NS-Header-New-cropped

Health Topics A-Z

3

5

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Z

Eat Bacon, Don't Jog: The Benefits of Eating Fat

From the Show: Naturally Savvy
Summary: Even though the criticism of bacon and other saturated fats isn't quite as harsh as it once was, is it really a healthier choice than jogging?
Air Date: 2/11/15
Duration: 10
Host: Andrea Donsky, RHN and Lisa Davis, MPH
Guest Bio: Grant Petersen
Grant Petersen is the founder and owner of Rivendell Bicycle Works. He has been featured in Outside and Men’s Journal, among other magazines. He lives with his family in Walnut Creek, California, and online at Rivbike.com. His previous book was Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike.
Eat Bacon, Don't Jog: The Benefits of Eating Fat
If you saw the book title, Eat Bacon, Don't Jog, what take would you have on that? 

Even though the criticism of bacon and other saturated fats isn't quite as harsh as it once was, is it really a healthier choice than jogging?

Before you judge too quickly, consider the research of special guest, Grant Petersen.

A few years back, Petersen was getting in three hours of exercise a day and eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet. But, he was still gaining weight and was always hungry. He simply wasn't getting the "return on investment" for the effort he was putting in. 

It was only when he changed his approach to cutting back on carbohydrates and eating fat that he saw a difference.

What sorts of fats?

Coconut oil, for one. Coconuts are high in a "good" kind of fat that is readily burned as energy by the body. In Petersen's eyes, "Coconut oil is more than a fad." 

One of the chapters in Petersen's book is "Booze Trumps Junk." Now, he's not advocating five drinks a night; he's just saying that you don't have to cut it out completely. Vodka, red wine, some white wines are just a few choices that are low in carbs. There's truth to the "beer belly,"as beer tends to be higher in carbohydrates. 

What is Petersen's best advice for getting started?

Cut out all grains (breads), then dried fruit, then fresh fruit. Even though fruits contain nutrients and fiber, they can also be chock full of sugar and impact your blood glucose quite negatively.

Listen in as Petersen joins Andrea and Lisa to explain more about his pro-bacon, anti-jog approach, as well as which foods to stay away from and which foods to eat.