Eat In Peace

Everything in nature depends on everything else, they are symbiotically interconnected. Even competition takes place within the broader complex of cooperation, species and environment relying on one another and recycling resources.

Ketosis is the metabolic state in which your liver cells release ketones when there is not a sufficient level of available glucose [Masood]. This innate ability can only happen when a person fasts, after prolonged exercise, or by abstaining from sugar in their diet. When glycogen (glucose stores) levels are depleted, blood glucose and insulin levels are lowered, and your body looks for an alternative source of sugar. The body breaks down body fat stores, and the liver converts fatty acids and glycerol into sugar and ketones. Glycerol undergoes a process called gluconeogenesis, which converts it into sugar, while the fatty acids are converted into ketone bodies during a process called ketogenesis.  Ketone bodies replenish your blood sugar back to its natural, homeostatic state, and begin producing Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) over prolonged ketosis. BHB is the prefered method for fuel, and in general, studies show that the body and brain cells can use it 70% more efficiently than glucose.. This is the proper way your body should be functioning, it is an innate ability we all possess.

It is only by consuming glucose, "sugar," that our body's innate ability is turned off. It takes approximately 3-4 days for all blood sugar stores (glycogen) to become depleted [Paoli]. Sugar addiction typically subsides after about 3 weeks, so please note that abstaining from sugar in the beginning is the most difficult change. You should also begin to experience a notable difference in your energy levels as your metabolism gets a boost, somewhere between the first and second month. Genes on our DNA will actually express themselves differently, allowing your cells to produce additional proteins that will train your metabolism to use fats more often and efficiently. 

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Eat in Peace is designed to help us visualize the correct proportion of food we need to eat per category to Eat for Prosperity within a day. There is a sweet spot for the correct amount of meat consumption. With each meal, the appropriate amount of meat individuals should be consuming is about the size of your fist. The "ketogenic" diet is actually dangerous, as excessive consumption of meat and protein can trigger apoptosis in the liver [Monteiro]. Protein overconsumption comes with multiple adverse effects associated with long-term high protein/high meat intake including (a) disorders of bone and calcium homeostasis, (b) disorders of renal function, (c) increased cancer risk, (d) disorders of liver function, and (e) precipitated progression of coronary artery disease [Delimaris]. There is no reasonable scientific basis in literature to recommend protein consumption above the current RDA (high protein diet) for healthy adults due to its potential disease risks.

There is a strong association of excessive protein consumption with early onset of diastolic (heart relaxation) dysfunction followed by the loss of systolic (heartbeat contraction) function [Fricovsky]. The protein O-GlcNAcylation plays a mechanistic role in the triggering of diabetic cardiomyopathy in type II diabetics, where certain fatty acids play a role in stimulating excess O-GlcNAcylation. Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that results in the generation of glucose from breaking down proteins, but when combined with high, or even moderate, sugar consumption, can lead to chronic blood sugar spikes, followed by a chronic insulin reflex that may eventually develop into Type II Diabetes. With high protein and fat consumption, the liver will also begin producing the compound TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide).

TMAO concentrations will increase in response to consuming an excessive amount of carnitine and lecithin, which can lead to cardiovascular inflammation [Janeiro]. Common foods that contain lecithin are red meats, shellfish, legumes, soy, eggs, and emulsifiers to prevent caking. Carnitine is typically found in red meat in higher concentration, and minimally found in chicken and fish, making red meat an essential part of a monthly goals dietary plan. In terms of the meat consumed in one month, 1/3 of the months meat products should come from grass-fed red meat, with the majority coming from pasture raised chickens, eggs, and wild caught fish. Carnitine deficiency is commonly found with antibiotic usage, malnutrition (vegan), and poor absorption. Deficiency of carnitine is linked to infertility, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anemia, kidney disease, fatigue, muscle weakness, and heart disorders [Sharma, Black]. 

Consumption of too little meat has its own complications as well. Vegans are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety compared to moderate meat consumers [Baines][Lavallee]. Vegans and vegetarians have a significantly elevated sex hormone-binding globulin concentration, which bind to androgens (specifically testosterone) and reducing their availability, creating a hormonal imbalance [Allen, Key]. Free testosterone decreases with age, which is why it is important to reduce the SHBG from decreasing the availability further. Increasing free testosterone improves fertility, stabilizes your mood, improves immunity thus minimizing chances for infection, and it increases your cellular and muscular strength, allowing you to shed body fat and use it as fuel [Celec et al.]. Vegetarians have more diverse microbiomes compared to vegans, vegans will lack the microbes necessary to efficiently digest meat produce [Losasso]. For this reason, probiotics should be administered to aid in the conversion from vegan to moderate meat consumption.

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The Cycle of Life comes full circle. Everything our meat is eating will inevitably end up in your body. If our cattle are eating a diet comprised of mostly corn, soy, hay, and gin trash to "fatten them up," we are feeding them to build up cortisol and inflammatory fatty acids. Systemic illnesses such as rumen acidosis and bovine respiratory disease complex are common in livestock introduced to feed lots. Many livestock are treated with antibiotics, and with the high prevalence of cattle that experience liver abscesses, cortisol and a higher omega-6 fatty acid content will build up [MacDonald]. Once we consume these meat products, we will acquire the hormones and fatty acids. Stress acts as an immunosuppressant, promoting allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases [Dhabhar]. Stick to grass-fed red meat products, as they contain a 2:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid content compared to grain fed animals, which contain a 12:1 ratio [Miller][Robinson].

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READ THE LABEL on the packaging. The only way to ensure your safety for your health. Meat labels are deceitful and do not share the health of the animal before it is distributed. Grade A meat has nothing to do with the health of the animal, it signifies the palatability of the fat content, the juiciness, flavor, and tenderness. Buy grass fed red meat products only, pasture raised chickens, and wild caught fish.

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Carbohydrates are meant to deliver water and nutrients, but more importantly, satiate hunger by expanding your stomach [Romon]. This is where the KetoGenetic Deflame diet differentiates itself, by introducing enough carbohydrates to feel full! Cellulose by definition is an Insoluble carbohydrate, meaning it does not break down into sugar and absorbed by the body. Instead, cellulose acts to fill volume in the stomach, stretching the stomach to the point where it activates the satiety hormone Leptin to allow your brain to recognize that you are full. For this reason, Cellulose is the Holy Grail of carbohydrates, you can stop counting calories!

Anti-inflammatory Plant fats are important to consume, as fats are meant to deliver the majority of calories for energy. Fats will also keep you fuller, longer, so snacking on fats like nuts and using high quality oils for cooking vegetables will provide your body with sufficient energy. 

Grains encompass all of the categories of fats, protein, and carbohydrates, and act as prebiotics that replenish the bacterial microbes [Holscher]. This increases bacterial diversity, reducing pathogenic bacteria, and inhibiting fungus. Hemp is by far the most beneficial grain as it is loaded in fats, cannabidiol (CBD, highly anti-inflammatory) and contains iron. For women that still regularly experience a menstrual cycle, it is necessary to replenish iron, which aids in the production of blood. Hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, contains iron, which binds and transfers oxygen from the lungs, carries it through the blood stream, and delivers it to tissues.

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Similar to the contradiction "Eat fats to burn body fat," edible Yeast (mushrooms or kefir) feed healthy fungi eating bacteria that typically suppresses fungi in the gut [Cuskin]. Be sure to check for mold and yeast allergens before consuming mushrooms. This is a great way to boost your microbiome, as it allows for a higher diversity of microbes that enable your body to perform properly. Mushrooms improves vitality by protecting and repairing the genome, boosting brain function, microbial diversity, and the immune system [Cilerdzic].

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Eating foods with a Glycemic Index under 50 is the best way to reduce chronic insulin fluxes that lead to systemic inflammation and diseases. Fructose is a natural plant sugar that should be incorporated into your diet at least once a week, but not over-consumed every day [Pereira]. Fruits have natural antioxidants to cleanse the lymph, digestive, and immune system, while maintaining your body's homeostatic state. Consider eating fruit only for special occasions or to curb a sugar craving, as this will slow down its ketosis when consumed. We should be attempting to fast sugar as long as possible. This is the best way to shred body fat, and use our own fat stores as sugar. When you eat fruit in the morning, you already start to plateau, this is unnecessary because usually in the mornings is when we are feeling our best with peak energy

Fructose can impair insulin sensitivity, preventing a chronic flux of insulin to bind to the sugar [Aeberli]. Fruit biochemically breaks down slower to form the simple sugar glucose. This in conjugation with a modified insulin release elevates blood glucose slowly, allowing your body to maintain ketosis. Refined sugar has a high glycemic index, which causes a chronic spike in insulin due to high blood glucose levels.

Goal setting is important, approach your diet as a week to week plan, using fruit as a plateau to relax. Life is a marathon, treat it as such. Consider incorporating fructose at church, grape juice with no added sugar or balsamic vinegar instead of refined sugar or wine. Eat anti-inflammatory, gluten-free communion bread with your congregation. All you need is a little bit of sugar or alcohol to turn off your body's ketosis and shift your microbiome. Believing in the lie of moderation will set your dietary goals back. Set your goals so high that you have to be in your best health in order to achieve them. Exceed weight loss goals, you will blow through that in no time, think in terms of years. Whether it is a career, a home, connections to family or church, dream high, and you will make it there in your best health.

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There is no karmic debt to follow, as Believers in Jesus Christ as the Son of God will have Eternal Life. In Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." We are already blessed beyond comprehension. We could not possibly earn our way into Heaven by being sustainable consumers, it is only by Jesus Christ who died for us where the debt of our sins have been paid in full. I am specifically referring to eating meat. God wants us to be healthy, we need to do everything that we can to improve the quality of our body and our lives here on earth, right now! Only after we care for ourselves are we able to care for others properly, and care for the planet. Follow these guidelines, check the labeling, stay focused, and avoid traps, peer pressure, and false information. We live in a system designed to separate us from our best health.

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Below is a list of all foods suitable for your consumption. All spices are acceptable for flavor profiling. Eat for your health, and of course, enjoy your food. This is how we #eatforprosperity