Last week we discussed the problem with seed oils and how they are related to EVERY SINGLE CHRONIC DISEASE we struggle with because of the oxidative stress which comes from toxicity and nutrient deficiencies.
I also recommended a book for all of you called Dark Calories by Dr. Catherine Shanahan. We named the Hateful Eight last week, but for those of you who missed it, they are Corn oil, cottonseed oil canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil and ricebran oil. All of these hide under the “healthy” title VEGETABLE OILS.
This week I’m going to discuss with you, how we solve this dilemma, because it is in absolutely everything except raw foods. Now I understand that completely clearing your cupboards of all vegetable and seed oils is emotional as well as expensive, so instead, let’s commit to not buying any more and replacing your current stock with healthy alternatives as you run out. Disclaimer here – healthier oils ARE more expensive. But you’re either going to pay now, or pay the doctor later, so you may as well cut out the middleman.
So for all of you out there who would assure me that you “only cook with avocado and olive oil, Gold Star for IN HOME eating! However, Unless you NEVER go out to eat, or partake of fast food, there’s still work to be done!
ALL restaurants use vegetable oil to deep fry, batter-fry, pan-fry or tempura their foods. Deep fried is the absolute worst because that oil is reheated again and again and used over a number of days. I remember the fish frys in upstate New York. The would serve a piece of cod as big as your liver. My mother would always tell Mike, “make sure to tell them to change the oil”! Mike would yell, OK and wink at me and say, “not unless I want them to spit on my fish!” It’s cheap, it’s easy and let’s face it, it’s tasty.
And tell the truth. How many of you have come back from vacation and not felt well? Although we don’t often get as much sleep as we should, and tend to overeat a little more, I’m guessing it’s more because of the amount of vegetable oils you consumed.
OK, tighten your belts. Here we go! First. Avoid anything deep fried. I know. OUCH. Choose baked, grilled or steamed instead. I have been to several fish frys in the area, and I always have mine grilled and it’s wonderful!
Unless the mayonnaise is guaranteed to be free of vegetable oil of any kind, don’t use it or anything made with it. That would include most sides like cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad egg salad, tartar sauce, dips dressings, sauces and finishing oils like the oil and vinegar at Subway. Sorry!
Find out what toppings are available like real butter, real sour cream, most cheeses melted – none with added oils, salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, soy sauce, etc. Try to choose high-protein foods. Grilled burgers, chicken, fish fillets, or slices of roasted meats. Always go for solid chunks of meat as opposed to shredded meats. (They usually have some type of oil added).
Have a Cobb or Chef’s salad with grilled chicken or fish. Cream based soups are usually pretty safe. Stay away from the popcorn at the movies. That “butter” is flavored seed oil, and it is popped in canola and coconut oil. I know coconut oil is one of the good guys, but mixing it with any of the Hateful Eight adulterates it and renders it toxic.
Avoid premade baked goods. Cookies, muffins, and non-dairy based cakes and desserts are often made with seed oils.
I hear you – So what CAN I eat!? OK. Poke bowls are becoming very popular. Salads with grilled meats are available almost everywhere. Korean BBQ, Sushi, Arby’s believe it or not, as their meat is a higher quality than most. If you’re going out someplace special, check the menu online and call ahead if possible. Tell them you need to avoid seed oils. Cream, butter and olive oils are fine. And have them check with the kitchen. The waitress may or may not know everything in the food, but the kitchen does. Let them know that you have a food sensitivity to seed oils. And that’s not a lie, because we ALL do!
Eat as much fresh, uncooked food as you can. Eat meat. Eat fermented and sprouted foods like kimchi, plain yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sprouted nuts, seeds and beans. Try this for just one month. Be faithful to it and see how you feel afterward. I promise you, if you stick to it and do it without cheating, you will have more energy, feel better, less burping, bloating and heaviness, and possibly lose some weight in the process.
For cooking at home, the Divine Dozen once again for those who may have missed it are Butter, extra virgin olive oil, unrefined peanut oil, unrefined coconut oil, unrefined avocado oil, ghee, sesame oil, unrefined palm oil, bacon fat, tallow, lard and chicken fat. You may also know them as PUFAs. Polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are the good fats. And they are tasty, so eat up! And LET’S GET BETTER!
This month I have a brand new Survival Pak for you - The Spring Break Pak! Spring will be here before you know it and many of the kids as well as some adults will be travelling. It contains a Healthy Travels Inhaler, Traveler's Hand Gel and Good Night's Sleep Linen Spray. My son has to travel to India in March for work, so I'm sending one off to him right away! The Fresh Start Pak and the Winter Survival Paks are going away this month until next winter. So glad you all enjoyed them so much!
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