Perfect Health Diet

[sunday]

Tiva,
I am not sure if you read the Perfect Health site, but Jaminet and Kresser participated in a Safe Starch Panel at the Acestral Health Society panel at Harvard. It is very interesting to read both sides. I was very anti-starch until I began watching the famous "Tater Hack" here on JUDDD and also at Mark's Daily Apple which is what inspired me to read the Perfect Health Diet.

Is starch a beneficial nutrient or a toxin? You be the judge.

Whole Health Source: Potatoes and Human Health, Part III

Everything You Might Want to Know About the Potato
Posted by Paul Jaminet on October 4, 2010 21 comments

The best diet-and-health blog on the Web may be Stephan Guyenet’s Whole Health Source. Those who have read the footnotes of our book may have noticed that he’s our most cited blogger.

Stephan has done a series of posts on the potato, one of our “safe starches” and recommended foods. His latest and final installment has some neat information. His whole post deserves reading, but I want to highlight two points here.
Yes, Potatoes are a Safe Starch

Diseases like obesity and diabetes are primarily caused by toxic foods. Diabetes and obesity became common after vegetable oil and fructose consumption soared in the 1970s – not surprisingly, since omega-6 fats and sugar are extremely effective at inducing these diseases in laboratory animals.

Diabetes and obesity rates may serve as rough indicators of the toxicity of a people’s staple foods.

It is good to see, therefore, that potato-eating cultures have very low rates of diabetes and obesity. Here is Stephan’s graph comparing diabetes rates among the Aymara, an Andean potato-dependent tribe, and Americans:

Stephan notes that the Irish were considered a healthy and attractive people during the period when they obtained 87% of calories from the potato, and quotes Adam Smith’s remark that potatoes were “peculiarly suitable to the health of the human constitution.”

At this blog, we never disagree with Adam Smith.
Potatoes provide adequate protein

Stephan cites a curious study in which a Dr. M. Hindhede kept three men on a potatoes-and-margarine diet for a full year and required them to do increasingly arduous labor. After a year of this potato-and-fat diet, the men emerged well-muscled:

In his book, Dr. Hindhede shows a photograph of Mr. Madsen taken on December 21st, 1912, after he had lived for almost a year entirely on potatoes. This photograph shows a strong, solid, athletic-looking figure, all of whose muscles are well-developed, and without excess fat. …Hindhede had him examined by five physicians, including a diagnostician, a specialist in gastric and intestinal diseases, an X-ray specialist, and a blood specialist. They all pronounced him to be in a state of perfect health.

About 10% of the calories in potato are from protein, and since the margarine may have accounted for 50% of calories and was protein-free, the men’s protein intake was around 5% of calories. The experiment is consistent with our view that protein intake of 200 calories per day is sufficient to maintain excellent health and build muscle.
Conclusion

[Blonde with a Rose]

Morning all~ feeling a little better this morning, still can't breathe through my nose! I did lose a couple of pounds this week, I'll take it.

Kristin~ your life sounds Idyllic! Kayaking has always been an ambition of mine, but of course I've never done it. We have some beautiful lakes in and around San Diego that would work perfectly.

Sunday~ the chocolate/coconut mousse looks good enough to eat.

Hey Cici, Blue, Patty, Beverly, Tiva ~Hope you all have a great weekend!

[Joyjoy]

Blonde, happy nose breathing when it resumes.
Paddling is wonderful. I paddled flat water kayak competitively growing up and thought I'd never set a$$ in one again. So competitive and tense. So I happily toodled around in a canoe for years and years, dog and a coffee at my feet.
A few years ago I saw a kayak for sale at a crazy-low price and couldn't pass it up.
It's been heaven since.
You know, if you'd like to join me for a virtual paddle, I'll bet you still can via iTunes. At some point I did a radio show (it'll be under Kristin Shepherd or Dr.Kristin Shepherd or The Wonderphiles) during which I brought a tape recorder out on the lake with me.
Hang on, I'll see if I can find the details.

[sunday]

Blonde, So good to hear you are breathing better and feeling on the upswing!

I don't know if you ever made cream cheese clouds when you were doing NK, but I used to make mine chocolate with walnuts. I miss those little treats since moving over to PHD and I think this will do just fine in replacing it.
I sprinkled a few walnuts and topped with a squirt of whip cream and it was so delish.

I now have an idea for doing the same with pumpkin! I will try it out and see if it is as yummy.

[sunday]

Kristin! I am thrilled to listen to this adventure.

[Blonde with a Rose]

Kristin that would be awesome! I hope you find it!

Sunday~ I never made cream cheese clouds, now I'm glad 'cause I don't miss them. heehee. I love anything pumpkin. Please share the results?

[Joyjoy]

The Wonderphiles - Archives

Okay, I have no idea how to work the link thing, but if it does work, it'll take you to a show we did on the lake, in the kayak.

[Xexist]

Okay I havent lost any weight in days and I have only been eating about 1000 calories worth a day of potatoes, also including a little bit of calories from sugar in my coffee.

I am running at LEAST a 1000 calorie defecit, and probably a fair bit more than that, so why is my weight staying the same? I also feel like I might be in ketosis (strange taste in my mouth) is that good or bad for me?

Is this some kinda 'starvation mode' plateau? How is it even physically possible to eat less than your RMR and not lose weight?

I *feel* good, and I certainly dont feel hungry or deprived of food. Frustrated that my numbers arent moving though.

Any suggestions welcome.

[ouizoid]

kristin--kayaking is my dream--I kayaked a few years ago up a lake to a creek in the farthestmost part of Idaho (almost to Canada)--lovely. Then rotator cuff surgery. My shoulder is still wonky I haven't dared try again.

[Blonde with a Rose]

Kristin~ listening...so cool!

[ouizoid]

xexist--I would say stick with it--lots of people have this experience. I am in ketosis whenever I eat potatoes--I believe it is because of the fatty acids mobilized to process the starch. Don't worry about the weight--it will come off once the detoxifying/adaptation phase ends.

[tiva]

Originally Posted by sunday

tiva, I would love to be in Sweden! Winter wonderland! Have you lived there long?

Sunday, I'm just here for 9 months in northern Sweden, as a visiting professor. It has been a blast (no faculty meetings! great snow!), but we sure miss our dogs. And thanks for all the links--I've been at MDA for a while and reading a bunch on the PHD website. After 10 years on LC, I still feel great, so I don't think I'm feeling any of the issues some long-term LCers feel. But if taters would make me feel better, I'm all for them. My husband's an organic farmer and our soil is amazing for potatoes, so I've had some over the years, but not a ton.

2 falls ago, we had endless harvests of beets, carrots, and apples, so I juiced a ton. I expected that it would make me gain so I thought I wouldn't be drinking much of it, but oddly enough, the juice made us both feel amazing and neither of us gained. I love root veggies.

And Joyjoy, I'm also an avid sea kayaker--I go out every day in the summer on Lake Superior, where I do my research (on climate change and watershed health, which is really an excuse to be on the water all summer). When we get back from Sweden, we're moving to the Keweenaw on Lake Superior so I can be on the big lake & ski or kayak as much as possible.

[Xexist]

Originally Posted by ouizoid

xexist--I would say stick with it--lots of people have this experience. I am in ketosis whenever I eat potatoes--I believe it is because of the fatty acids mobilized to process the starch. Don't worry about the weight--it will come off once the detoxifying/adaptation phase ends.

You seem to be the only one in this thread who cares to aknowledge my existance

[sunday]

Originally Posted by Xexist

You seem to be the only one in this thread who cares to aknowledge my existance

Xexist, I am sorry, but I can't be online always due to job. I apologize because I forget, are you doing solely taters or didn't you have a few days break? Anyway, if you are doing this for weight loss, make sure that sugar is 4 hours before or after. Limit fats & sugar period, but 4 hours before on the sugared coffee is best. Also, one last thing, are you near your goal weight?

[cici52]

Originally Posted by sunday

Blonde, So good to hear you are breathing better and feeling on the upswing!

I don't know if you ever made cream cheese clouds when you were doing NK, but I used to make mine chocolate with walnuts. I miss those little treats since moving over to PHD and I think this will do just fine in replacing it.
I sprinkled a few walnuts and topped with a squirt of whip cream and it was so delish.

I now have an idea for doing the same with pumpkin! I will try it out and see if it is as yummy.

I had a chocolate craving the othe day and added cocao powder to butternut squash with butter and nutmeg and a little SF raspberrry jello powder (the only sweet thing I could find in the cupboard). It was really satisfying. The squash was some leftovers that I'd frozen so I had to squeeze off a lot of separated water.

[cici52]

[QUOTE=Blonde with a Rose;16273773]Morning all~ feeling a little better this morning, still can't breathe through my nose! I did lose a couple of pounds this week, I'll take it.

Feel better soon.

[tiva]

Originally Posted by Xexist

Okay I havent lost any weight in days and I have only been eating about 1000 calories worth a day of potatoes, also including a little bit of calories from sugar in my coffee.

I am running at LEAST a 1000 calorie defecit, and probably a fair bit more than that, so why is my weight staying the same?

You could try substituting stevia for the sugar, since some folks seem quite sensitive to sugar.

I'm not sure what the potato hack details are, but in my own experience, if I try to send my calories lower and lower, it backfires on me. It might be better to eat another potato or two to bring your calories closer to your nutritional needs (for me, 1200 to 1400 calories are the range at which I lose best). Good luck!

[sungoddess]

Originally Posted by Xexist

Okay I havent lost any weight in days and I have only been eating about 1000 calories worth a day of potatoes, also including a little bit of calories from sugar in my coffee.

I am running at LEAST a 1000 calorie defecit, and probably a fair bit more than that, so why is my weight staying the same? I also feel like I might be in ketosis (strange taste in my mouth) is that good or bad for me?

Is this some kinda 'starvation mode' plateau? How is it even physically possible to eat less than your RMR and not lose weight?

I *feel* good, and I certainly dont feel hungry or deprived of food. Frustrated that my numbers arent moving though.

Any suggestions welcome.

I am so sorry you felt ignored. I sometimes feel that way too when you don't get a response to a question or comment, but then I realize people only have so much time to post and can't always address everyone. It's not that you aren't important!!

Sometimes I don't respond to something because I am unsure of the answer. In your situation, my recommendation would be to continue on for awhile and let your body adjust. I understand the frustration of the numbers not moving. It's great you are feeling good and not hungry. Jaminet says not to go below 1300 calories, so maybe you aren't getting enough to let your body release fat. You are probably due for a whoosh!!

[Blonde with a Rose]

Originally Posted by Blonde with a Rose

Morning all~

Hey Cici, Blue, Patty, Beverly, Tiva ~Hope you all have a great weekend!

I totally acknowledge you. I just don't have answers for what's happening with you right now. I held the same weight for over three weeks, then dropped. It's not fast fast, but it's healthy. The common consensus here is healthy first, all the other good stuff will follow. Hang in there!

[Xexist]

Originally Posted by sunday

Xexist, I am sorry, but I can't be online always due to job. I apologize because I forget, are you doing solely taters or didn't you have a few days break? Anyway, if you are doing this for weight loss, make sure that sugar is 4 hours before or after. Limit fats & sugar period, but 4 hours before on the sugared coffee is best. Also, one last thing, are you near your goal weight?

I am a far way away from my goal weight. I am doing only taters and did not take a day off (I had ONE meal off) I lost like 10 pounds in 5 days, which was great, but nothing in the 4 or 5 days since then.

I am at a huge calorie defecit and have a lot of weight to lose. I am not eating much sugar at all ( a little sugar, or honey in my tea/coffee)

Frustrating!

I seem to have lost body mass though. Im just pulling my hair out at the numbers.

[cici52]

X, just lost a long post but glad you posted in the meantime. If you lost 10 pounds in 5 days, it doesn't matter how far you have to go, if you are female your body will probably not release more than maybe a pound or so/week from now on and maybe not every week. Are you female or male? Much of the science is based on men and they always lose faster. How old are you? That makes a difference. Ten pounds in 5 days is great. You will probably see another drop soon but it won't alwoys be so much. Also, how long do you plan to continue the hack?

[sunday]

Yes, I agree with Cici! 10 lbs in 5 days is more than I have seen anyone do!

I would continue for a few days if you want, or take a break to renourish and go right back. Cycle taters. I would think from here on out you will see something like 3 to 4 lbs weekly, but not more.

[Xexist]

Originally Posted by cici52

X, just lost a long post but glad you posted in the meantime. If you lost 10 pounds in 5 days, it doesn't matter how far you have to go, if you are female your body will probably not release more than maybe a pound or so/week from now on and maybe not every week. Are you female or male? Much of the science is based on men and they always lose faster. How old are you? That makes a difference. Ten pounds in 5 days is great. You will probably see another drop soon but it won't alwoys be so much. Also, how long do you plan to continue the hack?

I am male, 33. Yes it was an awful lot of weight quickly, but I also have a lot to lose and when you are as overweight as I am, weight should come off much more quickly than a normal person.

Some people doing this potato diet are losing 1 pound a day, I would be happy with a half pound a day. Staying the same is driving me crazy.

Thanks for the support though

[cici52]

I would totally drop the sugar/honey. No good can come from it.

[Xexist]

Originally Posted by cici52

I would totally drop the sugar/honey. No good can come from it.

I dont personally believe there is harm in such small amounts, however what would you reccomend? Splenda? I cant give up coffee thats for sure!

[tobelowcarber]

guys! I am lurker to this thread and I am making my first broth as we speak. I have lamb bones roasting in the oven right now. I have 3 questions for you:

1. I was wondering if you could roast the veggies too. I thought this could give a nice flavor
2. How do you calculate calories, is this even possible?
3. I can't find my crock-pot (I think I gave it away as I never use it). So I am using regular soup pot. Is the crock-pot really critical?

Thank you!!!

[ouizoid]

Originally Posted by Xexist

I am male, 33. Yes it was an awful lot of weight quickly, but I also have a lot to lose and when you are as overweight as I am, weight should come off much more quickly than a normal person.

Some people doing this potato diet are losing 1 pound a day, I would be happy with a half pound a day. Staying the same is driving me crazy.

Thanks for the support though

Xexist, weight just never comes off linearly--no matter how much we would like that! I think you had a big initial scale loss, and right now the scale is holding while the body mass shrinks. That happens to me all the time. I totally feel for you--it is so hard to feel like you are doing everything right with no results, but I think if you stick with it and are patient through the plateaus (which I think of as reorganization periods), you will be pleased.

[Xexist]

Originally Posted by ouizoid

Xexist, weight just never comes off linearly--no matter how much we would like that! I think you had a big initial scale loss, and right now the scale is holding while the body mass shrinks. That happens to me all the time. I totally feel for you--it is so hard to feel like you are doing everything right with no results, but I think if you stick with it and are patient through the plateaus (which I think of as reorganization periods), you will be pleased.

Thanks, I think this is what I needed to hear

[cici52]

Originally Posted by Xexist

I dont personally believe there is harm in such small amounts, however what would you reccomend? Splenda? I cant give up coffee thats for sure!

I think the artificial sweeteners are just another toxin. Jaminet says no sugar, corn syrup or anything that contains them, so I would try to wean off the sweet. I do get a little sugar occasionally in a small square of chocolate, or a piece of fruit which are on the occasional pleasure food list of PHD, but not daily. If I had to sweeten something regularly, I would probably choose stevia as it is natural and the drops have no fillers. However, I have read somewhere that the body responds to the flavor of sweet and releases insulin regardless of the source or calories so I just avoid it. It doesn't take long to get over the need. Especially, since you are getting starch. Are you doing PHD when you aren't potato hacking? Could be we are on different waves.

[Joyjoy]

I'd drop sugar, too. Two cents.

Crock pot isn't necessary, Marika.
Let us know how roasted veggies are. Sometimes I roast them with the bones.
And rats, what was the third thing?