16 November 2011

bigger fish to fry


So what's to eat and what is not to eat -
Here in the almost hidden, 
almost secretive world of Omega 3 and Omega 6?

It might be easier to say what NOT to eat!
I've noticed all the doctors and people who write books about it - 
NONE of them are offering up a perfect diet.
No one would buy it - or follow it!
Very few of us could eat solely on nutrient density.

As you read the list here, 
remember we are talking about FATs.
Fatty Acids. So this is not a diet plan!
Your diet should include all the other things.
Fruits, Salads, what ever you love.
What works for you.  As you see fit. 
By definition, only fatty foods show up on this list.
This is merely a (partial) list of foods that are high in Omega 3.
The "good" kind of Essential Fatty Acid.

Foods like: lots of Alaskan Salmon  (Wild Caught)
Mackerel, Sardines, Trout, Anchovies, Albacore Tuna, Herring,
Oyster, Shrimp, Crab and Fish Oil supplements. 
Maybe even krill. If you like it.

Eggs from a pasture, not a factory.
Lean Beef from a Ranch, not a Feed Lot.
Grass Fed beef has better n-3. Bison.
Beef Liver. Organic, if you can find it.

Good veggies - of all kinds- 
Avocados, Pumpkins, Kale, Spinach, Turnips,
Cauliflower, Broccoli,
Winter Squash, Summer Squash, Onions,
Sweet Potato

Walnuts, Flax, Dark Chocolate, Chia Seeds
Some love the nuts... others won't touch them
Cuz they are too high in Omega 6... the "bad" kind

You can do great research at Nutrition Data (link)
I can't recommend this one enough.
It shows all the nutrients.
Glycemic Load and Inflammation Factors.
They use a government data base (link)
Or even this great one at PaleoTrack (link)
This one tells you if your Ratio is out-of whack!


And now, on the Omega 6 side - 
The things to avoid are things like
 chicken, turkey, veggie oils,
nuts, (see?) processed food,
This list is so big, it's more than half the foods in our diets!

Omega 6's cause inflammation.
(That's why they are so bad!)
The idea is NOT to try to put out the "fire" 
caused by Omega 6... buy just upping the Omega 3. 
Nope - that won't do!
The total PolyUnSaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA)
should be no more than 10% of your total diet.
Some say 4 %!! (yikes)

I have written a few research type posts
about it. Cuz I am learning, too.
We are learning together!



And there are hundreds of other websites 
with good information.

Don't be afraid - just be aware!

It would only be half the story
if we also didn't talk about lifestyle changes...
Florence Nightingale said we needed
lots of sleep, good food, clean air,
clean surroundings, and maybe get some exercise in.
And to try to be happy.

I have decided to learn about diet,
and health... but not to worry and stress about it.
And not to feed on the angst and controversy.
"Leave the drama for yo mamma,"
as they say. And try to do right.

Winnie The Pooh said it best:
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”



Hope this helps!

6 comments:

  1. A wonderful post Anne, makes me think why have I been eating so much chicken....lol. I see a dietician for the first time this morning, maybe she can give me some good advice. hugs to you. have a great week.

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  2. Hello again, my friend.

    As you may have noticed, I've been going through some changes. I can report that not only have the changes completed their cycle, but that the results are successful beyond all imagination. As am I.

    But I didn't do it alone. I had help from The Natural World.

    The new blog will offer a consistent look into my new life, as well as my old love.

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  3. Love your phrasing of DONT BE AFRAID BE AWARE!!

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  4. It helps A LOT! Thanks Anne H.!

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  5. Oh my! You got my attention big time when you spoke of chicken having omega 6 and omega 6 causes inflammation. Inflammation is exactly what my MS needs me to avoid. Okay, going to look up more types of fishes that I can get omega 3 from and hopefully will be able to shop for that rather than chicken for next week's meals. Thanks Anne!!!

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  6. I myself take a good quality Norwegian Cod Liver Oil supplement
    every day... I think it's that important!

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