Nutrition Fridays

Food Combining for Protein: Part 1, Introduction

The author that laid the groundwork for food-combining, was Francis Moore Lappe, in her book: Diet for a Small Planet. She begins by discussion on the production of food, the illogical manner in which Americans use edible plant proteins to grow beef for the American table. For example: the grains fed to beef, and what it produces. “For every 16 pounds of grain and soy fed to beef cattle…we only get 1 pound back in meat (69)”. The grain mentioned here, is edible!

This section of the book continues on to discuss the costs of producing meat, including water consumption, packing plant use of fuels (fossil) and the depletion and erosion of soil for grain production (not for humans, but beef!). Meat is costly to produce!

The production of and consumption of meat has been considered a symbol of wealth and health in the United States.  But, is this an illusion? With a large percentage of the nation below the poverty line, Americans still have hungry and malnourished people. With recent economic problems, the numbers are slated to rise.

The two groups at the highest risk for starvation are the elderly and children.  Lappe states “Most Americans believe that since the late 1960s we’ve made steady progress in eliminating hunger and poverty…(104)” because of the fact that the United States has created programs of assistance for the poor such as the food stamp program, lunch and breakfast programs, and WIC. Yes these programs have helped in feeding America’s poor, but does not completely alleviate the issue of good health.  

First of all, the amount of food assistance available is low, secondly inflation diminishes the value of the assistance given. Then, let’s not forget that most states are cutting assistance to the poor as a means to budget their coffers.

The food purchased by those under the poverty line also may not be a high-quality diet. To stretch food stamp dollars, many will use highly processed/refined foods, meats with high fat quantities, and very few vegetables and fruits. The idea is to make the stomach feel full, and stay full for a longer time-frame.

Another reason may be due to incorrect concepts of costs per serving for better quality foods. I hear people tell me “it costs too much for fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain rice”. No it does not!! 

Why doesn’t it? Unprocessed, packaging-free foods cost less, especially bulk foods. The processing and packaging can be a large portion of the cost!

Another issue is the preparation of quality foods. Are they able to prepare the food that is healthy for consumption? Many Americans do not know HOW to prepare their food from bulk grains for optimum health!  We are used to packaged items, partially or fully prepared. We buy mac and cheese that all you add is some milk and a bit of butter or margarine.  Pizzas with meat and cheese on them, the cheap brands usually have little to no vegetables! 

What has happened? We have allowed the beef industry, dairy industry and other pre-packaged food companies to brain wash us and lull us into a lazy complacency regarding what actually is good for us to consume. Then, we wonder why we are sick. 

Next week: Combining Foods will continue...