The Cranky Yankee March Newsletter
The Cranky Yankee March Newsletter
Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet
I've always been a meat eater, but this article makes a good argument for cutting down on the animal protein. (One caution for Christians involved in spiritual warfare: Remember that the Old Testament priests were the spiritual warriors of their day and look at the diet God prescribed for them.) I still include high quality animal protein in my diet, but have been adding more fruits and vegetables. The added fiber helps my digestion, and fills me up on fewer calories.
The Truth about Vegetarian Diets
In our Western society, a common nutritional belief is that meat and animal products must be consumed in order to maintain a well-balanced, muscle-building healthy diet.
Those who turn away from this traditional way of eating and choose a vegetarian diet are often considered "granola-head hippies"...or even just plain odd.
But more and more people these days are discovering the many health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Additionally, more physicians and scientists are prescribing and endorsing plant-based meals in order to promote health, prevent and treat certain diseases, and even to reduce weight.
Although vegetarianism may seem like a modern fad, in reality, its health benefits have been known for centuries in many cultures world-wide. India and many Asian countries make up the largest percentage of the world's vegetarians, both for health and spiritual reasons. One group of people, the Hunza -- who live near the Himalayan Mountains -- have an exclusively vegetarian diet. Members of their community reportedly often live to be over 100 years old.
The American Dietetic Association states that the benefits of a vegetarian diet include: 1) lowered cholesterol; 2) lower levels of saturated fat; 3) higher levels of important minerals and antioxidant vitamins; 4) lower body fat; 5) lower rates of heart disease; 6) lower blood pressure; 7) lower rates of type-2 diabetes; and 8) lower instances of some cancers.
Obesity, one of the major health concerns in this country, can be addressed with a vegetarian diet, one that eliminates excess protein and animal fat consumption, and increases fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Those who consume a vegetarian diet maintain a lower body mass index (BMI), which significantly aids in the treatment and management of other chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.
One common question asked by anyone considering a vegetarian diet is: "Will I get enough protein?” That is certainly a valid concern, as protein is necessary for the building, maintenance and function of all body cells. However, according the American Dietetic Association, a varied and well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the protein the body needs from eating such things as whole grains, beans, nuts and soy products.
In fact, meat-based diets typically provide excess protein, which may actually be harmful. A leading gerontological journal reports that too much protein can cause a person to lose about 30% of their kidney function by the time they become elderly. It can also cause systemic acidity, which the body attempts to counter by pulling calcium out of the bones. This can, unfortunately, lead to osteoporosis.
Becoming a vegetarian does not mean you are limited to eating celery sticks, apples and nuts. There are many types of vegetarians that eat meatless diets in a variety of combinations. Some of the more common types include:
Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat or eggs, but do eat dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat, but will eat dairy products and eggs.
Ovo vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy products, but will eat eggs.
Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or any animal products at all.
There are many medical and health organizations that promote, endorse, and support people on a path toward changing their dietary lifestyle to one that includes more plant-based foods.
Additionally, many restaurants and grocery stores provide meals and products to vegetarians, making it simpler to choose this healthy lifestyle.
Research and information exists out there on the internet, as well as through medical providers and vegetarian organizations.
The bottom line: it's OK to be vegetarian, and the benefits may very well enhance or even save your life!
Personal Lifestyles Affecting National Security
From Dr. Douglass
"Back in the fall (Daily Dose, 9/26/2005), I wrote to you about how weight problems were plaguing the nation's military - so much so that thousands every year are routinely dismissed because of excess heft. This hasn't been the case until relatively recently.
In that article, I lamented the likelihood that the standards for soldiering would change to accommodate lard-butted military wannabes long before the day when we'd see a thinner, healthier pool of potential recruits in America. And it looks like this may happen sooner, rather than later. Here's what I mean...
According to a March 12 Associated Press article, recent DoD studies (that's Department of Defense, to non-military types) indicate that as much as 75% of this country's prime recruiting demographic - the 17-24 age bracket - would likely be rejected for military service, should they apply.
Now, there are many reasons a recruit could be rejected, not just fatness. Those who are popping Ritalin for ADD don't make the cut for combat (heck, that's several million disqualified right there), those with conspicuous tattoos don't get to serve, and those who are too fat simply can't...
Some sources cited in the article are highly skeptical of this DOD estimate. They claim it's the feds trying to cover up declining recruitment by blaming the pool of possible recruits. The AP piece claims that approximately 32 million Americans fall between ages 17 and 24. So let's do the math a bit, shall we?
As near as I could pinpoint, the modern rate for teenage obesity is over 15% - that's for true teenagers (kids 13-18). That rate only goes up with age, and since more than 25% of the adult U.S. population is clinically obese (more than 65% are either overweight or obese), I think it's very safe to say that a full 20% of the 17-24 demographic is obese, and therefore ineligible.
But hold the phone. The military's guidelines for BMI (a person's weight/height ratio) in recruit are quite a bit more stringent than mainstream medicine's clinical obesity thresh-hold. One can't be more than a small amount overweight and expect to carry a heavy pack, rifle, and rations on 10-mile forced marches. So let's guesstimate that 40% of the 17-24 year olds in the U.S. couldn't join the military even if they wanted to, for weight reasons alone...
Is it really such a stretch to think that another 35% of that demographic doesn't qualify for various other reasons? Keep reading...
Don't forget, millions of teenagers take ADHD drugs - and these kids are 4 times as likely to be male as female. Coincidentally, male recruits outnumber females by a 4 to 1 ratio as well.
That means if even half the 10 million+ prescriptions written for Ritalin and other ADHD meds are being taken by 17-24 year olds (a prime demographic for these drugs), that translates into 5 million more of these young adults being unfit for service, 4 million of them males...
5 million is about 16% of 32 million. So already we're up to 56% ineligible, right?
Add in those with criminal records, those with visible tattoos, those with flat feet or crooked spines or bad eyes or disabilities or with a low IQ or with mental illness and it's easy to see how 75% of our young people couldn't serve even if they wanted to. The DoD number is probably low, in my opinion. Sooner or later, standards WILL change to accommodate heftier recruits that are ill-suited to the rigors of soldiery.
What's all this add up to?
A country that couldn't defend itself or its interests if it HAD TO in another decade or so. And all because of drive-thru junk, the Food Pyramid, and a made-up disease treated with very real mind-altering drugs...
Encouraging picture, isn't it?
Exposing our soon-to-be flabby frontlines,
William Campbell Douglass II, MD "
March Recipe
Srawberries are in season and abundant here in Florida, so here's a recipe for a fresh strawberry pie that's easy and safe. The recipe was created by a diabetic chef, the grandaughter of a French chef who was well-known in his day, and died of diabetes at the age of 41, before insulin treatment was discovered.
Strawberry Pie
Tools: measuring cups and spoons, paring knife, potato masher or large fork (to mash the berries), 2 medium mixing bowls, nonstick saucepan, wooden or plastic spoon, 1 pie pan, or a frozen piecrust in its own foil pan, prebaked according to package directions.
Ingredients:
7 1/2 cups fresh whole strawberries
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar substitute
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sugar substitute
1 prebaked single pie crust, cooled
Directions:
Prepare and bake the crust according to package directions. Set it aside to cool.
In a bowl, cut and mash enough berries to make 1 1/2 cups. Keep large, nicely-shaped berries out to use as the topping. Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar substitute into the mashed berries. Spoon out 1/2 cup of the juice. (It's okay if you get some pulp in with the juice.) Add the cornstarch and mix carefully until smooth--no lumps allowed!
In the nonstick saucepan, combine the mashed strawberries and the juice and cornstarch mixture and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or more, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil until it thickens--it will change from a milky color to clear. Let it cool while you do the next step.
In another bowl, lightly toss the whole strawberries with 1 teaspoon of sugar substitute--just enough to lightly coat the berries.
When the cooked mixture has cooled a little, spoon it into the pie crust and spread it evenly. Push the whole berries into the mixture--make it look nice--be creative. Let it finish cooling and serve with an optional garnish of whipped cream.
Exchanges: 1 bread, .22 fruit, 2.5 fat
Feedback is welcome at: newsletter@crankyyankee.biz
Thanks for subscribing,
Cranky Yankee and Mrs. Cranky
P.S. Blogs available at:
http://crankyyankeesbiz.blogspot.com
http://mrscrankysblog.blogspot.com
http://crankyside.blogspot.com
http://proofreaderscorner.blogspot.com
All are RSS Feed enabled with "Add to MY Yahoo" buttons
Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet
I've always been a meat eater, but this article makes a good argument for cutting down on the animal protein. (One caution for Christians involved in spiritual warfare: Remember that the Old Testament priests were the spiritual warriors of their day and look at the diet God prescribed for them.) I still include high quality animal protein in my diet, but have been adding more fruits and vegetables. The added fiber helps my digestion, and fills me up on fewer calories.
The Truth about Vegetarian Diets
In our Western society, a common nutritional belief is that meat and animal products must be consumed in order to maintain a well-balanced, muscle-building healthy diet.
Those who turn away from this traditional way of eating and choose a vegetarian diet are often considered "granola-head hippies"...or even just plain odd.
But more and more people these days are discovering the many health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Additionally, more physicians and scientists are prescribing and endorsing plant-based meals in order to promote health, prevent and treat certain diseases, and even to reduce weight.
Although vegetarianism may seem like a modern fad, in reality, its health benefits have been known for centuries in many cultures world-wide. India and many Asian countries make up the largest percentage of the world's vegetarians, both for health and spiritual reasons. One group of people, the Hunza -- who live near the Himalayan Mountains -- have an exclusively vegetarian diet. Members of their community reportedly often live to be over 100 years old.
The American Dietetic Association states that the benefits of a vegetarian diet include: 1) lowered cholesterol; 2) lower levels of saturated fat; 3) higher levels of important minerals and antioxidant vitamins; 4) lower body fat; 5) lower rates of heart disease; 6) lower blood pressure; 7) lower rates of type-2 diabetes; and 8) lower instances of some cancers.
Obesity, one of the major health concerns in this country, can be addressed with a vegetarian diet, one that eliminates excess protein and animal fat consumption, and increases fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Those who consume a vegetarian diet maintain a lower body mass index (BMI), which significantly aids in the treatment and management of other chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.
One common question asked by anyone considering a vegetarian diet is: "Will I get enough protein?” That is certainly a valid concern, as protein is necessary for the building, maintenance and function of all body cells. However, according the American Dietetic Association, a varied and well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the protein the body needs from eating such things as whole grains, beans, nuts and soy products.
In fact, meat-based diets typically provide excess protein, which may actually be harmful. A leading gerontological journal reports that too much protein can cause a person to lose about 30% of their kidney function by the time they become elderly. It can also cause systemic acidity, which the body attempts to counter by pulling calcium out of the bones. This can, unfortunately, lead to osteoporosis.
Becoming a vegetarian does not mean you are limited to eating celery sticks, apples and nuts. There are many types of vegetarians that eat meatless diets in a variety of combinations. Some of the more common types include:
Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat or eggs, but do eat dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat, but will eat dairy products and eggs.
Ovo vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy products, but will eat eggs.
Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or any animal products at all.
There are many medical and health organizations that promote, endorse, and support people on a path toward changing their dietary lifestyle to one that includes more plant-based foods.
Additionally, many restaurants and grocery stores provide meals and products to vegetarians, making it simpler to choose this healthy lifestyle.
Research and information exists out there on the internet, as well as through medical providers and vegetarian organizations.
The bottom line: it's OK to be vegetarian, and the benefits may very well enhance or even save your life!
Personal Lifestyles Affecting National Security
From Dr. Douglass
"Back in the fall (Daily Dose, 9/26/2005), I wrote to you about how weight problems were plaguing the nation's military - so much so that thousands every year are routinely dismissed because of excess heft. This hasn't been the case until relatively recently.
In that article, I lamented the likelihood that the standards for soldiering would change to accommodate lard-butted military wannabes long before the day when we'd see a thinner, healthier pool of potential recruits in America. And it looks like this may happen sooner, rather than later. Here's what I mean...
According to a March 12 Associated Press article, recent DoD studies (that's Department of Defense, to non-military types) indicate that as much as 75% of this country's prime recruiting demographic - the 17-24 age bracket - would likely be rejected for military service, should they apply.
Now, there are many reasons a recruit could be rejected, not just fatness. Those who are popping Ritalin for ADD don't make the cut for combat (heck, that's several million disqualified right there), those with conspicuous tattoos don't get to serve, and those who are too fat simply can't...
Some sources cited in the article are highly skeptical of this DOD estimate. They claim it's the feds trying to cover up declining recruitment by blaming the pool of possible recruits. The AP piece claims that approximately 32 million Americans fall between ages 17 and 24. So let's do the math a bit, shall we?
As near as I could pinpoint, the modern rate for teenage obesity is over 15% - that's for true teenagers (kids 13-18). That rate only goes up with age, and since more than 25% of the adult U.S. population is clinically obese (more than 65% are either overweight or obese), I think it's very safe to say that a full 20% of the 17-24 demographic is obese, and therefore ineligible.
But hold the phone. The military's guidelines for BMI (a person's weight/height ratio) in recruit are quite a bit more stringent than mainstream medicine's clinical obesity thresh-hold. One can't be more than a small amount overweight and expect to carry a heavy pack, rifle, and rations on 10-mile forced marches. So let's guesstimate that 40% of the 17-24 year olds in the U.S. couldn't join the military even if they wanted to, for weight reasons alone...
Is it really such a stretch to think that another 35% of that demographic doesn't qualify for various other reasons? Keep reading...
Don't forget, millions of teenagers take ADHD drugs - and these kids are 4 times as likely to be male as female. Coincidentally, male recruits outnumber females by a 4 to 1 ratio as well.
That means if even half the 10 million+ prescriptions written for Ritalin and other ADHD meds are being taken by 17-24 year olds (a prime demographic for these drugs), that translates into 5 million more of these young adults being unfit for service, 4 million of them males...
5 million is about 16% of 32 million. So already we're up to 56% ineligible, right?
Add in those with criminal records, those with visible tattoos, those with flat feet or crooked spines or bad eyes or disabilities or with a low IQ or with mental illness and it's easy to see how 75% of our young people couldn't serve even if they wanted to. The DoD number is probably low, in my opinion. Sooner or later, standards WILL change to accommodate heftier recruits that are ill-suited to the rigors of soldiery.
What's all this add up to?
A country that couldn't defend itself or its interests if it HAD TO in another decade or so. And all because of drive-thru junk, the Food Pyramid, and a made-up disease treated with very real mind-altering drugs...
Encouraging picture, isn't it?
Exposing our soon-to-be flabby frontlines,
William Campbell Douglass II, MD "
March Recipe
Srawberries are in season and abundant here in Florida, so here's a recipe for a fresh strawberry pie that's easy and safe. The recipe was created by a diabetic chef, the grandaughter of a French chef who was well-known in his day, and died of diabetes at the age of 41, before insulin treatment was discovered.
Strawberry Pie
Tools: measuring cups and spoons, paring knife, potato masher or large fork (to mash the berries), 2 medium mixing bowls, nonstick saucepan, wooden or plastic spoon, 1 pie pan, or a frozen piecrust in its own foil pan, prebaked according to package directions.
Ingredients:
7 1/2 cups fresh whole strawberries
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar substitute
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sugar substitute
1 prebaked single pie crust, cooled
Directions:
Prepare and bake the crust according to package directions. Set it aside to cool.
In a bowl, cut and mash enough berries to make 1 1/2 cups. Keep large, nicely-shaped berries out to use as the topping. Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar substitute into the mashed berries. Spoon out 1/2 cup of the juice. (It's okay if you get some pulp in with the juice.) Add the cornstarch and mix carefully until smooth--no lumps allowed!
In the nonstick saucepan, combine the mashed strawberries and the juice and cornstarch mixture and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or more, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil until it thickens--it will change from a milky color to clear. Let it cool while you do the next step.
In another bowl, lightly toss the whole strawberries with 1 teaspoon of sugar substitute--just enough to lightly coat the berries.
When the cooked mixture has cooled a little, spoon it into the pie crust and spread it evenly. Push the whole berries into the mixture--make it look nice--be creative. Let it finish cooling and serve with an optional garnish of whipped cream.
Exchanges: 1 bread, .22 fruit, 2.5 fat
Feedback is welcome at: newsletter@crankyyankee.biz
Thanks for subscribing,
Cranky Yankee and Mrs. Cranky
P.S. Blogs available at:
http://crankyyankeesbiz.blogspot.com
http://mrscrankysblog.blogspot.com
http://crankyside.blogspot.com
http://proofreaderscorner.blogspot.com
All are RSS Feed enabled with "Add to MY Yahoo" buttons
posted by Mrs.Cranky Yankee @ 12:24 PM
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