What do you mean by “whole foods?”

Marz. Russell, Medical Nutrition from Marz, 2nd Ed, Omnivite Publishing, Portland, OR, 1999.

How do I know what foods are “whole foods?”
On February 15, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration defined what whole-grain foods are to help protect the consumer. Whole-grain foods “should contain the three key ingredients of cereal grains -- bran (the fiber-filled outer part of the kernel), endosperm (the inner part and usually all that is left in most processed grains) and the germ (the heart of the grain kernel).” In order to ensure that manufacturers do not add only small amounts of these components and then call highly refined foods “whole grain”, these three ingredients need to be present in the same relative proportion as they exist naturally.

Pitchford, Paul, Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA, 1993.
Whole Grains Council
Washington Post article

There is so much hype around “organic” these days. What does it really mean?
Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. Organic farming prohibits the use of chemicals that can contaminate our water supplies. In the case of livestock, antibiotics and GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are prohibited. The USDA Organic seal assures consumers of the quality and integrity of organic products. Organic-certified operations must have an organic system plan and records that verify compliance with that plan. Operators are inspected annually. In addition there are random checks to assure standards are being met.

Organic.org

Are organic foods more nutritious?
Yes - organic foods are more nutritious for myriad reasons. Organically grown crops are of higher quality and do not pose the same health risks that consuming pesticide and herbicide-laden foods do. Organic farmers use a crop rotation system and composting to replenish these essential nutrients. Conventional farming tends to rely on synthetic fertilizers (which generally only replace nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and pesticides because the mono-crop is more susceptible to infestation. Chemical sprays like pesticides and herbicides are designed to kill living organisms and many were put into use before research was done linking them to illnesses such as cancer.

Weintraub, Skye, Minding Your Body, Complementary Medicine Publishing Co, Portland, OR, 1995.

Does organic food taste better?
Another point for consideration is taste. Organic foods tend to have more intense flavor, more nutrition and a firmer texture then their conventional counterparts. Because conventional foods tend to be less satiating to the palate and the body, people tend to eat more of these foods to compensate for what the food is lacking. We tend to take larger portions and actually consume more food than we might if we made more whole foods-based choices.

Food Reference

Is eating an organic-based diet affordable?
There is a popular belief in our society that eating an organic, whole foods-based diet is cost-prohibitive. While some organic products can be more expensive, there are some “tricks” to making things more affordable. Utilizing local farmers markets can be a great resource for less expensive, seasonal produce because it cuts down on transportation and overhead costs. Shopping in the bulk foods section can save money because you’re not paying for packaging and marketing. Health food stores often carry their own “generic” organic lines, making prices more competitive. Some items, such as coffee, cereal, bread and hamburger may cost the same or even less than their conventional match. There are hidden costs paid for with our tax dollars that go to conventional farmers: federal subsidies, pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal and clean-up, and environmental damage. Organic farmers don’t receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do. Therefore, the price of organic food reflects the true cost of growing. As the demand for organic foods increases the cost will continue to go down. Because you and your family are healthier, you may also save money in doctor bills and time-off due to illness.

Farmers Markets Map
Local Harvest

Why does Open Sky place so much emphasis on organic, whole foods?
At Open Sky, we believe in the healing power of whole foods. Whole foods are a part of our comprehensive approach to whole person health. Food is our life source and we can only be as healthy as the environment that supports the food which nourishes us. Using organic foods also supports our philosophy of sustainability and community-building by supporting the local small farmer, decreasing environmental impact, and encouraging bio-diversity. We acknowledge that when we combine good attitude and sufficient exercise with balanced diet, there is no limit to health – for everyone.

Organic at Yale

Are you saying that food or diet could relate to my child’s issues?
There is a great deal of research linking the behavior of children with dietary choices. Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and hyperactivity are coupled to food additives, food allergies, sugar consumption, and nutrient deficiencies. Infrequent eating or unbalanced nutritional choices can contribute to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can manifest with the following symptoms: irritability, fatigue, drowsiness, poor concentration, anxiety, palpitations and/or tremors. These symptoms tend to occur in the afternoon – a time when many of us feel a sleepy lull or have difficulty concentrating at school or work. There have been studies that prove a simple dietary intervention can dramatically improve behavior and school performance. Artificial food dyes and sugar consumption have been linked with hyperactive children; destructive, aggressive and restless behavior increase with abnormal blood sugar; mental health diagnoses are associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Given the prevalence of disease and how many children are struggling with these issues, we believe that taking a more serious look at diet and nutrition is an essential component of Open Sky’s programmatic design.

• Cryer PE. Symptoms of hypoglycemia, thresholds for their occurrence, and hypoglycemia unawareness. Endocrinol
  Metab Clin North Am. 1999 Sep;28(3):495-500, v-vi.
• Egger. Controlled trial of oligoantigenic treatment in hyperkinetic syndrome. Lancet 1:540-5,1985.
• Langseth & Dowd. Glucose tolerance and hyperkinesis. Food Cosmet.Toxicol. 16:129-33,1978.
• Mohler H, Polc P, Cumin R, Pieri L, Kettler R. Nicotinamide is a brain constituent with benzodiazepine-like actions.
• Nature. 1979 Apr 5;278(5704):563-5.
• Rippere, V, Can hypoglycemia cause obsessions and ruminations? Med Hypotheses. 1984 Sep; 15(1):3-13.
• Rodriguez Jimenez J, Rodriguez JR, Gonzalez MJ. Indicators of anxiety and depression in subjects with different kinds
  of diet: vegetarians and omnivores. Bol Asoc Med P R. 1998 Apr-Jun; 90(4-6):58-68.

How much of my child’s tuition money is going towards organic food?
Open Sky has budgeted specifically to cover the costs of buying organic foods. Because we are committed as an organization to organic, sustainable practices, we have chosen to not pass the price of these beneficial foods on to our clients. The cost of sending your child to Open Sky is on par with many of the other wilderness therapy programs. We work directly with local farmers to support our community’s economy. This also keeps our costs down because we’re not paying as much for transportation or a “middle-man”. We buy bulk foods in large quantities as another cost reduction measure. Our menu changes seasonally to reap the benefits of using the food that is more abundant, therefore more affordable, and beneficial to our bodies during that particular time of year.

My first reaction to thinking about changing food habits is that it is overwhelming and unrealistic. Where do I go from here?
Part of developing a healthy relationship with food is developing an understanding of what it contains and developing an appreciation of where it comes from. To find balance with food, one needs to know one’s own health necessities, correct food preparation, skill in eating (i.e. not over eating), how to choose high-quality foods, and be familiar with a broad range of nutritious foods. Looking at food as part of the cycle of life – rather than a substance to fill space – is another key aspect when talking about real foods. Fostering an awareness of how we are using the energy we have gleaned from our diet is essential– are we giving back to the system to complete the cycle, are we counting calories, or do we just consider food an energy resource? Part of receiving the full vitality of foods includes mindful preparation and giving thanks before meals. When we become present with our food, not only the body, but the mind feels nourished. Physiologically, as we think and smell food enzymes are released in the mouth that begin the digestive process. Lastly, simply preparing and eating meals creates community and a space for sharing. It is also important to remember that you are not alone in this process of change. Feel free to contact Open Sky’s wellness department for further information, resources and support.

• Pitchford, Paul, Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA, 1993.
• Weintraub, Skye, Minding Your Body, Complementary Medicine Publishing Co, Portland, OR, 1995.

 

Diseases of dietary excess and imbalance now rank among the leading cause of illness and death in the United States, and generates substantial health care costs….Improved nutrition training of physicians, and other health professionals is needed. Training should emphasize basic principles of nutrition, the role of methodologies and their interpretation, therapeutic aspects of dietary intervention, and behavioral aspects of dietary counseling…
                       C. Everett Koop, M.D.,
                       1988; U.S. Surgeon General’s Report