Butter!

Dinner tonight is roast beef- I can't wait.  Beautifully browned beef, caramelized onions, and savory herbs and spices.  I just finished preparing the meal for my slow-cooker.  The best part- a big, glistening pat of butter on the top.

Over the last 10 years, butter has become a staple in my diet.  It took some time to re-program my Ornish-inspired, non-fat brain, but the addition of this mouth watering condiment has added more than just taste to my life.

Butter, for years, has had a horrible reputation as a disease-causing, artery-clogging fat, a stereotype that is interestingly stubborn.  Despite research to the contrary and improved understanding of the qualities of butter, nutritionists, health care professionals, and tv health "experts" continue to discourage its use in our daily diet.  This is unfortunate.  Consider the following......

Since the early 1900's, heart disease has risen from nearly non-existent, to become the leading killer of both men and women today.  In contrast, butter consumption has dramatically decreased, from an estimated 18 pounds per person per year, to less than 4 pounds per person per year.

And then there is the "French Paradox", coined by French scientist Dr. Serge Renaud in the early '90s.  According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the average French person consumes four times as much butter, 60 percent more cheese and almost three times as much pork as the average American, but suffers relatively low rates of heart disease, and obesity.  

Slowly, Americans are beginning to grasp the real cause of disease- fake foods- originally intended to improve our health, make our lives easier, and food cheaper.  These include ingredients like trans fats (in margarines and processed foods), high fructose corn syrup (in soft drinks and processed foods), and preservatives (in processed foods).

Our grandparents and great-grandparents ate fresh bread that molded after a day or two.  They ate loads of eggs, butter, biscuits and beef.  The difference is that their food was pure, whole, and straight from the farm. No hormones, no antibiotics, no chemicals or processing.  Equally important, the animals our grandparents and great-grandparents consumed were fed real food - natural grasses and grubs- not processed soy designed to fatten them up quickly.

The theory that saturated fat is responsible for problems with high cholesterol, heart disease, and heart attacks is finally starting to look like just that, a theory.  Research can be flawed, and we all have our biases, which can make the path to the truth a long and winding road.  In my humble opinion, common sense is always a good barometer of truth. But if you still need to see some solid facts, consider these health benefits of butter.

Butter contains Lauric Acid- this fatty acid is known for its antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.  

Butter contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid - this wonder nutrient has anti-tumor / anti- cancer properties.  It is also a dream for dieters.  A significant amount of research indicates that CLA helps reduce body fat, while increasing lean body mass!

Butter contains Arachadonic Acid - one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, AA is necessary for proper neurological development, and is being tested as a supplement to prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.  AA is also necessary for proper muscle growth,and is being used as a supplement among body builders for improved muscle endurance, strength,and power.

Butter contains antioxidants- powerful super-chemicals that fight inflammation, and disease, including cancer and heart disease

Butter contains lecithin- a substance that actually helps reduce serum cholesterol

Butter contains Vitamins E, B, and D- all powerful nutrients that keep our immune system strong, our bones healthy, and prevent disease.

It's important to note, that like all foods, not all butters are created equal.  Choosing butter made from dairy cows that are pasture raised, and grass fed improves the quality, and nutrition of the final product.  Butter from grass-fed dairy cows contains 300-500% more CLA than butter from cows fed a more conventional grain based diet.

The next time you're shopping, skip the margarine, the "fat-free" spreads, and sandwich sprays, and pick up a container of real, organic butter.  You will taste and feel the difference!

Oh, and by the way- remember, too much of a good thing is never a good thing.  Use butter in moderation.  Just a tablespoon for my roast adds enough flavor for 6-8 servings!

Eat Well         www.sickofspaghetti.com       Spend Less

Whole Foods is Coming!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to tour the new Whole Foods Market in my neighborhood.  In my circle of friends, we lovingly refer to Whole Foods Market (WFM) as "Big Food", or "Whole Paycheck".

Like so many of my budget-conscious friends and clients, sticker shock has limited this nutritionist's trips to the natural food mecca to 'every now and then' for those specialty items you just can't find elsewhere.  I am a firm believer that we don't have to shop at a health food store to create health.

It almost feels like blasphemy to write these words, but the truth is, we all have to make the best decisions we can with what we have.  The purpose of this blog is to help you, the reader, determine what those decisions will be and how best to carry them out.

So with that in mind, I am writing today to share with you some of the things I have learned about Whole Foods Market, from my tour-guide, Jennifer.

First, is quality.  You can be sure that the foods you purchase at WFM are held to extremely high standards.  They choose their foods wisely, making sure to avoid foods with artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners.  Even the colors on the freshly decorated birthday cakes come from foods like beets and blueberries (no more red food color taste on my kids cakes!!!).

Second, they are committed to customer service and offer services traditional grocery stores do not.  In our new store in Franklin, TN, an entire section is devoted to help you become a better cook.  The IPad station allows you to search a database of recipes from professional chefs and customers alike.  You can upload your recipes to share, and get answers to your cooking questions sent directly to your email.

They also have designated staff available forty hours a week to help you with your cooking or nutrition questions.

Third, WFM establishes partnerships with food suppliers that promote sustainable farming practices, and provides customers the tools they need to make informed decisions about their purchases.  WFM's seafood rating program provides information about the sustainability of the fish offered in their cases.  The Whole Trade program is designed to make sure that the suppliers also receive a fair price for their products, much like the 'Fair Trade' coffee offered at Starbucks.  These products are marked with a Whole Trade Guarantee symbol.

Of these things I have always been aware, and I have admired WFM for their commitment to high quality food.  My epiphany today is not how good the products at WFM are, but rather, how affordable.  Yes, I said it, affordable.

WFM has their own store brand, 365 Everyday Value- which maintains the high quality standards of WFM, at fractions of the cost.  In my swag bag, for instance, I received a 16 ounce jar of 365 Roasted Chipotle Salsa, a great deal at just $3 a jar.  As you can see, it's already half-gone!

To find more great deals at Whole Foods Market, log onto www.wholefoodsmarket.com/wholedeal, You can sign up for their e-newsletter, download printable cupons, and find specials for your store.

And no, I do not work for WFM, nor do I receive any kind of financial gain from this post.  But my experience has brought about a new perspective of the food giant.  While I still may not purchase all of my families food at WFM, I will visit more often, and make a point to do the best I can with what I have.

For ideas on how to stretch your food dollar, find great deals on good food, and recipes for super healthy, super yummy, budget friendly food, visit the ultimate resource to Eat Well  and Spend Less, www.sickofspaghetti.com.