in these cultures.
Over 43 countries follow a form of Asian diet. Nearly half the world’s population may be considered Asian. Food is an important part of daily life. Religious practices often dictate the type of foods eaten and the meal is an essential part of family relationships. The diet is based on fresh food prepared primarily raw, steamed, stir-fried, or deep fried.
