TheDoctorsTV and Jillian: Power Foods That Balance Hormones
I am almost glad that I didn’t switch the channel, thinking that Jillian was ONLY going to be nasty as usual as she lashes out at people who are trying to lose weight and get some exercise! I cannot watch her tirades, but I thought that Dr. Jim might say something that would give her some model of gentle encouragement, instead of that ridiculous ‘tough love’ mean-spirited viciousness. Maybe she thinks people like to be treated that way and obviously she thinks that they need to be scolded, belittled, traumatized, demeaned, and yelled at with unpleasant labeling; but people just either put up with her in spite of her ugly disposition and methods, or else they quite, or they yell right back. Personally, I would NEVER work with someone who treats people the way Jillian does. It’s abusive!
However, today on the repeat episode, Jillian was promoting her new cookbook and actually did a fair job of describing many foods that will help people begin to supply their bodies with the nutrients and the energy that it takes to balance their hormones or endocrine system. One day, Jillian will learn that it’s the energy that’s missing, not the desire to be healthy and fit. If Jillian could provide the same amount of nutrients as she does her insensitive commentary and loud admonitions; then people would be much more successful without the stress of nastiness. Look…she’s entitled to be mean, but no one in their right mind would want to be treated that way. If an individual does not find internal motivation and enthusiasm for change, it won’t last for a lifetime. There’s a difference between losing a few pounds and inches with Jillian for a few months and a life-long healthy Lifestyle that comes as a result of an internal drive for well-being that lasts for the rest of your life and colors all aspects of your approach to your world!
I may occasionally bitch to make a point, but I am kind when working with someone. It’s far better to encourage a person with knowledge than to make them suffer with snarling criticism. It’s also better to set an example: as when Dr. Drew dipped his apple slice into his almond butter!
Raw Food World Nuts and Nut Butters
Anyway, the Power Foods that the doctors and Jillian discussed were our typical healthy foods that meet with general approval. It’s nothing new, but it IS always good to remind people about which foods are healthy choices. Jillian’s Top 10 do deserve honorable mention:
Blueberries – especially fresh and organice, it is also fine to eat these berries freeze-dried or frozen when you want to add color and nutrients to your Smoothies.
Oats – while oatmeal will suffice, it is better to eat whole oat groats boiled in water. Then add your honey and berries for a delicious breakfast or dessert.
Yogurt – cultured foods like yogurt, kefir, and even vegetables will help to repopulate your healthy intestinal flora, but give coconut milk and miso equal time with yogurt.
Black Beans, red aduki beans, and all other beans – they are so wonderful when you learn to prepare them with kombu and flavorful seasonings. We prefer the whole beans as a dish, but they also are great as an ingredient or made into a dip or spread. Rather than pairing bean dip with chips or tortillas, try them with veggies and combine beans with whole grains.
Salmon – you know how we feel about salmon, that it must be sustainably harvested and wild. Try preparing your fresh salmon baked on a cedar plank and squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle cilantro just before serving. We also enjoy a rice pasta, onion, salmon, scallions, parsley, and a cream sauce made from organic sour cream blended with a little tamari and garlic.
Garlic – garlic, garlic, and more garlic in any form…minced, roasted, diced, powdered, but fresh organic cloves will be the healthiest and most potent.
Spinach – it’s OK to mix spinach with other greens in a salad or wilted with bacon, onion, and balsamic vinegar.
Tomatoes – if you’ve never enjoyed roasted tomatoes and peppers; then you are in for a treat. Sun-dried tomatoes can be added to so many dishes for added flavor, color, and nutrition. It’s more than the lycopene that make tomatoes so wonderful. Go organic and avoid the tin canned unless the tin cans are lined properly with non-toxic coating.
Broccoli – even our children love broccoli when it is cooked properly and seasoned with herbs and spices. You can use broccoli in stir fry dishes, but add it to soups, stews, salads, and roasted vegetable dishes, too.
Walnuts – walnuts are among the best known nuts along with almonds and cashews, but you really want to include all the varieties of nuts in your diet, including the wonderful pine nut. We love raw nuts, but we also love them candied and in pesto, and whenever possible we incorporate nut butter into our meals and snacks.
These foods and others that are too many too mention all give the body a plethora of minerals and other nutrients that support the balance of both the structure and function of the endocrine system. Generally, we use Chinese Herbal Formulations to bring balance to the hormones in any of the glands of the endocrine system while eating a wide range of whole foods. The one thing that Jillian and the doctors failed to mention was the remarkable importance of one’s attitude that regulates hormones. We will give you the details in one of our future Newsletters. You’ll want to know this, it’s more important than any food, any herb, any exercise, or any medication!
We had a good laugh when our intrepid reporters were interviewing people on the street about hormones. Very few people could name one, let alone five or ten or twenty or one hundred. Who among you knows about oxytocin or melatonin or progesterone? Right… LOL
If you are going to live WELL in your body for an entire Lifetime; then you might want to know more about hormones and how they regulate the body’s metabolism. If you pay attention to your endocrine system and learn how to balance it constantly with a healthy Lifestyle; then you will enjoy ‘homeostasis’ as Dr. Travis explained. You owe it to yourself to know these things about how your body works, it is basic to your moment-to-moment well-being. When you keep your endocrine system balanced, then you will age gracefully, slowly, and happily.
