LIES, LIES, LIES…

December 6, 2013

Here's my latest rant!!

I was driving east on route 9  earlier this week and noticed a new billboard for Panera Bread Co.
Pictured front and center is a big meat sandwich (ham or turkey or other). The caption reads (and this is not an exact quote, but when I drive by it again, I will edit this to the exact quote):

"PROTEIN & WHOLE GRAINS 
TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY."

And to this I say: Lies, lies, lies….

Why?




According to Ayurveda, the oldest continuous medical system in the world, dating back over 6,000 years ago, each food has a particular type of energy based on one of the five elements (or combination).
The energy of meat and grains is primarily "earth" energy. This means that when you eat meat and grains these foods provide your body, mind and soul with a condense, grounding energy.

The exact OPPOSITE kind of energy that Panera suggests in this advertisement!!!

Meats and grains take a lot longer to digest than fruits and vegetables, approximately up to six hours if you have slow digestive fire (agni) and up to four hours if you have strong digestive fire. Whether your digestive fire is slow or fast depends on both your constitution (genetics, karma, ancestry) and your condition (lifestyle, diet and exercise) among other things.

In order to feel the boost that Panera brags about, you'll need to drink a big mug of coffee!!

Meats come laden with fat, which is good, because we NEED FATS to live. It is SUGAR that makes you FAT, not fats. Your liver stores excess carbohydrates (grains) as fat, and reconverts them later when you need energy. Many grains contain gluten. Most sandwich bread is made from wheat. When you grind wheat berries into flour and add water - you get dough or batter or paste…depending on the amounts you mix. Flour and water essentially create "glue" in the bowl…and later glue in your gut!!  There is a reason that goo, glue and gluten sound so similar: that which sticks together, sticks together.

If you want to feel LIGHT& ENERGIZED, you''ll want to minimize gluey foods…or avoid them in certain seasons depending on your body type (dosha). There are three classic body types in Ayurveda and they are made from different combinations of the five elements.

Kapha body type is categorized as grounded, rooted and centered when in balance. Heavy, lethargic, dull, static when in excess. Think of the days when you are so tired that you feel "glued to the couch or bed". No energy to get up and do anything. Think of the post thanksgiving period - turkey and stuffing haze, when everyone either lays down for a nap or guzzles more coffee or sugar to feel that buzz.

Think you'll get energy from eating a turkey, ham, beef sandwich…think again!!
The sugars from wheat bread will put you into a mental stupor, and may cause "wheat belly" - inflammation of the small intestine. The lengthy digestive time pulls blood away from your extremities and into the stomach, spleen and intestines. You may want to curl up and have a nap.

So what do I eat when I want to feel energized without caffeine, or sugar or wheat or meat…
fruits, vegetables, fermented foods like miso or sauerkraut….or a great big green drink or smoothie…full of vitamins and minerals…and easy to digest.

So there you have it Panera!!
Take down your billboard and give folks the straight talk!!

If YOU want to THRIVE : Contact Me

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In just four months, you'll feel younger,
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I'll give you the straight talk.
I promise!

Hugs, Lynne