How Pigs Get Fat!

In 1992, there was a significant change in America. This change put U.S. citizens on a path that we may not recover from. This is the year that the FDA established the food pyramid. Now I know that many are probably thinking, how did this put us on a path that we may not recover from? Your answer lies at the base of the pyramid.

I ask my patients all the time the question, “Have you ever grown up around cattle or pig farmers?” Some do, some don’t. The reason why I ask them this question is that cattle and pig farmers, about 3-4 months prior to taking those to slaughter put them on a grain exclusive diet. The purpose of this is to increase the fat content in the animal, which increases their weight, therefore increasing their value. Some contend that this also increases their flavor as well; Arguable point indeed.

You are still probably asking, “How does this apply to me?” So let’s start talking physiology.

Our liver does so many powerful things.

It filters, releases enzymes, converts hormones, and assists in the conversion of new red blood cells into usable red blood cells. I want to focus on one process specifically. Our liver can only process approximately 300 grams of carbohydrates per day. That may seem like a lot, but I calculated how many carbohydrates the average dinner at a well-known, hamburger flipping, French fry tossing, hot apple pie serving, golden arch fast food restaurant. The answer was approximately 480 grams, and that was for only 1 meal. So when you over-do-it with the carbs, the liver is no longer able to convert them into the usable form and we now have a problem.

These carbohydrates are now changed into something else. Something that no one wants and it is very difficult to get rid of… FAT! What’s worse is that it is insulin marked, which means, “Food Storage” or “Famine Food.” Our body is going to do everything that it can to prevent you from getting rid of this because……you never know.

So let’s go back to the food pyramid. How many servings, according to the old FDA food pyramid, were we supposed to have? 6-11. Our diet changed and consequently, the pandemic problem of obesity hit the scene. Americans developed a love affair of grain based foods such as breads, pastas, and oatmeal, and America got fatter. New acronyms such as “SAD” (Standard American Diet), hit the scene and the battle began.

So if you have found yourself in the statistical category of being over-weight and in the throes of doing everything that you know how to fix it, allow me to offer a suggestion. Reduce the amount of carbohydrates; increase the amount of proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, and fruit. This is more commonly known as the Mediterranean diet. If you want to finally get into the vault that holds onto the fat molecule, start your day with at least 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up. For someone who doesn’t like to eat breakfast, this may be very difficult. However, the reason why the timing is so critical is that our body requires sugars to operate. If you wake up and supply yourself with carbohydrates, it no longer needs to go and find a source, keeping your insulin marked fat molecule safely in the vault. This effectively prevents your body from getting its morning fix, and you have just pushed your system to begin the process of tapping into its reserves.

If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 435-674-7515 or you can email us at fhrehab@gmail.com.