By Laura Acchione, Sportfuel Intern

In the article “Down the Cholesterol Rabbit Hole”, Dr. Bruce Eichelberger looks at multiple cholesterol studies and has concluded that cholesterol is a non-issue!

In the studies he analyzed, he found that the real truth about cholesterol and heart disease was spelled out, but no one seems to be listening.

Below is a summary of his findings.
- Zero studies prove that saturated fat causes heart disease
- Statin drugs have been pegged as the cure for cholesterol and heart disease, but:
o Statin drugs have many side effects
Promote cell death in heart muscles, blood vessels, and brain cells
Reduce body’s source of CoQ-10 (heart protective nutrient)
Stimulate cancer in rodents
Disturb the function of muscles
Can cause birth defects (in pregnant women)
- In the mid 1900s, vegetable oil intake increased greatly and people were eating less animal fat—during this same period, heart disease rates rose dramatically
- At least half of people who have heart attacks have normal or low cholesterol—these same people frequently have arteries filled of plaque
- ½ the people in India are vegetarians…they have one of the highest rates of heart disease in the world
- FDA dietary guidelines recommends low fat/high-carb diet….no scientific research behind it…only money
- The Brain is 70% fat…children with ADD usually improve with a diet that includes natural saturated fats
- Saturated Fat and Cholesterol help produce testosterone…if men do not consume enough their testosterone levels fall…adequate testosterone is needed for health and quality of life
- Obesity epidemic started about the same time the Dietary Guidelines encouraged Americans to eat less meat and more carbohydrates
- Success of Statins may be related to anti-inflammatory effects of drugs….however there are better ways to reduce inflammation
- In one study w/ large doses of Statins, there was no proven connection between bad levels of cholesterol and heart disease

Dr. Eichelberger concludes that our cholesterol is a non issue, and instead our diets (which have drastically changed since the 1900s) may actually be the cause of heart disease!

Even though it is the middle of summer, it is time for some regular spring cleaning of your pantry and refrigerator in your kitchen!!

Small pantries are actually preferred to larger pantries, because the larger the pantry, the more likely you will be to fill it up with boxes and packages of food! It is encouraged to fill your pantry and refrigerator with as many simple, single ingredient foods as possible which will motivate you to make most of your meals from scratch!

Vegetable Oils/ Butter Substitutes
Keep:
Butter
Coconut Oil
Tallow
Lard
High-vitamin fermented Cod Liver Oil
Throw Out:
Butter substitutes
Liquid vegetable (ex: canola or soy)

Refined Carbs
Throw Out:
Saltine Crackers
Organic breakfast bars
Chips
Microwave Popcorn

Natural Sweeteners:
Throw Out:
Boxed Cereal
MSG
Pasta/Lowfat Foods


For more information about what foods to keep or throw out in your kitchen watch Sarah Pope's video at: http://westonaprice.org/action-alerts/134-2011-action-alerts/2221-pantry-intervention-video-by-sarah-pope

By Laura Acchione, Sportfuel Intern

In May 2011, Julie Burns, owner of SportFuel and Eat Like the Pros meal delivery, was quoted in the Chicago Tribune talking about feeding your Hungry Jocks foods that rot (just making sure to eat them before they do!) So what happens when your “hungry jock” no longer considers dinner to be a meal but only a snack?

Follow Julie Burns’ Gospel for Hungry Jocks: “Eat foods that will rot and spoil, but eat them before they do.”

Burns explains this concept with a box of sugary cereal and what happens when you leave this box of cereal in your cabinet for an extended period of time. “You come back… you can still eat it.” However, foods that rot as Burns explains are better for you because they are alive and have enzymes.  These foods that rot “create high performance” because they are pure proteins, healthy fats, and minimally processed carbohydrates that have the nutrients and enzymes packed right inside of them!

As Burn says “the truth is if we don’t prepare to eat well, we’ll eat poorly.” If kids are at an all day sporting event, like a swim meet, a rowing regatta, or a sports tournament and they are bombarded with granola bars, PB&Js and juice galore what do you think they end up eating? Processed foods that do not rot! Parents are encouraged to prepare ahead of time and make every food count. So what snacks does she suggest? Pack foods including: hard boiled eggs, yogurt, turkey jerky, pumpkin seeds, nuts, dried and fresh fruit in a cooler and bring it with you!

Sports nutrition is all about nutrient timing, being able to take in the right number of proteins, carbohydrates, and fluids at a time when your body can best use them.  Burns explains this by talking about how she deals with the Chicago Blackhawk’s Hockey Team to create high performance with nutrient timing.

A few tips that Burn’s suggests in the article include to:
- Consider grass fed beef
- Add a green drink to your day
- Add lemon to your water
- Drink at least one 8-ounce up of green tea every day
- Eat liquid form carbohydrates and protein immediately after a work-out
- Eat ½ teaspoon of unrefined sea salt every day for essential minerals
- Try Brazil nuts, they have great benefits including the mineral selenium and anticancer       characteristics
- Add Coconut water to your routine, it is great for electrolyte replacement

Read the full article for more advice and tips from Sportfuel’s very own Julie Burns: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/sc-food-0520-kids-athletes-20110525,0,3732063.story  

By Laura Acchione, Sportfuel Intern

Julie Burns, owner of SportFuel and Eat Like the Pros meal delivery service, was mentioned in a recent Chicago Tribune Article about grabbing a healthy breakfast on the go. How does Burns suggest you revamp your morning breakfast routine? By using her high performance formula:

“Don’t skimp on protein, do cut sugars. In the carb department, grab for colorful fruits, and you’ll be packing antioxidants. Healthy fats—coconut oil and butter—are essential for making you feel full, utilizing proteins and absorbing minerals.”

Burns, mother of teenage triplets and Dietitian to many professional athletes, says she keeps readymade gluten-free pancake mix in the refrigerator so all she has to do is heat up the pan and make them. And she even suggests putting the pancakes on a paper towel and eating them in the car and on the go!

Other options for a quick and healthy breakfast:
- Undenatured protein shakes with coconut milk and powdered greens
- Hard-boiled eggs and bananas
- Egg muffins, with eggs, ham, and cheese mixed and baked in muffin tins (pre make and reheat in the morning!)
- Full-fat Greek yogurt with a handful of berries
- Trader Joe’s microwaveable steel-cut oats (made with Coconut Oil)

For other grab-‘n’-go breakfast options, and more from Julie Burns, read the article here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/sc-food-0520-kids-athletes-20110525,0,3732063.story