The Rich were Fat

“When the world was a simpler place, the rich were fat, the poor were thin, and the right-thinking people worried about how to feed the hungry. Now the rich are thin, the poor are fat, and the right-thinking people are worried about obesity.”
- The Economist

December 13, 2003

How much protein is enough?

If you are concerned about your health then you have probably wondered, “how much protein do I need?” You may also wonder “what is the best source of protein?”

Protein is not as mysterious as many make it out to be. You don’t need as much protein as many claim you do, such as the USDA and the beef or poultry industry. Most people think of protein and think of beef or poultry. Here are some things you should know about the meat you eat.

The aim of the beef and poultry industry is to get you to eat as much beef and chicken as possible. Why? Because they make money every time you buy their products. They have lobbyists that pressure the government for less regulations and more subsides. They use tons of money and arm twisting to shape the food pyramid guide in a way that promotes eating a lot of meat. If the government says it is okay to eat meat three times a day, then most people will. Does the government or the meat industry care that excessive animal consumption leads to cholesterol and heart issues, as well increasing your risk for cancers and causing mutations in DNA . The beef and poultry industries care more about the bottom line than your safety. For example, hormones, chemicals, pesticides, and vaccines that get pumped into the animals at the typical meat mill farm is absorbed and ingested by you when you eat the burger and chicken cutlet. This is the same meat you buy in the supermarket under brand and store labels.

Where does this leave you? Do you stop eating meat and become a vegetarian? This is certainly a great option. But what if you don’t want to become a vegetarian? What if you like to eat burgers and wings? First I recommend learning more about the meat that you are eating. Take a peak around sites like People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. Yes, this group is a bit extreme, but they also have great information and eye opening videos to learn in the inside scoop on the meat industry. Need more insight, try this, or this story from Cornell University, US Could Feed 800 Million People with the Grain that Livestock Eat.

If you still want to eat burgers and Turkey at Thanksgiving here are the rules I recommend to my clients. No more than one serving of meat a day. This includes beef, poultry, pork and fish. Are you concerned you won’t get enough protein eating little or no meat, then consider this.

Does this guy look like he needs to eat more protein?
He is a vegan eating only plants.

What about this lady?

She eats only plants too.

What about a baby?

A breast feed human infant gets between 3% and 9% of her diet from protein. This is the point with more rapid and substantial growth and development than at any other time in our lives. If an infant in her critical stage of development needs such little protein, than why would we need more as adults?

Hmmmm, something to think about!

The bottom line.
Eat no more than 4 ounces of meat a day. Less is better. Eat more veggies, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, and other quality foods. If you are eating healthy balanced meals with lots of plant foods you will get plenty of protein. You will live longer, healthier, and feel better for it.
Bon Appetite

Get healthy! Easier and Faster!

What do you think is involved with getting healthy? Eating right and exercising, right? That is part of it, but there is a greater picture.

The fundamental foundation of weight loss and living healthy is burning more calories than you use. You probably already know that. But have you considered that you can be (and should be) burning more calories throughout the day even when you are not exercising? Simple events can change your life, improve your health and increase the speed while making it easier.

Here’s how to do it. Burn more calories by doing these same things you are doing now, but in a better way.

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Park in the back of the lot instead of circling until you get the closest spot.
• Walk at a faster pace.
• Swing your arms while walking.
• Get happy! Laughing burns more calories.
• Walk to the mailbox instead of getting it from your car window.
• Play outdoor activities with your children.
• Print at the copier at the other end of the office.
• Walk to the bathroom on the other side of the office.
• Walk to the printer or bathroom like you are on a mission!
• Take a brisk walk at lunch. You will also be more awake in the afternoon.
• Un-automate part of your life.

Obviously this won’t replace your exercise program, but this will boost your success. Each little change will burn 10-50 additional calories. Add several of these each day and you can loose an additional pound or too a week.

Small changes can equal outstanding success!

Weight Loss Shock

As I looked out into the audience this past Saturday during my seminar, I shocked some of the audience when I began talking about weight loss and getting into peak health. The speech was promoted as “Success Without Limits” and the description included information about achieving success, as well as including my coaching and fitness information. Everyone should have expected some discussion about heath and fitness. But nonetheless, I got some surprised looks and a few rolled eyes when I began my closing segment about getting into peak physical shape.

Would it matter how much success you had if your heart stopped after 58 years?
Do want to spend your retirement years propped up by a little day-of-the-week pill box?

Staying is peak physical shape is paramount to anything you do in life. It must be the foundation of your life if you want to experience the vitality and energy in the way you were designed. Don’t grow old ... Grow better.

It takes only a few minutes a day to get into and stay in peak physical condition. These few minutes each day has a return on investment approaching infinity. What is it worth to live an extra 20 healthy active years? More birthdays, graduations, weddings, smiles, laughter, and tender moments.

Make the best investment you can.
Invest in yourself and your health.