Let\u2019s talk about diets.<\/p>\n
Diets seem to have us in a tailspin. It\u2019s becoming exceedingly difficult to find dietary clarity through the torrent of newly developed diet plans and their ensuing biases. With the web being a smorgasbord of crisscrossing opinions, it\u2019s nearly impossible to figure out what is best for you.<\/p>\n
For that reason, we\u2019re going to break down five of the diet lifestyles out there that avow their better-ness over the others. (By \u201cdiet lifestyles,\u201d I\u2019m referring to sustainable eating patterns as opposed to quick-and-painful detoxes like the 10-day juice fast or baby food diet) Ideally, by the end of this, you and I will find ourselves better equipped for the next time we\u2019re holding a plate of what-have-you food and we\u2019re asked, \u201cWhy do you eat like that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Name?<\/em> Title \/ Occupation?<\/em> What got you started?<\/em> Favorite paleo dish?<\/em> Name?<\/em> Title\/Occupation?<\/em> What got you started?<\/em> Favorite gluten-free dish?<\/em> Name?<\/em> Title \/ Occupation?<\/em> What got you started?<\/em>
\nMax More<\/p>\n
\nPresident and CEO, Alcor Life Extension Foundation<\/p>\n
\nFor many years, I didn\u2019t question the view that the healthiest diet was low in fat \u2013 especially saturated fat \u2013 and high in grains. Once I came across and understood the evolutionary rationale for the Paleo approach (essentially that we are not well-adapted to eat an agrarian diet), I did a lot of research and realized that the diet I\u2019d followed for so long was far from optimal. Within a short period of time, I adopted a Paleo approach (initially a low-carb version), I got leaner, my blood pressure went down considerably, and my energy levels stayed more consistent.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFavorite\u201d questions are always difficult. I love a big salad, with several vegetables, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, with either chicken or fish or egg added. I also like a simple piece of salmon with salt and pepper, and salad on the side. But, if you want me to pick one dish, it would be a steak dish, like a stir fry beef salad<\/a>. Note that it\u2019s essential that the steak be grass-fed. This greatly improves the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. (But salmon still has a higher total of omega-3s.)<\/p>\nGLUTEN-FREE<\/h3>\n
Notes From a Gluten Free Foodie:<\/h3>\n
\nNatalie Sadler<\/p>\n
\nGraduate Student, University of California, Davis<\/p>\n
\nAt age 20, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease \u2013 an autoimmune disease. Essentially, when gluten is present in the small intestine, the immune system goes haywire and attacks cells on the lining of the intestine, leading to a variety of problems with digestion and nutrition. I had been having digestive symptoms as well as severe fatigue for about 3 years before diagnosis. Diagnosis requires a blood test checking for antibodies and a biopsy of the small intestine. I received the positive diagnosis and, during finals week, went on a diet of corn tortillas, cheese, and gluten-free tomato soup. After a couple of days, I felt amazing! I had forgotten what it was like to wake up and have energy.<\/p>\n
\nThe wonderful thing about going gluten-free is it opens up your eyes and appetite to new, delicious, and creative eating! There are very few things that cannot be modified to be gluten-free. Because of that, it\u2019s hard to pick just one recipe. My favorite gluten-free blog for sweets is glutenfreeonashoestring.com<\/a>. If I have to pick a favorite recipe, it\u2019s chicken enchiladas with a creamy green sauce<\/a>.<\/p>\nVEGETARIAN \/ VEGAN<\/h3>\n
Notes From a Vegan Foodie<\/h3>\n
\nMidori Yoshimura<\/p>\n
\nAssistant Editor, Copy Editor, Associate Producer (and Avid Walker)<\/p>\n
\nGrowing up in a vegetarian family, you could say my \u201cdiet\u201d started at birth. However, in high school, I began paying more attention to how my food choices affected others \u2013 and not just my personal well-being. I might not eat beef, but what would happen to the cows whose (non-organic) milk I automatically poured on my oatmeal every morning? In many cases, once milk cows are no longer \u201cuseful\u201d as milk cows, they are slaughtered for their meat. Was I supporting non-vegetarians, just by drinking milk? In this light, gradually becoming vegan instead of just vegetarian made sense \u2013 and in college, helped me avoid the freshman five and financial ruin \u2013 my vegan diet was cheaper. Not only did I eat in more often, but the proteins, such as beans and soy products, that replace meats and cheeses tended to be less pricey. So now, years later, I still have milk and oatmeal for breakfast \u2013 but the almonds that produced the milk will never be killed for meat.<\/p>\n