Link Land II: Nutrition & Health

The latest batch of links include Why We Get Fat | Sugar and Not-So-Sugar | Fats, Oils, and Ketones | Recipes, and | About Town

Fred Hahn, founder of Serious Strength and The Slowburn Fitness Revolution reminds us of Mark Twain’s words of wisdom - “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that isn’t so.” - and lists many of the conventional beliefs about health, fitness, nutrition, and beyond, that likely aren’t so.

Why We Get Fat

An infographic on Why We Get Fat and What To Do About It | Gary Taubes

Dr. John Briffa links to a New England Journal of Medicine photo posted this month that reminds us of the fattening effects of insulin | Dr. John Briffa

Diabesity: The #1 cause of death and disease? | Chris Kresser, L.A

“It is now clear that not only do these conditions share the same underlying causes – and thus require the same treatment – they are 100 percent preventable and, in many cases, entirely reversible.”

Sugar and Not-So-Sugar

Dr. Robert Lustig and colleagues have been getting a lot of press for proposing to tax sugar like alcohol and tobacco: A Spoonful of Bad Health? UCSF Researchers Slam Sugar | The Wall Street Journal

Peter Attia, MD, helps answer the question: What are the side effects of aspartame, stevia, and other sugar substitutes? | Peter Attia, M.D.

Fats, Oils, and Ketones

- Diane Sanfilippo responds to the FAQ: What Are Safe Cooking Fats & Oils? | Balanced Bites

- Jimmy Moore asks Mark Sisson: Ketosis: Devil or Angel? | Jimmy Moore

- Peter Attia, MD has also weighed in on the issue on his blog:
“Why do we make ketones? For starters, it’s a vital evolutionary advantage.  Our brain can only function with glucose and ketones.  Since we can’t store more than about 24 hours worth of glucose, we would all die of hypoglycemia if ever forced to fast for more than 24 hours.  Fortunately, our liver can take fat and select amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and turn them into ketones, first and foremost to feed our brains.  Hence, our body’s ability to produce ketones is required for basic survival.”

Dr. Eades asks: Are We Meat Eaters or Vegetarians (Part III)? | Michael R. Eades, M.D.
A particularly illuminating quote in the article comes from Dr. Blake Donaldson: "During the millions of years that our ancestors lived by hunting, every weakling who could not maintain perfect health on fresh meat and water was bred out."

Recipes

Crockpot Braised Beef Shanks | Balanced Bites

Broiled Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears | Nom Nom Paleo

About Town

Raw Milk Debate | Harvard Law School | Cambridge, MA | February 16, 7:15-8:45 p.m.; This debate is open to the public.

From the Harvard Food Law Society: “At one time, everyone drank raw milk. But with the invention of pasteurization and its attendant safety benefits, consumption of raw milk in this country almost completely disappeared. In fact, in many states it is illegal to sell raw milk. But a growing segment of the population is clamoring for increased access to raw milk, citing its nutritional benefits. Opponents are skeptical of such nutritional claims and believe the safety risks of unpasteurized milk are simply too high.Join the Food Law Society as we present a debate covering the legal, health, and nutritional merits of raw milk.”

Freedom Trail Run 5K | February 18 | Boston, MA

“We run at a pace that's comfortable for all participants, (usually 9-10 min/mile) and since we stop frequently, runners of all abilities can participate!”

Bob Kaplan holds advance degrees in exercise physiology and business, an undergraduate degree in nutrition, is a nationally certified personal trainer, and owns six Get In Shape For Women locations in Bedford, Wayland, Wellesley, Westford, Weston, and Winchester.

For more information about Kaplan's services at Get in Shape For Women in Weston, please call 781-373-3575 or visit at 450 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA, 02493, or online at www.getinshapeforwomen.com for a free week trial.