For a killer bod, eat like a killer whale

Friday, February 28, 2014 by: Raw Michelle
Tags: whole foods, healthy fats, balanced diet

(NaturalNews) Ever hear the one about what a whale or dolphin can teach us about a balanced diet? No, this isn't a question designed to lead into a silly joke, but rather information that can shed light on healthier eating habits for humans.

A study conducted by scientists at the University of British Columbia and the University of La Rochelle, in France, found that whales and dolphins, despite their size, don't eat the gargantuan portions people assume they do. One of the study's co-authors, Andrew Trites explains, "The conventional wisdom is that marine mammals can eat anything. However, we found that some species of whales and dolphins require calorie-rich diets to survive while others are built to live off low quality prey, and it has nothing to do with how big they are."

Overall, the bottom line in the study was the finding that choosing high-quality nutrients over lower quality ones was more important than simply eating for the sake of eating, and it had nothing to do with the size of the whale or dolphin either.

Taking a cue from Flipper

So, what's the take-away for us humans? The study reinforces that proper caloric content and type of food plays a role in a healthy dietary lifestyle. While this concept isn't anything new, lots of people still have the tendency to reach for fries over fennel. Do as the dolphins do and choose high-quality foods over ones that aren't as good for us. In other words, pass on the Subway yoga mat stuff (their bread was found to contain the same material as yoga mats and the rubber soles of shoes) and if possible, stick to organic, raw and whole foods.

The common dietary guidelines advise us to enjoy a diet that's typically 15-20 percent protein, 50 to 60 percent slow-release carbohydrates, and 25 percent fat. Nuts, lentils and a mix of colorful vegetables provide protein as well as a host of other vitamins and minerals. Whole grains and bananas are good slow-release carbohydrates. Healthy fats are abundant in coconut oil, seeds, nuts and avocado.

Tips for choosing high-quality foods

Part of choosing high-quality foods also means avoiding colorings and additives.

Being a wise label reader is important too. For example, vegetarians among us may be surprised to know that certain cheeses, even ones with labels saying they are rBST or rBGH-free, contain rennet. Translation: stomach lining of calves. It has an enzyme that aids in the cheese-making process. You won't necessarily see "rennet" on the label, but more likely the word, "enzyme" will pop up on the ingredient list. So, be aware of everything from food coloring and heavy metals to calories and things like rennet.

Whether we're vegan, a raw foodist, into monofruiting or are a health food newbie, taking a cue from these marine animals can do our body tremendous good.

Sources for this article include:

https://www.naturalnews.com/038213_dolphins_food_quality_diets.html

http://www.naturalnews.com

https://www.naturalnews.com/044005_rennet_cheese_vegetarians.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121121210246.htm

http://www.tufts.edu

About the author:
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. >>> Click here to see more by Michelle