I have spent a great deal of time searching for the truth about health and diet. Reading research papers can get a little tricky if you are not a science geek. I am a surgical nurse so I can wade through a good deal of the science but lets face it research papers are written in a foreign language of undetermined origin. What I have done is read the books that are written by the guys that either do the research or analyze the research. These are giants at the leading edge of diet research. What I would like to share with you is what I have learned. So lets just jump in...... First thing I learned is......

YOU HAVE BEEN LIED TO ABOUT EVERYTHING

If you want to know more about why you have been lied to read "Good Calorie Bad Calorie" by Gary Taubes.

SO WHAT DO I DO?

1. EAT REAL FOOD

Don't eat sugars. 

Don't eat starches.

Don't eat grains.

Don't eat seed oils or polyunsaturated oils.

Don't eat anything that says "Diet" or "Low Fat".

Don't eat processed food. If you don't know what a "processed" food is you need to figure it out.

Do eat animal protein. Of course grass fed is always better. Free range is always better. Organic dairy is always better.

Do eat saturated fat or monounsaturated fat. Butter is good. Coconut oil is good. Olive oil is good. MCT oil is good. Animal Lard is good. Heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, aged cheese. Always buy full fat dairy products. Don't trim the fat on your steak or take the skin off your chicken. This is good stuff.

Do eat non starchy vegetables. When it comes to vegetables.... eat a rainbow. Just remember no starchy vegetables. i.e. potatoes, beans, legumes, corn etc.

Don't worry about drinking 8 glasses of water a day. Someone pulled that number out of their ass. The notion that we don't know when we are thirsty and must force yourselves to drink water is preposterous. If you are thirsty drink! It is that simple. But do drink water. Coffee will not quench your thirst.

Don't restrict salt (if you follow the principles above).

Don't take extra fiber. Best way to gum up the works. There are better ways to keep things moving smoothly.

2. DON'T OVER EXERCISE

Lift weights. Use "slow burn" or "supper slow" technique. Stop killing yourself with aerobic exercise.

3. IF YOU NEED TO LOOSE WEIGHT LEARN ALL YOU CAN ABOUT NUTRITIONAL KETOSIS

What? You want I should do all the work for you? I have told you all the things you need to know to find health for yourself. If you are not willing to put in the time to figure some of this stuff out for yourself you really don't care enough to do the work it takes to become healthy. Good luck with your trip thought the health care system.

Sara Garrett RN