Saturday, August 26, 2023

On "Killers" and 'Protein'


I recall a doctor's article emphasizing what he considered as two food basic principles: 1. sugar and salt are bad, practically killers.  2. going heavy on garlic and onion, is good.  It was not an academic article, but rather an account of his personal and his patients'  nutrition experience over the years. 

Whatever we buy at the store  has already sugar and salt in it (especially salt which is a food preservative).   I do check the label on the product to find out how much.   As  for garlic and onion, we all have them in our kitchen and use them in cooking, salads, side dishes. The question is - how much is 'going heavy'.

Sometimes, I find myself telling people that I wouldn't mind  turning vegetarian or vegan , except that I 'm  afraid to do so because of Protein.   Eggs and meat, are the best source of quality protein;  so, it won't be wise to give them up entirely. Protein  is essential to life, and you don't 'play' with that.

Fish is also a good source of protein and it has its place  on my menu.   A daily drop of milk in the coffee, and  a cup of cottage cheese now and then, also add to the animal protein picture.

I know, of course, about plant- based protein. There are many good sources  :  chia seeds, hemp seeds, tofu, quinoa,  oats, chickpeas, nuts, broccoli, lentils...  

Still, it doesn't convince me to eliminate eggs, meat, fish and their derivates from my nutrition.   Perhaps that has  something to do with the autoimmune illness I was recovering from some twenty years ago. It has made me cautious on all levels of my existence.


61 comments:

  1. I'm not in agreement with describing any foods as good or bad. You study your own needs and respect them. Moderation is a good practice, too.

    I flourish on dairy, a lot of yogurt, milk and cheeses. A bit of chicken, frequent fish, no red meat, doesn't suit me. these are findings after years of observation. I buy ingredients rather than prepared food, mostly, and that helps to know exactly what you're getting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I definitely agree with you, Boud. I'm for moderation and buying ingredients rather than ready food. Above all, respect the needs and reactions of your own body.

      Delete
  2. I only eat animal protein..esp. red meat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whatever you eat, Angie, enjoy and feel good! The main thing is to listen to our body's needs.

      Delete
  3. Duta, I think these are times. I remember that many years ago olive oil was not healthy, we were told that we had to use corn oil. And there we all went to buy. On another occasion they said that sunflower was better. As the years go by I am more and more sure that all this was to favor commerce, industry. I think we should eat everything but in small portions. For example, 250 grams of chia is equivalent to about 100 or 150 grams of meat in terms of protein.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You mean trends at a certain point in time , encouraged by industry and commerce. You're right, of course, Norma.
    Thanks a lot for the tips on small portions, and the chia protein.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Meat doesn't agree with me (I suspect it is the things we do to it) so I am vegetarian. I would find it easy to go down the vegan path - except for cheese.
    I try and buy ingredients rather than ready made meals. It tastes better and I am sure it is also better for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've noticed people find the big variety of cheese, irresistible. They'll sometimes stand in a long queue to get the cheese of their choice. Me , I stick to cottage cheese, and occasionally, some other low- fat cheese.

      Delete
  6. Dearest Duta,
    Yes, salt is deadly and sugar is the new crack (see 3rd image).
    https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2014/09/coconut-palm-sugar-with-glycemic-index.html
    Also here I did show it clearly:
    https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2012/05/sugar-is-your-1-enemy.html
    Due to my advanced chronic kidney disease I no longer can eat a high potassium diet and thus no eggs or dairy products.
    But there are still many ways to 'tank up' on good things!
    In January 2010 I had a rare auto immune disease that almost totally paralyzed me... Scary!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mariette dear, thanks for the links on sugar. i'll go read them.
    I'm glad you've got many ways to "tank up on good things". Sorry, to hear about your past auto-immune disease. Mine was also defined rare. Indeed, they didn't know what it was until it deteriorated. A plasma transfer actually saved my life.
    Wishing you the very Best!

    ReplyDelete
  8. buying ingredients and cooking at home is key. We all have to customize from our own history. I like to believe moderation is key and small portions. Of course, I feel like my day is made of snacking these days. Which means lots of veg, cheese, less red meat and I love popcorn!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're all more or less familiar with the "keys" (home cooking, moderation, small portions).
      However, we'll have to 'customize', as you so lovely put it, with our own history.
      Your snacking, Ellie, sounds good.

      Delete
  9. I don't used much salt yet my husband users more because he perspires so much more so therefore needs to restore what he's lost.
    A cousin of mine and his wife didn't used salt were careful in what they bought at the supermarket regarding not too much salt. Then after a few years they became ill, so diagonises was not enough salt, so to this day they take salt tablets, they are now over 80 years of age.
    So I say with all things if you have no illness is anything in moderation Duta.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it's not wise to give up altogether or to reduce drastically a food essential, and salt is an essential.
      It's nice to learn, however, that your cousins are past 80 and well.
      Yes, moderation is important; unless there's some health problem that reqires some drastic measure.

      Delete
  10. Processed foods can kill us! One really needs to be aware.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's plenty of awareness, and yet, people give us descriptions of their meals at restaurants; they usually don't know what's put in the food and how it has been made.

      Delete
  11. I'm with you on protein. Eggs and fish especially. I am trying to cut sugar and carbs much more but I think protein (and tasty protein at that -- chia seeds? Really?) makes a difference.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You do the right thing, Jeanie. I'm for reducing controversial food items , but not giving them up entirely, as it could cause damage.

      Delete
  12. Yes, protein is important. I've never even thought about it before, but now I make sure I get enough. And I've had too much salt in my diet all of my life, but now, at 83, I'm cutting back. Salt has somehow lost its appeal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's how it is. We start thinking about our food when we get into some health problems, not before. Food is life, energy and we should give it proper consideration.

      Delete
  13. It seems moderation is still the key factor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tend to agree with that. Moderation is a key factor not only when it comes to food matters, but in general.

      Delete
  14. Chicken and fish works for me. I love eggs and I usually have a few hard boiled in the fridge. .The only salt we use is in the cooking. Sugar is the problem area for me but I'm working on cutting it down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a few hard boiled eggs in the fridge too, Bill. Good Luck with your sugar cutting down!

      Delete
  15. It seems simple is best. Cooking at home, vegetable, protein, the basics. It's what I strive for, but I just ate pizza, so.... sigh. 🤷🏻‍♀️ It was homemade though!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Concordo com você, cada alimento tem a sua importância, claro que sempre na medida certa. Bom início de semana.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed, the right measure , the right portions, moderation.
      Have a good week too, Luiz!

      Delete
  17. Everything in moderation is my mantra, Duta. I do love meat and eggs, and keep them in my diet along with fruit and veggies. My husband is an excellent chef, so you know I'm blessed!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great mantra, Martha! With a husband a chef, you are indeed blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I never add salt to anything except for a steak now and then. Watch my sugar intake too. I use garlic and onions quite frequently. I agree with you on the protein part. You need it for balance. Janice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, Janice , you are a good example of what and how we should handle food issues.

      Delete
  20. I am sorry you had an auto immune illness. I understand your caution.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. It was a long time ago, but it has projected upon my life along all those years.

      Delete
  21. I don't like meat only because animals have to be slaughtered. So it is slightly hypocritical that I am happy to eat fish and eggs. However it works well as a compromise, especially re protein. The rest of the meals are milk products, fruit, vegetables and some pasta.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The thought of animals being slaughtered occurred to me frequently in my younger days when wearing my leather coats. I don't wear them any more (also because of the warming, unsuitable climate), but I can't help considering a leather garment as adding a certain elegance to the wearer's appearance. Sigh.

      Delete
  22. Boa tarde Duta. Obrigado pelo carinho e felicitações pelo aniversário de 4 anos do Blogger viagenspelobrasilerio.blogspot.com
    grato pela visita e comentário. Luiz Gomes.
    Acho que a moderação faz toda a diferença.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I treat sugar as the enemy and salt as an acquaintance I need to treat with suspicion. I've learnt how much is "too little" and that was not an experience I wish to repeat but have yet to learn for sure how much is "just right" or "too little". I stick to chicken and fish, fruit and vegetable, simply prepared, heavy on onion and garlic, and that suits me. I think we each have to learn to listen to our bodies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The last sentence of your comment is the most important one, Pauline : we should learn to listen to our body. Our body is the best doctor; it will tell us what's right or wrong for us.

      Delete
  24. Protein is so important to our diets for sure. I like it all, especially my tofu dishes. Oh, and salmon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So, you're enjoying both worlds: protein of plant source (tofu) and of animal source (salmon). Good for you, Mary!

      Delete
  25. HI Duta,
    Nice reflections and sensitivities regarding foods. I sense I share somewhat similar preferences as I also don`t eat pizza!!(noticed that in your comment to Sandi!) I think we would be agreeable if we were to go to a cafe together!! I imagine you can find a lot of healthy foods in Israel, all the produce from the land, and even the care given for meat and so I hope you can find the good balance, and stay healthy and as it says in our Torah Portion this week, may the blessings of the LORD overtake you !❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, so far it's been possible to eat healthy and find balance.( I haven't totaly given up pizza, I just eat it rarely).
      Despite the age gap, I'm sure me and you could agree on may things, including foods.
      May the Lord bless you too, Shayndel!❤️

      Delete
  26. I went on a low carb diet about a year ago because of my diabetes. So I mostly eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and meats.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hopefully, the low carb diet helps you with your diabetes, Mary..

      Delete
  27. Alas too much of ANYTHING in not good so the best way for me to control my diet is portion control. If I deny myself it makes me want it more so I go with a taste and a water chaser to satisfy myself. I have been playing catch up again, I read all your post through May of this year. You are so very interesting and yes I love my Croc's too. I am sorry to hear about your loses during the Holocaust . That was such a HORRIBLE TIME on earth and I pray it does not happen again. Peace Be with You.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I'm so glad to hear from you, Lady DI TN! I feel flattered by your very kind words regarding the reading of my blog, and reference to the various topics.
      I hope you're well. Portion control seems to me to be the right way of handling food.
      Sending you hugs and Best Wishes!❤️

      Delete
  28. Replies
    1. Thanks Ashok. It's nice to have people agree with your opinion.

      Delete
  29. I've been a vegetarian for over twenty years. I do a lot of nuts and peanut butter, etc.The protein's never been a problem for me. My daughter was a vegetarian and went back to eating fish because she didn't feel like she was getting enough protein, though. Interesting post.
    Sandra sandra cox.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'A vegetarian for over 20 years' - that sounds great, Sandra. Still, I can understand your daughter that returned to fish to improve her protein intake.
      Thanks for the comment.

      Delete
  30. I think it's all about moderation, and a little of what you fancy does you good. If I try to eliminate something from my diet I crave it all the more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed,Jo, total elimination of a food item from our menu is not wise, as it makes us crave for it more.

      Delete
  31. i like tuna on a toast;) sometimes i also eat salmon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yummi! Both are healthy, tasty food items, Kathy.

      Delete
  32. Good for you, DUTA, I don't watch sugar and salt like I should. You've mentioned before in a post, how you try to be careful about what you eat, as far as health and quantity. I need to become more like you! Hope you're doing well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bica. Good to hear from you.
      The truth is, I'm not careful enough. I should do more about my nutrition and health, but I get busy with things and forget priorities.

      Delete
  33. We always start the day with an egg, they are so versatile and can be cooked in many different ways, they are so nutritious too.

    We do like eating whole fresh food :)

    All the best Jan

    Duta I'm having trouble with my comments staying on your blog?! So I will try and put this through as low carb and also anonymous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like eggs too. I usually have a boiled egg per day.
      Thanks for the comments, Jan. I introduced your comment in my post Vive la difference (it was my fault).

      Delete
  34. We always start the day with an egg, they are so versatile and can be cooked in many different ways, they are so nutritious too.

    We do like eating whole fresh food :)

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

    Duta I'm having trouble with my comments staying on your blog?! So I will try and put this through as low carb and also anonymous.

    ReplyDelete