Healthier Eating

October 1, 2009

Healthier Eating Before getting started I have to thank everyone for their support and for all the well wishes, flowers and thoughtful gifts and cards. The last few months have been some of the worst of my life. Watching my step dad suffer all summer in the hospital and dealing with his passing have been brutally hard to deal with.

I will never forget what people did for me during that time and will be forever indebted to them. Small gestures from true friends like multiple time cancer survivor Alwyn Cosgrove, who called or texted every day of the summer and did something incredibly thoughtful for my mom, Craig Ballantyne, John Alvino and many others sending flowers, Dave Tate taking the time to write an incredibly uplifting email, or Patrick Beith taking the time to go out and fill up a box of Pearl Jam and old school WWF DVD’s to send me were appreciated more than words could ever aptly describe. Like every industry we have our share of lowlifes, but these guys are the salt of the earth and I’m proud to call them friends.

In Ed’s memory I have decided that I not only want to help people get bigger, stronger and faster, but also healthier as well. Not that I haven’t emphasized that in the past but it has moved up quite a bit on my priority list. The fact is you can accomplish all three of those goals and even get leaner while not improving your health in the least. In fact, you can do all of those things while actually becoming unhealthier. I know; I’ve done it.

To help other families avoid the pain and suffering that we have endured I would like to do my best to help people get healthy while they are also achieving their strength and physique goals…something that is a foreign concept to many of us.

A body becomes diseased based on what you put into it and what you do to it. When someone who eats junk food on regular basis is diagnosed with cancer or heart disease it’s not some odd, other worldly mystery without an explanation. It’s as obvious as the nose on your face.

At Ed’s wake and funeral many well intentioned people hoping to ease my pain said they wondered why this happened and told me that bad things happen to good people. While wiping away tears I told them I knew exactly why this happened and that bad things happen to people who don’t watch what they put into their bodies. It’s as simple as that. Ed was not a very healthy eater and exercised a lot less than he should have. There is no great mystery as to why he got cancer. I know exactly why he got cancer and know that many cases like his could be prevented.

Before I offend anyone I have to say that I know some diseases are, in fact, a mystery, such as cases where children are diagnosed with rare conditions. I would never ignore or dispute that fact. All I’m saying is that the writing is on the wall for many people as it was for Ed. Eat and live healthy and your chances are greatly reduced.

I will forever live with the regret that I didn’t do more to get Ed to change his diet until it was too late. Believe me I tried, but I should have done more. I could have done more. And that’s why I want to try to help educate others.

As far as physique changes go (which is, of course, what many of you are interested in) you may be able to lose a ton of body fat eating nothing but steak all day but the fact is that it’s not remotely healthy. And you can gain a ton of muscle by drinking a gallon of milk a day, but at what price to your body? It’s time we started looking at healthier options and realizing that true health and the appearance of fitness are two entirely different things. This has to change.

The first thing I would like to do is recommend that everyone read The China Study. It’s definitely one of the most important books ever written on the topic of health and disease. It’s an eye opener and will cause you to at least rethink your current dietary path. After reading this book it’s not uncommon to have a very strong urge to buy a copy for everyone you love.

For those who want a little easier reading and a more performance oriented guide to plant based nutrition I highly recommend Thrive by Brendan Brazier.

At the recommendation of my friend Chad Waterbury I recently picked up The Enzyme Factor and have enjoyed what I’ve read so far and believe that there’s a lot of good information to be garnered in there.

A recurring theme throughout these books is the need to eliminate dairy from your diet. Through my research and with my own personal experience and experiments on clients, I have come to the conclusion that very few things are as damaging to the body as the consumption of dairy. It crushes your immune system, wreaks havoc on your digestive system and causes inflammation throughout.

That’s why it’s imperative to throw out your whey and casein protein powders immediately and switch to something like Sun Warrior or some other type of non dairy protein.

In The China Study, Dr. Campbell says that the food that caused the fastest growth of cancerous tumors was casein! By eliminating it from the diet they could actually stop the growth of tumors dead in their tracks. This is not something you will hear from your average doctor because cancer is big business and treating it with drugs is much more lucrative than teaching people how to eat properly. But the information is out there for those interested in seeking it.

I’ll cover more of this in the future but for now I have a few months worth of eating and training to catch up on starting today, which I couldn’t be more amped up for. And I will be getting back to work updating the site on a regular basis.

But don’t worry; I’ll still be bringing you hardcore training info about getting bigger, stronger and faster; I’ll just be sprinkling in a little bit more info about how to improve your overall health here and there as well.

It’s good to be back.

Until next time; train hard, eat healthy and live well…

Jason

PS. In honor of World Vegetarian Day today and in going along with the theme of this post, my buddy Craig Ballantyne is having a 50% off sale on his Easy Veggie Meal Plans. Check it out HERE.

Written by jasonferruggia · Filed Under Nutrition

Comments

19 Responses to “Healthier Eating”

Jesse Ciccone on October 1st, 2009 9:22 am

Thanks so much for this. For a long time, I’ve been trying to get my parents to start cleaning up what they put into and do to their bodies. They always “yes, we know, you’re right” me to death, but nothing changes in terms of their habits. I’m going to share your post with them in hopes that hearing it from somebody else – who has suffered through the same loss I fear with them – will finally make the dime drop.

Frankly, I had given up on my efforts because they seemed futile, but your post has inspired me to re-double them.

I’ve expressed them before, but again, condolences for your loss. Thank you for doing your part to see that something good comes out of something so bad.
Odi on October 1st, 2009 9:31 am

I’m no expert at all but I always encourage my family to eat at least 5 times a day of 3 meals and 2 good quality snacks in between instead of 3 heavy meals and whatever junk snacks.
Glad you’re back with greater expectations.
Duane on October 1st, 2009 9:39 am

Good to have you back, Jason. While very sorry for your loss, looking forward to seeing you post regularly again, as I never fail to take away something useful.

I have removed all whey/casein protein powders from my diet, and switched to Sun Warrior about 3 months ago. I just feel better. Plus, guess what? I got bigger. And stronger. Forget about going back to dairy based protein products.

Seeing you and Mike Mahler convinced me I don’t need milk, chicken, or steak to get big and/or strong. Thank you!
Zach Even - Esh on October 1st, 2009 10:11 am

glad ur back bruddah

I didn’t wanna stop by unannounced as I wasn’t sure if you were around or times were good.

Very interesting how we change and grow as things happen and time passes.

Health is way more important to me now than ever, more impt than being jacked and strong, as a father and husband, without my health my family has nothing.

Keep kickin ass,

Peace

I’ll see U soon bruddah,

–Z–
Will on October 1st, 2009 10:13 am

Glad to see you’re back. Right after I finished reading that I went ahead and ordered The China Study and The Food Revolution (I had been meaning to order it for a while anyways). I’m looking forward to reading them both. I’m going to forward this to pretty much my whole family. Maybe it can help change their eating habits. Motivational read as always Jay. Keep em coming.
Chris on October 1st, 2009 11:22 am

Great words Jay,

As a 23 year old focusing on all the things you have mentioned, I have had an very hard time selling the high energy, optimal health vegan lifestyle to my older meat/cheese eating parents. I’m so glad you wrote this so that I can now direct them to read your post and really have my arguments hit home.

Thanks,

-Chris
Andy Campbell on October 1st, 2009 2:13 pm

Timely advice my man…Thrive was a great book and I am glad you recommended that one to me in the past – I will check out these other two for sure. Keep up the good work spreading the healthy news.
DeanCoulson on October 1st, 2009 3:42 pm

This is a great post and an important reminder to everyone that you should be mindful of what you eat. Too many people are oblivious to this fact.

A number of years ago My wife and I went to see a nutritionist and when we got home we didn’t eat, she put us off everything in our cupboards at home. It was quite a shock and quite an adjustment, but it can be done.

we went to see her as we desperately wanted children and as a result or her starting us on the right path and another nutritionist, we had a baby boy after 5 years of trying. I have no doubt in my mind this was due to the changes we made to our diets.

This is why you must be mindful that just because you may want extra protein, as you say Jason, ramming steaks in isn’t necessarily the way to go. Same with Carbs, Wheat (due to gluten) is an intestinal irritant and causes all kinds of symptoms and should be avoided as much as possible. Dairy as you say is the same, I am lactose intolerant so I don’t eat dairy, but inflamed Joints can be caused by ingesting dairy products.

The phrase “You are what you eat”, pretty much sums it up.

Thanks

Dean
T- on October 2nd, 2009 3:17 am

Ok, so I’ve read through most of the China study a few years back. My girlfriend at the time is a Vegan. Since then I’ve lowered my animal intake to about 10% of my diet using mostly rice & pea proteins and alot more raw foods. Here is the problem. I’ve found numorous arguments against the Chiny Study online (the Weston Price studies for one). I’ve also have not found any info on whether or not the negative studies on Dairy are using Raw Dairy or Pasturized Dairy which makes a huge difference as the pasturizing of dairy completely changes it. I seem to be finding more info about the beneficial use of Raw natural whole milk, butter, and Kefir, online all the time. I for one would go Vegan in a split second if it is in fact proven healthier (& not just the agenda of animal rights activists) but sorting through the BS on both sides to find the truth seems to be harder & harder.
nick on October 2nd, 2009 5:15 am

Good luck getting back into the swing of things Jay. Interesting article about dairy-I consume a fair bit of yoghurt and cheese as well as whey and casein, but this certainly gives me food for thought. I tend to avoid milk as it upsets my stomach in an obvious way, but perhaps it is time I looked more to the effects of other diary.
How do eggs/egg protein powder fit in?

Best, Nick
Stéphane on October 2nd, 2009 11:24 am

Hi Jason.. glad you are back!

I agree with you T and I await Jason comments.

Question.. I bought your book Jason.. and I thought I was in rights to get any updates.. you did recently but I have no access to it?

Question.. Shoulder injury.. how long it takes get back.. what to do for helping.. I have pain in my right shoulder after a training I did 2 months ago.. the pain is reducing, but still can’t do push up.. dips and pull are ok but not optimal?

Thanks.
Nia Shanks on October 2nd, 2009 2:12 pm

Jason-

Once again, I am truly sorry for your loss.

I admire the fact that you are willing to stand up and tell people to be more concerned with their overall health instead of focusing solely on looking good naked.

Over the past few months I have made it a point to follow nutrition guidelines that not only improve body composition, but overall health as well. That’s one of the reasons I adopted the vegetarian lifestyle.

This post was another kick in the pants and a great reminder to strongly push for people to eat for optimal health . . . . not just body composition. However, after reading research and what not, those two usually are one in the same, so that makes things easier!

Anyway, thanks again for the great reminder. You’re a kick ass man and I greatly admire you and what it is you do and teach.

Stay strong, and I look forward to meeting you some day.
-Nia
Jack on October 3rd, 2009 7:41 am

Hey J:

Great to have you back. We all miss your words and motivation.
Zach on October 4th, 2009 7:48 am

Definitely great to have you back, nothing better than reading these to get amped up before the gym. I don’t think I’m the only one who hears you yelling at them while knocking out that final repetition.

Also, thanks for the book recommendations, just another tool to try and push my family to start eating healthy.

Good to hear you’re hitting the iron again.
Kathleen on October 4th, 2009 7:55 am

I am so sorry for your loss, Jason.

Although it is painful, I believe people come into your life for a reason–often, to teach you something. Your stepfather did more than that to be sure. But his passing has started a new chapter for you. It has given you new passion.

Thank you for the book recommendations. I’d also like to refer you to NYC cancer specialist Nicholas Gonzalez’s site: http://www.dr-gonzalez.com/clinical_pearls.htm. The actual link is to an interview where he discusses his treatment program.

I “talk” to my loved ones who’ve passed on almost a daily basis–asking them for help and support, or wishing them well, or thanking them for their love. It helps.
Dean on October 4th, 2009 12:24 pm

Back 2 yrs. ago the great Jim Morris wrote me up a workout routine and eating plan. He also highly suggested The China Study! He raved about it and what a great one it is!

http://www.gymmorris.com
John on October 4th, 2009 5:22 pm

Hi Jason…

As usualy great post. I just have two questions.

1. Where does Creatine fall amongst personal health?

2. Can you please share your recipe for your Post Workout Shake made with Sun Warrior? Ive tried Sun Warrior Chocolate and Plain and cant choke it down with just water!

Thanks a lot!
Duane on October 5th, 2009 11:30 am

Hey John, check the Sun Warrior website. They’ve got recipes and videos for smoothies. Good Stuff.
Kelly M on October 6th, 2009 7:48 am

Good to see you back. I check your site frequently while I’m at work. I was looking to see what other’s have said about The China Study, online reviews, that is, and found one particular person who seems to be a self appointed nemesis of the author. In spite of all the polar, tug of war of who’s right and who’s wrong, in my experimentation with vegetarian/vegan eating, over 3 weeks, I had leaned out and gotten stronger. No beef or dairy, although some chicken. Mostly nut and green protein. I felt like lighter and less clogged as when I eat beef. Digestion is so much easier when not loaded down with alot of meat and at 38, regularity is almost man’s best friend.

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