Culture Clash

(Cathy Schroder) #1

So… I have been following a ketogenic lifestyle for about six months or so now, and it has been an absolute game changer for me. I have done so well that my husband has also converted and dropped the 20kg that he has had forever.

The funny thing is we are farmers. My husband has lived on this land for most of his 57 years and makes a living from growing and selling the very thing that we now realise is so unhealthy for people. I work off farm - in a not-for-profit agricultural research organisation! The changes I have made are now quite noticeable and many people are asking me about how I have achieved this. I have spoken quite openly about this, but it does make me giggle when I see the look of horror on peoples’ faces when I explain that I don’t eat any grain because it is so unhealthy for me. Looks like we will both be looking for a change of career at some point!

(Richard Morris) #2

Grains are a very cheap way to turn sunlight into calories.

The problem is for about 85% of people they will metabolically derange them, some majorly and some in smaller less obvious ways.

Birds however are well adapted to eat seeds, turn that grain over to chickens to make eggs and now you have made a good food for humans. Give those chooks a chance to eat bugs as well … and now they are adding Omega 3’s to the eggs as well and you have an even better food.

(Cathy Schroder) #3

I have chickens and planted a beautiful orchard here (before I went Keto). The land here in North West Victoria is marginal at best so we can’t go large scale with the chooks, but I’m not too worried to be honest. It’s funny if you think about it, and I am sure that things will work out one way or another.

(Chan Cleland) #4

I wish you the best. Making the changes you have in that community shows great courage.

(John) #5

I am feeling this a bit too, I got an offer for a really good job doing lots of stuff I want to do but the company is one of the big ones that sells junk food and funny enough statins. I couldn’t in good conscience go work for a company I think is killing people for a profit. That said, that doesn’t leave a ton of options for me.

(Barbara Greenwood) #6

I have a similar issue,though not quite as acute. I’m a Methodist minister, and one of my churches has recently launched Bread Church - we invite people to come and bake bread, then share a meal of soup and bread - then they take their two loaves away with them, keep one for themselves and give one away.

If I bake, it’s a low carb seed and almond flour loaf for about 1.5g per slice. And I’ve started taking my own soup, because most of the recipes they make spike me. But I show all the newcomers how to bake white bread.

I’m thinking of atoning for this by inviting a few of the people who e inquired about my 4 stone weight loss to my house for a keto meal…

(Cathy Schroder) #7

Great idea Barbara! I have set up a Facebook Page for my area. So far my husband and I are members but a lot of people are starting to ask a lot of questions about my health improvements so you never know. Your low carb bread classes will be a hit I’m sure.

#8

You are in a good position to speak publicly about your journey into keto and low carb. It would be a pity not helping many people reverse disease, or even prevent disease, by remaining quiet. Why not stop teaching how to make white bread? What’s the value in that? A gazillion you tube videos on white bread. The real teaching and novelty is showing how to make low carb bread.

(Barbara Greenwood) #9

Softly, softly catchy monkey…

I do talk about why I’m preparing something different, and have offered samples of my bread around - including giving my ‘spare’ loaf to three people who all have coeliac disease - since the recipe is also gluten-free. One really liked it and asked for the recipe. I also tell people I am sugar-free, and if it seems there’s an opening, I’ll tell them how fructose is implicated in liver fat, metabolic syndrome etc. Doesn’t seem to stop them scoffing the biscuits, mind, bit what else can you do?

I think if I were going to offer to teach it I would need to find a simpler recipe. And ideally cheaper as well… I haven’t done the maths, but I’m sure the seed and nut loaf is much mor expensive than a standard white load made from wheat flour.

(Cathy Schroder) #10

I’m with you on this Barbara. I believe that speaking too soon or disclosing too much when people haven’t expressed an interest in the subject is more likely to put people off. I usually just say something along the lines of ‘I’ve finally found a way of eating that I enjoy and can stick to and it’s making me healthy’. If they ask, I talk more. If they don’t, I leave it for the time being.

It seems to be working as in the past fortnight I’ve had about four people ask me what I’m doing because I’m looking so healthy. Gotta be happy with that!

#11

You inspired me to look up “softly, softly…catchee monkey” :smile:

(Barbara Greenwood) #12

That’s more than I’ve done, Fiorella… it was something my Dad used to say.