Whole Food Diet Possible While Cruising?

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by FollowingCs

Again, don't want to argue diets, but you brought it up .... heart and artery problems are so much more complex than just red meat. What was your bread/wheat/gluten, alcohol, sugar, rice, legumes intake? These are inflammatory foods, not meat. I've eliminated them almost completely from my diet, and my full lipid panel blood tests are coming back extremely positive for both cholesterol and inflammatory markers, so my diet is working for me. I've been off statins for 3 years now, totally controlling cholesterol (the very bad particles, but also the overall meaningless number) with diet including plenty of meat.

~ Following Cs ~

I've been tracking my numbers for 7 years now. The first 3 years with red meat and eliminating processed sugars and bad fats while on a statin. Numbers came down gradually. Last 4 years without any meat Numbers dropped twice as fast. I'd be happy to share the results. I have not done alcohol in 36 years, so that's out of the equation.
Reading what Cardiologist say about red meat varies from moderation to absolutely no red meat. I have a friend who is an Herbal specialist who turned me into the right direction concerning my health and heart disease. I'm happy with the results. I was amazed how addictive red meat was for me.

[ImaginaryNumber]

Originally Posted by FollowingCs

Again, don't want to argue diets, but you brought it up .... heart and artery problems are so much more complex than just red meat. What was your bread/wheat/gluten, alcohol, sugar, rice, legumes intake? These are inflammatory foods, not meat. I've eliminated them almost completely from my diet, and my full lipid panel blood tests are coming back extremely positive for both cholesterol and inflammatory markers, so my diet is working for me. I've been off statins for 3 years now, totally controlling cholesterol (the very bad particles, but also the overall meaningless number) with diet including plenty of meat.

~ Following Cs ~

Scientists confirm that the Paleo diet is nonsense
[title is unnecessarily provocative...]

The theory behind the very trendy high-protein/low-carb Paleo diet is that we should mimic the diets of our Paleolithic ancestors, eating mainly meat, fish, and a restricted list of pre-agricultural vegetables and fruit. (There is some debate within the Paleo community about which starchy vegetables and how much of them are Paleo-approved, but most recommend limiting them if not barring them entirely.)

But according to a new study in The Quarterly Review of Biology, the low-carb interpretation of the paleolithic menu is probably all wrong. The researchers posit that our cavemen and cavewoman ancestors loved—and needed—carbs as much as we do, even if they gathered them instead of cultivated them...

“Although meat may have been a preferred food, the energy expenditure required to obtain it may have been far greater than that used for collecting tubers from a reliable source,” the researchers write. (Worth noting: The researchers believe the tubers were collected by postmenopausal women, who shared them with the younger female relatives, which in turn, allowed them to have more babies. Men are not mentioned.)

Nutritional requirements and evolutionary evidence also support the idea that cavemen did not live on meat alone. As the brain grew during this period, more energy was needed, and it likely came from carbohydrates, not protein, too much of which can be toxic to the human body and even cause death.

This is further supported by evidence of two other major developments at the time: Saliva was evolving to better break down starch-rich plants, and our forebears were learning to cook. Both of these factors converged to make the vegetables tastier and easier to digest, providing the necessary energy for brain growth. These starchy plants also likely supported “improved reproductive functions,” including fetal growth and extra calories for lactating mothers.

[Nadineon31]

Not to be confused with the high protein "paleo diet", the following submission from Dr Permutter on High Fat and NO grain makes a lot of sense. In fact read his book The Grain Brain. This is not faddy at all but makes a huge amount if sense. It's difficult to get into and sustain but the rewards are immeasurable!

BRAINCHANGE | David Perlmutter M.D.
BRAINCHANGE | David Perlmutter M.D.
“If you could make just three simple changes in your life to prevent, or even reverse, memory loss and other brain disorders, wouldn't you?” – Dr. David ...

I am listening to the audio book - Brain Maker and loving it.

[FollowingCs]

Wow, this really deteriorated quickly.. I really hate arguing on the internet... I almost replied to an entire list of this stuff, but decided against it. I'm not going to convince any of you, and you certainly won't convince me since I have 10 years of blood tests to prove what works for me (i.e. personal science). Only the last 2 years have my blood tests been decent, and that came with a significant diet change. My last blood test was off-the-charts great for pre-diabetes markers, inflammatory markers, and destructive sized cholesterol. My B.S. overall cholesterol number is now 187, lower than when I was on a statin. I'm down 20 pounds, my joints don't hurt even after walking 18 holes of golf. Now if I can just stop waking up at night to pee..........

My main question was about whole food generally available, and that has been wonderfully answered, thank you.

~ Following Cs ~

[BaconGrease]

Originally Posted by FollowingCs

Don't want to argue diets, ........ substitutes?

Just wondering,
~ Following Cs ~

At the risk of being labelled "one of them nutjobs".... I follow paleo fairly well but I dislike the terms 'paleo diet' or 'paleo lifestyle.' That stuff is just silly.

Paleo isn't just a diet, it's a series of lifestyle choices which *might* for *some* people lead to a healthier body and mind. The food is only one choice in the grand scheme and it's not even the most important.

If you read John Durant's "Paleo Manifesto" you'll find that even he does not propose completely giving up the modern treats like ice cream or Cuban sandwiches - or electric lighting, cars, TVs other modern conveniences.

As for how easily you can meet the 'paleo lifestyle while off cruising, we can run down the check list....

- Physical activity. Holy smokes will you be FAR more active out cruising than you are sitting in your office. Sure, you won't be doing CrossFit, wind sprinting or swinging kettlebells like the hardcore followers of paleo... but you will be far more active than they are and your physical activity will be far more varied.

- Exposure to natural elements, sun, rain, wind, changes in weather and season, etc. OK, that one's a no brainer.

- Proper sleep. Not everybody sleeps well on a boat, so this isn't a given. But if you are one of those that doesn't sleep well on a boat, you won't last too long out cruising so it's a non-issue.

- Fasting cycles. There doesn't have to be any change from your normal eating / fasting schedule. This is entirely up to you.

- The actual food. There's so much more to "paleo" diet than grassfed beef, sweet potatoes and kale. If you step outside the mainstream concept of paleo, I guarantee you will not only be able to eat "paleo" meals, but you'll eat VERY well. Remember that seafood is very much "paleo." And goat is delicious. Just go to the market and have FUN. If you don't find exactly what you want, just remember that it's just food - in 72 hours, it'll be in your holding tank.

- How the food is prepared is just as important as what the food is. You have absolute control of this so it will be as "paleo" as you like.

I hope this helps allay your concerns. Best wishes out there.

[greenbean]

St Croix has fresh goat and Tortola has fresh beef. We're sailors and farmers. We went to a agriculture convention on Tortola I've heard goat on all islands


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[MarkJ]

I eat low carb, high fat LCHF and my "numbers" are now fine. Before when I was eating a 'western' diet I was pre diabetic and a case for statins. LCHF includes lots of red meat and animal fat.

Now... I am ready for my 1,000 mile / 1,700 km bicycle ride starting in 2 weeks.

[roverhi]

Wouldn't want to eat inorganic beef.

Any place with easy/regular airplane and ship access will have somewhat fresh produce. You may not like the price but it will be available. Once you get off the beaten path, fresh produce gets real scarce. Spent months in the Marquesas and Tuamotus and definitely had veggie withdrawal. We substituted Green Papayas as a vegetable and salad base which really helped but little else available. Wasn't until we got to Papeete that fresh got back in our diet. Our experience is from several decades ago but doubt that the transport problems of fresh stuff has changed a lot. Best thing would be to can your own veggies and possibly sprout other greens.

Originally Posted by FollowingCs

Don't want to argue diets, just wondered if anybody eats paleo/whole foods while cruising, specifically the Caribbean.

Currently have a 1/2 side of organic beef in the freezer, and spinach, kale, arugula and salads are prep'd often. Just wondering if anybody eats this way while 'out there'. Fresh greens are not easy to come by? I also guess that we can find substitutes?

Just wondering,
~ Following Cs ~

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Nadineon31

Not to be confused with the high protein "paleo diet", the following submission from Dr Permutter on High Fat and NO grain makes a lot of sense. In fact read his book The Grain Brain. This is not faddy at all but makes a huge amount if sense. It's difficult to get into and sustain but the rewards are immeasurable!

BRAINCHANGE | David Perlmutter M.D.
BRAINCHANGE | David Perlmutter M.D.
“If you could make just three simple changes in your life to prevent, or even reverse, memory loss and other brain disorders, wouldn't you?” – Dr. David ...

I am listening to the audio book - Brain Maker and loving it.

Went to the website and was impressed. I eat most of the recommended foods suggested there. It would be interesting his take on meat.

Originally Posted by FollowingCs

Wow, this really deteriorated quickly.. I really hate arguing on the internet... I almost replied to an entire list of this stuff, but decided against it. I'm not going to convince any of you, and you certainly won't convince me since I have 10 years of blood tests to prove what works for me (i.e. personal science). Only the last 2 years have my blood tests been decent, and that came with a significant diet change. My last blood test was off-the-charts great for pre-diabetes markers, inflammatory markers, and destructive sized cholesterol. My B.S. overall cholesterol number is now 187, lower than when I was on a statin. I'm down 20 pounds, my joints don't hurt even after walking 18 holes of golf. Now if I can just stop waking up at night to pee..........

My main question was about whole food generally available, and that has been wonderfully answered, thank you.

~ Following Cs ~

I really don't see any deterioration on the thread or arguing. Only different peoples opinions. True, some stronger than others....
I'm glad your numbers are down. Because of having 2 MCI, I have got my Total cholesterol to 140. One thing I'll mention about being on a boat vs. on land...On land, I gained back almost 20lbs. The constant movement of the boat keeps the fat off...Go sailing now!

[model 10]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I eat low carb, high fat LCHF and my "numbers" are now fine. Before when I was eating a 'western' diet I was pre diabetic and a case for statins. LCHF includes lots of red meat and animal fat.

Now... I am ready for my 1,000 mile / 1,700 km bicycle ride starting in 2 weeks.

Sounds like an Eskimo diet. I thought bikers had a hi carb diet?

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by FollowingCs

Again, don't want to argue diets, but you brought it up .... heart and artery problems are so much more complex than just red meat. What was your bread/wheat/gluten, alcohol, sugar, rice, legumes intake? These are inflammatory foods, not meat. I've eliminated them almost completely from my diet, and my full lipid panel blood tests are coming back extremely positive for both cholesterol and inflammatory markers, so my diet is working for me. I've been off statins for 3 years now, totally controlling cholesterol (the very bad particles, but also the overall meaningless number) with diet including plenty of meat.

~ Following Cs ~

Meat not inflammatory? But legumes are? Where did you get these "facts"? I think you have it backwards.

[Hud3]

A lot of the eastern Caribbean islands down-island from St Maarten have organic, free-range beef. When I lived on Nevis, I had to be careful driving since the cattle wandered along the roads and in them sometimes, dragging their ropes and chains, eating whatever tasty greens they found. Free-range pork and chicken exist, too, but it's more difficult to reliably find, as much of it is imported.

Some of our ex-pat friends didn't care for the local beef, but I really enjoyed it. It was very lean and had a lot of flavor.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Guy

Sounds like an Eskimo diet. I thought bikers had a hi carb diet?

Athletes used to 'carbo load' but thats all old science and the elite athletes are now mostly 'fat adapted'. i.e. All their energy is from fat.

[mstrebe]

Not denigrating others, just explaining why we eat differently aboard then ashore.

I avoid foods that require refrigeration while cruising, because refrigeration is power expensive (anathema on a sailboat) and because you don't want to go hungry if your reefer or engine fails in the middle of a 30 day passage. We have a fridge but use it only for cooling drinks when we don't have to budget power.

This does mean a lot of canned food and the newer bagged shelf-stable foods. These are factory prepared in massive packing facilities and then shipped half-way around the world to Trader Joe's and Costco, where we buy them. They pack well in the boat and they last literally for years.

Pasta, dry rice and beans pack well, keep well, and cook easily. They've been staple seafaring foods for centuries for that reason. I prefer lentils as they don't need to be soaked and stew up nicely on their own. Pasta, canned sauce, and dry grated cheese make a nice dish any time from foods that will all keep for years aboard.

Paleo and vegetarian diets take a whole lot of modern technology to make possible unless you actually live on a farm.

I stick with the fault-tolerant, tried and true when we're out at sea, and keep the kale salads and fresh fruit smoothies ashore, where my life isn't ever going to depend on keeping them cold.

This way the wife gets her way ashore and my way aboard :-)

[Water Dragon]

I've spent time around commercial dairies and hog farms in the US. I've also spent time in rural areas of the Philippines. In the US, the animals live in smelly stalls or bare-dirt pens and eat largely corn- and soy-based (genetically engineered) dry feed. In the Philippines, a farmer ties his cow to a stake in a green field, and daily cuts a bunch of fresh green stuff for her to eat; you can buy the meat at the local open-air market. Is it "certified organic"? No; but who cares?

My point is that in just about any third-world country, you're likely to find options for healthy food, whether it's local markets, catching fish and shellfish, hunting (you don't necessarily have to use a gun; how about bows, spears, bolas, snares), or gathering wild plants. Just forget the idea of supermarkets and grocery lists. Don't think, "OK, I need to go buy X, Y, and Z." Rather, think of it as an exploration and see what kind of interesting food you can find. Like your paleo hunter-gatherer ancestor would do.