This is a comment I just posted on The Quest for Nutritional Truth: Why I Eat the Way I Eat. I believe it is worth posting as a full blog article for new and fresh discussion (that old article has nearly 70 comments, far too many for my taste to continue commenting personally since not everyone will see the responses).
Jeff says…
Whatup, Dream! I’m glad to see others my age who are actually proactive about understanding nutrition ( :
On that note, you still have a lot to learn man. As do I. Nutrition is an art, just as complex as any other high-caliber art form.
As far as macronutrients go I thrive on carbohydrate as my main energy source. Natural starches including plantains, yams and squash dominate my diet. You should look into metabolic typing, to further increase your knowledge. We definitely ALL need proteins for tissue-repair. With that said, metabolism determines wether we thrive on carbohydrate OR fats as our main energy source. Not everyone thrives solely on fats!
As far as foods, I completely disagree with your view on animals as the ONLY source. I can tell you have definitely studied the lack luster paleo diet! For myself, I consume plants AND animals with plants as the staple. I do agree that animals make a great food source. In turn, I won’t touch the standard commercial animal-products as these are far from optimal choices. I would much prefer to hunt wild, natural game like elk or ostrich as my animal choices. One good elk should last for a month or two. Ideally as humans, we will get the most out of an animal who could actually eat us. Like a lion. I desire to consume a lion. After all, we are what we eat. Why not make it to the top of the food chain? Lion meat, would be bomb.
Dairy is not an ideal food choice. It is made by cows for their calves who are in the infantry stage. These calves are too young to find foods on their own, and therefore must drink their mother’s milk, straight from the source. As for humans, breast-milk is the far superior-choice as it is tailor-made for our species. Only I’m not going to drink that shit ha ha. It is VERY nutritious, though only necessary for infants.
So much to talk about, in this vast subject.
P.S. None the less, good article man. I like some of your points and insights.
JEFF
I say
I agree we all must continue to learn and I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Couple points
1. Metabolic typing has no basis in science or reality. I’ve looked at it, and I find it as valid as vegetarianism.
2. Carbohydrate is not inherently evil, but it is a inferior source of energy as compared to fat, especially saturated. Humans are meant to dip in and out of ketosis, or stay there the majority of their lives. I’ve lived in the wild and find it ridiculous to think otherwise.
3. Animals are not the only source of real food. I do not believe I stated this in the article. Animals are just always going to be superior to plants. Many “plants” we eat today are not “food” either, as discussed in the article.
4. “Wild” game is probably not as ideal as pasture raised animals. Wild game is prone to parasites and other problems. It’s certainly better than grain fed animals, but a romantic fantasy none the less. I would be interested in eating “lion”, but then again I suspect the texture may be horrible to humans.
5. “Dairy” is a very broad term. For the record, I don’t support “dairy”. I primarily support dairy fat, and the protein to a lesser extent. Some people can tolerate the carbohydrate from milk, but I do not believe it does anyone, any good, at all. You’re arguments against milk regarding it being made for baby cows is irrelevant, as their meat is not meant solely for our consumption either.
I suggest checking out http://www.paleonu.com for further info on what I’ve written above.
I’m not in the most “vibrant” mood today. Not good, not bad, just sort of dull while my brain still processes what has happened over the past few weeks in my life. Due to this, I feel my comment came out a little more “raw” than I originally intended. In no way shape or form do I not like Jeff, I just sort of brain vomited into that comment without attempting to add any sort of tone to the text.
Such is the way of the internet =)
In any case, I’d like to make clear that plant “foods” that aren’t really food at all include all grains, especially corn, soy, and wheat – and nearly all legumes (beans).
You can chew and swallow these substances of course, but you can also eat Elmer’s Glue, Crayons, and cardboard boxes.
You can also cook, ferment, and soak these substances in all sorts of tasty ways, but you can do the same with cardboard. In fact I bet it taste quite good in a slow cooker with meat broth and vegetables. Mmm, cardboard (see above photo).
Finally, I spent quite some time in the North Georgia wilderness the other week. I intentionally went 36 hours on virtually no food, just water, and some tea. I felt great. I “knew” I was hungry of course, but in no way did I feel stressed about eating, or feel any pain/discomfort.
Considering this, I have come to the firm conclusion that humans are meant to be keto-adapted at all times. Not necessarily in ketosis, but keto-adapted never the less. Can ketosis be dangerous? I use to read articles that said so, simply because they contradicted my current views and forced me to challenge my own beliefs.
At this point I find it preposterous to think so, and believe anyone who has lived in the wild for a substantial amount of time would agree.
Not being a “fat burner” is a product of modern agriculture and civilization. Nothing else is even possible, unless you are the exception to the rule and living in sweet potato land.
The idea that ketosis is in any way dangerous to humans is now as valid to me as
- vegetarianism (for whatever purpose)
- proper strength training/muscular hypertrophy being anything but beneficial to the human body (within our genetic limitations and without the use of synthetic drugs)
No worries man, I always enjoy friendly and intelligent debate. It only makes us better ( :
I remember hearing dr. lorraine day on a radio show saying that if you walked into a hospital in a ketonic state, they would treat you as an emergency case, and hook you up to an IV, pronto. Dont know if thats true or not, but many years ago she scared me into veganism, it didnt work for me, and now after 9 months of primal im doing great, just hope its not clogging my arteries, as drday would suggest it is.
I think they would have to hospitalize me for “near death laughter syndrome” if they informed me my “ketonic state” was somehow threatening my life.
Glad to hear you’re doing well. As for clogging your arteries… I’m not even sure that’s possible. Certain “foods” do promote heart problems (among other problems), but as far as I understand, you can’t actually eat something that will literally end up in your heart. Total fallacy, especially with heart healthy saturated fat and cholesterol =), but even with PUFAS and other toxins.
Very helpful post Anthony.
I haven’t commented here in a while, but your writing has definitely improved! I enjoy reading your stuff much more now. Even though the message hasn’t really changed, the way you say it is much more logical and clear and that’s what’s important.
I’d be interested in hearing more about ketosis. I’ve looked into it in the past and everything I read said that ketosis is bad. Your 36-day fast is intriguing, but anecdotal and without any scientific validity, to put it bluntly. Quite honestly, I don’t understand ketosis very well, and you definitely know more about nutrition than I, but to make a credible argument you need the scientific method.
Anyway keep up the good articles, and I’ll keep on reading.
I’d like to clear-up and elaborate on the definition of ‘food’.
Food is any Plant or Animal in its wholesome, unaltered state.
On that note, corn, wheat and soy are all classified as grains or legumes as Dream mentioned. What he failed to inform is these three Plants in their unaltered state are actually beneficial foods. Though not as high quality as vegetable-based starch or wild-animal, (see recent discussion) grains and legumes still provide a legit food source.
The three aforementioned Plants are far from being the underlying issue causing nutritional deficiencies and diseases worldwide. The problem lies in the corrupt agricultural industry’s modern day processing. 99% of ‘foods’ commercially available are NOT actually foods!
In whole form, corn, wheat, and soy are fairly nutritious as discussed previously. Unfortunately, the agricultural industry is logistically impaired and destroys the value of these foods on a daily-basis. Corn sugars, wheat breads and processed soybeans become engineered in labs and are NO LONGER what they once were. They have become imbalanced man made obstructions, which are ultimately counter-productive.
It is near impossible to find wheat or soy that is still actually a food in recent times. That is why I understand where Dream’s misinformation is sourced. Even so, do not be confused by his implications as he was blindly referring to agriculturally altered VERSIONS of corn, wheat and soy.
Once again, food is any Plant or Animal in its wholesome, unaltered state. Grains and legumes such as corn, wheat and soy are all Plants and therefore foods.
The critical problem with the American Food Supply lies in the hands of the FDA who are neglecting their regulatory responsibilities. Fortunately, Leaders such as those from my generation are stepping-up and providing awareness to make a lasting difference. It is only a matter of time until America is presented with wholesome, unaltered foods that truly deliver. In the meantime, utilize the dollar-vote! Create an impact.
P.S. Comparing wholesome plants to glue and cardboard is unrealistic. The difference? Nutrients! Duh
SO I’m beginning to see the light when it comes to Nutrition– w/ regards to my beliefs in theory and compared to what actually WORKS, IN PERSON, LIVE. And my diet has changed completely in the last few months, not only fundamentally, but within what I BELIEVE, as well.
I’ve tested ALL diets out there. Needless to say, SIMPLICITY is what works. No need for advanced nutrition understanding, as such a topic SIMPLY NOT EXIST. When it comes down to it, I do three things: I eat Animals. I drink Fruit & Vegetable Juice. And I eat & drink Dairy.
(Though BETTER Quality of Worldwide DAIRY is currently IN PROGRESS!)
THAT’S RIGHT, JEFF YOST eats hardly any complex-carbohydrate these days, aside from drinking Quinoa Milk, and the occasional squash OR potatoe. My diet is focused on SELECT ANIMALS & DAIRY for fats & proteins, and Simple Sugars found in Fruit and Vegetable Juice. NO GRAINS. Ooo and I love the 3 fatty plants, olive avacado and coconut!(=
And I’m gaining weight. I’m getting stronger. I’m Healthy. But EVEN MORE importantly, I’M ALIVE. And I ENJOY eating the way I do. I’ve unlocked the secret, to the proper way to eat.
IN THE END– NUTRITION is all about the ANIMALS, the DAIRY, & the Fruits & Vegetables (preferably in Juice or Oil form). WITH THAT SAID, Complete Nutrition is amazing, tasty, and delicious.
-Jeffrey Allen Yost