December 2018 Newsletter: Happy Holidays and Pearls of Wisdom from Ann Louise Gittleman

Happy Holidays!! My best wishes to you and your family for a Happy and Healthy holiday season. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!

I recognize this is a busy time of year so I’m keeping this month’s newsletter short and sweet.

During my November Open House we were joined by Ann Louise Gittleman who discussed the “radical” in her new book Radical Metabolism and we were treated to a spontaneous half hour question and answer session with her. She shared several pearls of wisdom which are highlighted below.

Let us continue to look at the key macronutrients. This month we look at carbohydrates. The amount of carbohydrates to have in our diet is probably the most controversial question of nutrition.  You will see heated debates illustrating the benefits of both low carbohydrate diets and high carbohydrate diets.  See below and form your own opinion!

And last but not least is a link to my website to learn more about the dangers of EMFs. 

Enjoy!

Pearls of Wisdom from Ann Louise Gittleman

At my Open House a couple of weeks ago we discussed Ann Louise Gittleman’s latest masterpiece Radical Metabolism. We were blessed to have Ann Louise join us live via Skype. She reviewed the key concepts which make her new approach to healthy eating “radical” and then we were treated to a thirty-minute Q A session. Ann Louise offered a few pearls of wisdom which I will share below.

To learn what makes Radical Metabolism so radical and to enjoy these five pearls of wisdom (Pearl #1 – Iron and Ferritin, Pearl #2 – The Importance of Cookware, Pearl #3 – Tea and Coffee, Pearl #4 – Bitters, and Pearl #5 – Grapefruit) click here: https://brwellness.com/?p=1247

Cut the Carbs

In this third installment of articles overviewing the macronutrients ((protein, carbohydrate, and fat) we turn our attention to carbohydrates. The amount of carbohydrates to have in our diet is probably the most controversial question of nutrition.  You will see heated debates illustrating the benefits of both low carbohydrate diets and high carbohydrate diets.  The Standard American Diet (SAD) has become a high carbohydrate diet.  

To read the full article click here: https://brwellness.com/?p=1251

The Latest on EMFs

We hear a lot these days on the dangers of EMFs. I urge you to learn more information from this recent article on my website. https://brwellness.com/?p=1242

Cut the Carbs

In this third installment of articles overviewing the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) we turn our attention to carbohydrates. The amount of carbohydrates to have in our diet is probably the most controversial question of nutrition.  You will see heated debates illustrating the benefits of both low carbohydrate diets and high carbohydrate diets.  The Standard American Diet (SAD) has become a high carbohydrate diet.  

Yes, we use carbohydrates for energy.  They provide quick energy.  Carbohydrates are converted into blood glucose (blood sugar) which feeds our brain and red blood cells. Ever notice how irritable you get when hungry?  The brain does not operate very well without nourishment.  

However, carbohydrates are not the only source of energy. Fat (as will be detailed in the next article) also provides energy. When most of us think of carbohydrates we think grains, breads, and sweets.  They are not the only choice.  Vegetables and fruits contain carbohydrates and roughly 30% of protein converts to carbohydrates.  

Remember this simple equation.  To your body: CARBOHYDRATE = SUGAR!  That’s all you need to know. If we consume lots of carbohydrates (like 60% or more of our diet as recommended by the USDA) we consume lots of sugar.  While sugar can be used for energy, excess sugar is converted into fat and stored and has many adverse affects on the body.  The bottom line - it is sugar that makes us fat!  

Not only does sugar (excess carbohydrates) contribute to weight gain, after a time insulin resistance occurs. Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas to move the excess sugar out of the blood stream. When the body can no longer keep up with sugar consumption it will become insulin resistant. This condition blocks the burning of fat, causes fat storage around the abdomen, and causes inflammation. Inflammation creates another long list of possible symptoms. Unless there are dietary changes, the next steps are pre-diabetes, diabetes, and according to some experts, Alzheimer’s. 

Here are some of the various consumption guidelines for carbohydrates. As I stated previously in the article and you will see there is quite the variation! The USDA/Federal Government’s 2000 calorie per day diet includes 300 grams of carbohydrates, the American Diabetes Association recommends about 150 grams of carbohydrates per day for diabetics, while alternative/holistic practitioners will recommend about 50-60 grams per day. Many holistic practitioners have found their clients blood sugar levels come into balance at that level of carbohydrate intake.

So, to gain control over your carbohydrate consumption, I recommend you eat these foods for carbohydrates:

• VEGETABLES

·        Raw or steamed vegetables, preferably low carbohydrate veggies (leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower) with two meals per day and snacks

·        LIMIT starchy veggies (potatoes, yams, corn, squash, peas) to 3-4 times per week

·        SALADS: Raw vegetable salads

Practice balance and moderation of these foods:

• GRAINS (Limited quantities ONLY – once per day maximum):

·        If you are gluten sensitive or intolerant you must avoid all gluten containing grains and foods. It is best to consume only organic grains to avoid pesticides.

·        Sprouted grain or sourdough bread.

·        Whole grains - brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, millet, and wild rice.

·        Use brown rice or quinoa for pasta.

• FRUITS:

·        Fresh grown fruits

·        Limit to 25g of fructose per day. See my web site for your fructose in fruit guide - https://brwellness.com/?p=100.

• SWEETENERS: Not advised at all.  But if you must, limit to limited amounts of the following

·        Stevia (a natural sweetener)

·        Raw Honey

·        Pure Maple Syrup

Avoid these foods as best as possible:

• Refined/White flour
• Refined/White grains
• Cookies, cakes, pastries
• White sugar, brown sugar, all sweeteners not listed above
• Processed refined grain cold and hot cereals
• All artificial sweeteners

While it would be ideal not to eat the foods listed on the avoid list, I recognize reality.  So, since most people will continue to eat these foods, it is even more important to consume the foods listed as healthy!!

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Mequon, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.

Pearls of Wisdom from Ann Louise Gittleman

This past week at my Open House we discussed Ann Louise Gittleman’s latest masterpiece Radical Metabolism. We were blessed to have Ann Louise join us live via Skype. She reviewed the key concepts which make her new approach to healthy eating “radical” and then we were treated to a thirty-minute Q A session. Ann Louise offered a few pearls of wisdom which I will share below.

Let’s start with what makes Radical Metabolism so radical. As usual, Ann Louise is rewriting the rules of nutrition. Even with all the efforts to eat clean, avoid gluten, and drinking lots of bone broth and Kombucha, we still struggle with our overall health. The book discusses the use of specific foods to drive digestion and metabolism, support the gall bladder and thyroid, burn fat and strengthen muscles. You learn how to reduce exposure to toxins that are in some of the popular “healing” foods and to clean up your kitchen. If you are interested in nutrition and care about your long-term health, I urge you to read this book! To order your own copy click here: RADICAL METABOLISM

Pearl #1 – Iron and Ferritin

Ann Louise discussed how excess iron may be at the root of a variety of health problems. Her advice is to get your ferritin level checked. Ferritin is a measure of stored iron in your blood. It is different than the basic iron level that is typically done in a blood test. “Normal” ranges for men are 20 to 500 nanograms per milliliter and for women 20 to 200 nanograms per milliliter. As you well know, “normal” does not mean “healthy.” Ann Louise recommends ferritin levels less than 100. Where do we get excess iron and ferritin from? Food sources include coffee, wine, and dairy.

Pearl #2 – The Importance of Cookware

Ann Louise stressed while what we eat is very important, just as critical is how we cook our food! She advises to avoid aluminum in all forms. Do not use aluminum foil in cooking, use parchment paper instead. Do not use aluminum in cookware and you need to be aware that aluminum is often hidden in cookware such as stainless steel. Pure stainless steel is fine. She explained a simple test to check your cookware. Use a magnet – if the magnet sticks it is pure. Aluminum is non-magnetic, so the magnet will not stick if aluminum is in the pot.

Here’s some brands and types of cookware she recommended: Saladmaster for stainless steel; Romertopf for glazed clay; and Le Creuset for enameled covered cast iron. 

Pearl #3 – Tea and Coffee

One of the biggest surprises of the night was Ann Louise’s response concerning green tea! She stated that it and other conventional teas, such as black, white, and green (non-herbal) accumulate fluoride. The only form of tea she liked was Oolong. 

Coffee was also discussed. This is another topic where you get a variety of opinions from nutrition experts. Ann Louise believes there are many health benefits to coffee, particularly to charge the metabolism. It is important to recognize that some people cannot handle caffeine. You may be one of them, such as I am. She does place limits on daily consumption and the sources. Coffee must be organic, and she recommended Purity Coffee as the cleanest available.

Pearl #4 – Bitters

A key part of charging your metabolism is the use of bitters to aid digestion. She advised they be consumed 20 minutes before a meal. To learn more about bitters please read the book.

Pearl #5 – Grapefruit

To charge metabolism and fuel weight loss Ann Louise recommended to each ½ of a pink grapefruit before each meal.