Paleo diet and weight loss, cutting starch and simple carbs, soy sauce, cooking with coconut oil

Q&A with Mike Furci

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QMike,
Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your article, "Get in Shape for the Summer." I have struggled with weight all of my life and finally realized that my addiction to starches and simple carbs is what got me to be super obese. Since January 16 (four months ago), I have dropped 52 pounds following a modification of the Paleo diet. Actually, it's a lot closer to what you described: 4 to 6 small meals per day, each with a lean protein accompanied by a vegetable or fruit; a gallon to 1.5 gallons of water per day; and no alcohol (at least for now). I am also exercising strenuously 3 to 4 times per week (group training somewhat similar to cross-fit). Anyway, good job on spreading the word. People need to know that eating as you described will not only help you lose weight, but you'll also feel better. No more sugar highs and lows.

Take care,
Michael

Weight loss

AMichael,
Thanks so much for the kind words. That is so awesome to hear! 52 pounds! Keep up the good work. Please keep me posted on your progress. At some point, if you'd like, send some photos. I would sure like to post your success. That type of progress is really motivating for others. Great Job!


QHey Mike, 
I read your "Shredded" article on Bullz-Eye.com, along with the fat, protein and foods list. I don't think I have a full grasp on soy sauce though. I eat the hell out of stir fry -- practically daily – and use about 2 Tbls of soy sauce per day. I do know you're anti soy, but I don't know how much soy is in soy sauce, and how much soy I'm ingesting from the amount I said I take in.

You mind helping me with this?

Thanks
Todd

ATodd,
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Poisonous Plant Database, which contains references to the scientific literature describing studies of the toxic properties and effects of plants and plant parts, lists 310 records under soy. The deleterious effects soy has on our bodies are caused by several different substances like goitrogens, phytoestrogens and trypsin inhibitors.

Soy is truly a nasty substance that is indigestible by humans in its natural form. In order for soy to be edible for human consumption, it has to go through many stages of processing. Fermentation is the only way that soy can be prepared so that it is rid of some of the anti-nutrients, like goitrogens, it contains.

Lucky for you soy sauce is fermented. At least that how it's supposed to be. I would try to make sure the soy sauce you're using is the fermented variety. And the 2 Tbls you're having per day isn't too bad. It's the products like soy oil, protein and milk that contain outrageous amounts of anti-nutrients.

Mike

Mike


QHi Mike,
Coconut oilYou did a great job with the article you wrote on the anti-lipid hypothesis. I have been using sunflower oil all my life. I was thinking to change to 100 percent natural coconut oil. My question is: can I use this to fry food, and is it better than sunflower oil for frying? What about olive oil for frying? What would be the best and healthiest oil to fry in?

Hope you can help!

Gahariet

AGahariet,
Sunflower, safflower, corn, soybean and cottonseed oils all contain more than 50 percent of the highly unstable fatty acid Omega – 6, and should never be used in cooking, frying or baking. One of the biggest reasons polyunsaturated fats are so unhealthy is that they are very susceptible to becoming oxidized or rancid when exposed to heat and light. Consuming oils like sunflower oil is taking a free radical cocktail. Over time these free radicals, or "chemical marauders" as some scientists refer to them, wreak havoc on our bodies and cause serious health issues.

By far, coconut oil is the best choice for frying or any type of cooking, because of its stability and the positive functions it has in our bodies. A great place to purchase coconut oil is tropicaltraditions.com.


QGreetings from Melbourne, Australia,
I am a high school teacher and used one of your articles with my students. The name is, "Stretching, is it necessary?" I have revisited the website and can't seem to find it. Is there any chance you can e-mail it please?
Kind Regards

Shirley Dvizac

AShirley,
Thanks for taking the time to read my articles and using them with your students.

Here's the link: http://www.bullz-eye.com/furci/2000/112001.htm

Let me know if there is anything else you need.

Mike

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