The original version of Holford's CV stated that he had graduated in 1976. 1976 left a respectable period during which Holford might have pursued further studies or apprenticed himself to figures whom he lionised before feeling that he was fully prepared to start work in 1980 as a fully independent nutritional therapist, specialising in the field of mental health.

However, as Goldacre points out, there was no such period of grace during which Holford could have worked or studied under supervision while he acquired the requisite knowledge and experience before 1980.

[The CV states that Holford] was at York studying experimental psychology [until] 1976 before studying in America under two researchers in mental health and nutrition (Carl Pfeiffer and Abram Hoffer), and then returning to the UK in 1980 to treat 'mental health patients with nutritional medicine'. In fact...Holford actually [graduated in] 1979, and after getting a 2:2 degree he began his first job, working as a salesman for the supplement-pill company Higher Nature. So he was treating mental health patients in 1980, one year out of this undergraduate degree. [pp. 173-4, Bad Science. Emphasis added.]

Holford has a standard story of his epiphany concerning mental health and nutrition that appears in various publications. Sometimes the details vary a little, but most of them contain some form of the claim that soon after the revelation in the final year of his degree, "Within months I was on a plane to America". From around the 90s, this detail is typically associated with the disclosure that he studied with Drs Pfeiffer and Hoffer.^[i]

Dr Aust offers some interesting background on Holford's mentors and inspirations, including Drs Pfeiffer and Hoffer. One consistently gnawing issue is why Holford directs attention to his period of 'study' with Pfeiffer and Hoffer when neither of them was working in a recognised academic institution at the time^[ii] and would therefore have been unable to offer academic credits or qualifications for whatever length of time Holford spent with them in between graduating, working for Higher Nature and then setting up as a nutritional therapist. One might question whether study is the appropriate word for what may have been a simple visit of what must have been a brief duration.

One might already have some misgivings about how much supervised study Holford was able to cram in, post-graduation and before starting to work as a vitamin-pill salesman, before he started 'treating mental health patients' in 1980, all while researching and writing the Whole Health Manual (originally published in 1981^[iii]) so must have been in preparation during this interesting and somewhat hectic period. Any unease is amplified when one recalls that the Brain Bio Centre information pack (thoughtfully annotated by Holford Myths claims that Holford has been treating patients since the 1970s).

The story becomes even more tangled when one consults Holford's juvenilia in search of enlightenment. It had seemed reasonable to assume that any biographical details written by Holford so soon after his graduation would be more accurate and reliable but biographical inaccuracy seems to have set in at an early age. Browsing through the biographical notes in Holford's 1985 classic, Vitamin Vitality, we learned:

PATRICK HOLFORD started his academic career in the field of psychology. While completing his BSc in Experimental Psychology at the University of York he researched into the effects of nutrition and vitamins on mental illness and was astounded by some of the results, which were often more effective than commonly recommended drug treatments or psychotherapy.

After university, Patrick Holford started to study nutrition and visited all the major nutritional research centres in the United States. He has carried out extensive research into the effects of vitamins and diet on various allergies, athletic performance and premenstrual tension. In 1981 Parick Holford established a nutrition consultancy called Whole Health Programmes. [Emphasis added.]

One wonders what counts as "extensive research" by Holford's standards for the above to be true although some of the research reported in Vitamin Vitality provides some clues). However, in subsequent accounts, Holford claims to have studied mental health and nutrition straight after university so it is conspicuous by its absence from this account of his post-university activities.

Beyond that, however, when did he have the time or resources to visit "all the major nutritional research centres in the United States"? How many centres did he visit? Was he just visiting and observing or working there? How long and frequent were these trips and how did he manage to explain his activities to the Immigration Officers? What did he do at all of these research centres to justify the boundless confidence in his expertise and competence to feel adequately prepared to 'treat mental health patients with nutritional medicine' with no more than a 2:2 in Psychology and some experience as a vitamin-pill salesman for Higher Nature to underpin his knowledge?

Notes

[i] This is easily falsifiable so we pledge that the next time that we are near a national library, we shall plough through a number of the earlier works to check for the first mentions of the time spent studying with Pfeiffer and Hoffer.

[ii] We should clarify that Pfeiffer was working in his own centre in Skillman, New Jersey, not Princeton University, despite the implied designation that Holford uses in several places of 'Princeton Brain Bio Center' or just Princeton.

[iii] The Whole Health Manual was published by Holford's Whole Health Programmes in 1981; it was later reprinted by Thorsons in 1983.

BPSDB

When I was told that I had to lose weight (because of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), my doc sent me straight to Elizabeth at EB Nurtition -- and 60 lbs later, I couldn't be happier.

Seriously people? She's rad.
And no. She's not paying me.

It's an investment, for sure. But 100% worth it. Best decision my doctor ever made for me and I followed through on :)

Wooooo! Welcome to the blogosphere!

Man oh man... it's all homework here at Hogwarts...

What yarn shop did Henry Longstaff shop at for yarn? Mrs. Mac's
Who is the HSKS6 SPEW coordinator? Clidonia Acromantula
Which Gryff student just returned from London? Lady Felula The Forgetful
Which Gryffindor has cats named after the muggle rock band, The Ramones? Dagmara Grindelwald
What is your favorite childhood television program (Magic or Muggle)? The Muppets
What is your favorite adult television program (Magic or Muggle)? It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Flight of the Conchords, The Office, the Daily Show and the Colbert Report are all number 1 in my book.
Which travel destination did you last visit? Upstate New York to visit mom and dad and the rest of my family, with a side trip to NYC to visit a couple of good friends from college.
What was your last finished object (FO)? I finished something for my HSKS06 swap partner.  I don't want to say what just yet... I'll post it when she gets her package in a few days :)
How many project(s) planned for holiday gifts? How many do you expect to actually finish and give? I'm hoping I can get all 4 done.  That's all I'm planning on doing.  I know my limits... at least I think I do.
Who is the mother of Half Blood Prince? Elieen Prince
Which Weasley became engaged in Book 6 (Half Blood Prince)? Bill
What is the result of a Sectumsempra curse? Snape is the one who wrote it in his potions book and Harry used it on Draco Malfoy.
Who used a Bezoar to reverse poisoning? Harry used it on Ron

Well, we didn't find the snitch, but it was a lot of fun trying.  It's a shame I stink at riddles and such. Maybe I'll grab a few riddle books from the library to try and practice up for the next round.

I saw my nutritionist today.  We talked about changing my diet a bit to be more cancer free.  If that makes any sense.  Here's the key points:

the darker the fruit or veg the better it is for you.

Cod liver oil is an anti-inflammatory

Where ever possible choose "raw"  whole milk and if raw whole milk is not available then go whole organic

Where ever possible choose grass fed or pasture finished meats

Check the labels and don't eat anything with ingredients that you don't know what it is

And no high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and food coloring.

I know, the commercial says that high fructose corn syrup is just corn.  Apparently, in order to make high fructose corn syrup, you need to be in a full biohazard outfits.  How can that be good for you, if they can't come in contact with it while they're making it.  I don't make pies while wearing a respiratory mask and asbestos glove on for protection.

Speaking of pies, I made an amish sugar cream pie this weekend (I made it before seeing the nutritionist... get off my back).  It's like eating sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust.  I think my blood sugar level must be off the charts because of that pie.  I might have become diabetic because of that pie.

Oh and here's a few pictures of the vacation.  Sorry it took me so long to get around to posting a couple.  These are from the Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown.

First - Mom and Dad

Looking into one of the buildings.  I think this was the apothecary's office.

What do sheep do when it's hot out?  Apparently lean up against a fence to get shade.

http://beccalou.com/blogimages/SheepInShade.jpg

Some yarn being dyed with natural dyes over an open flame in a cast iron kettle

And this one answers the age old question - What's up?

Answer - a chicken's bum when it eats.

And the last thing.  I made this scarf for mom while I was home.  It's from the Knitalong book.  It wasn't blocked when I took the photo.  But you get the idea.

Blueberry jam on a slice of old cheddar. Yes, it may sound positively disgusting, but it is one of my most favourite things. Unfortunately, I had to give both up a few years ago because of health reasons- the jam because of the sugar and the cheese because of, well, because it was cheese.

Having recently discovered the deliciousness that is raw sheep milk cheddar, my mom Patsy and I decided to take on the fall harvest and make our own all natural, no sugar and no powdered pectin, blueberry jam. It turned out amazingly well. The recipe called for three cups of sugar which we substituted with one cup of unpasteurized honey and one cup of sucanut (non-refined cane sugar). For pectin we used whole apples, though you could always skip the apple sauce making-step and buy some ready made unsweetened organic apple sauce.

Blueberries are little anti-oxidant powerhouses. They are obviously going to be a bit more active when consumed fresh and raw, but this jam is a wonderful treat. Though the raw sheep milk cheese is a rare indulgence, I have been enjoying the blueberry jam on a slice of my from scratch sourdough bread with a little almond butter. Deeeeeelish.

All Natural Blueberry Fruit Jam
5 Tart Apples: peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
2 Limes:  unpeeled, finely chopped
Water (about 1/2 cup)
4-5 cups of Blueberries
1 cup Sucanut
1 cup Honey
Note- you can replace apples and limes with 2 cups of unsweetened apple sauce- this makes the recipe way quicker/easier

Directions if making own apples sauce
In a large stainless steel saucepan, combine apples and limes and enough water to prevent sticking. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, partially cover and boil gently, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes, until mixture is very soft. Working in batches, transfer mixture to a sieve or colander. With the pack of a spoon, press mixture through sieve to yield 2 cups of apple sauce.

Directions is using ready made apple sauce
Measure out 2 cups of unsweetened natural apple sauce (see much easier)

For both version:
In a clean, large stainless steel saucepan, combine applesauce, blueberries, honey and sucanat. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve sucanut. Boil, stirring frequently for about 30 minutes, until mixture thickens and mounds on a spoon. Ladle into sterilized jars. Seal tightly and store in cool dark place. If you are wary about your canning skills, the fridge always works well for a cool dark place.

If you are seeking a professionals sports nutrition certification program, please take a moment and review the NESTA Fitness Nutrition Coach Certification Program.

Why should you enroll in the sports nutrition certification program?

It is crucial for all health,fitness, wellness and medical professionals who work with athletes or active individuals to have a fundamental understanding of sports nutrition and the adaptive response to exercise and the role that nutrition plays in the acute and chronic response to exercise.

This sports nutrition certification program is ideal for those who would like to specialize in sports nutrition, while obtaining a comprehensive education in the importance of nutrition and diet in promoting health and wellness. This program should be considered for those who would like to understand the relevance of alternative and complementary views of nutrition, including current research on the value of dietary supplements in sports. Consider this curriculum if you would like to help patients, clients or consumers adopt better nutrition practices with a focus on sports nutrition. Completion of this program earns one a globally respected certification in sports nutrition and the title of Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach.

The  sports nutrition certification program prepares students for a career as a certified sports nutritionist.  This flexible homes study sports nutrition certification program may be completed in 2 - 4 weeks — at your convenience from home or office. A combination of nutrition and exercise knowledge allows students to build competence in the area of personal training and fitness.

My dad was recently in New York and sent along this photo of a pair of vending machines found in the JKF airport. I used to have a rule that I wouldn't eat from a 'restaurant' that could drive away (such as a chip truck). I suppose I now have to add that I also would never eat from a 'restaurant' that two guys could pick up and carry away.

On the front of this vending machine it says 'Hot Nosh, Hot Dogs. Grilled Fast and Fresh. Any Time. Anywhere.'

This is a prime example of when we are better off eating nothing. When a food causes more harm to our insides than good, when it has more chemicals than actual food, when not a single ingredient can be pronounced, and often when it comes in tubes, spray cans or requires directions on how to eat it- we know we are in for no good.

And so here begins my ongoing tally of the "Better Off Eating Nothing" List. Updates will be made periodically. Please feel free to send me contributions- written submissions and photos are welcome and will be credited.

Part 1 of the 'Better Off Eating Nothing' List

1. Jello / Chips Ahoy Pudding Snack
2. Schneiders ‘Hot Rods’ Sausages
3. Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips
4. Hershey Cookies and Cream MilkShake
5. Hot Pockets Frozen Cheeseburger
6. Vienna Sausage (in a can)
7. Chocolate Chip Cookie Crisp Cereal
8. Hot And Spicy Fried Pork Skins
9. Pepperidge Farm Cheddar: Colors Goldfish Crackers
10. Quick Sharp Cheddar Cheese Aerosol Can

The message of Pollan's book, summarized in it's very last sentence, is this: "The cook in the kitchen preparing a meal from plants and animals at the end of the shortest of food chains has a great many things to worry about, but 'health' is simply not one of them, because it is a given".

That means, in the case of animals, skipping the stop at the feed lots and factory farms, the chemistry labs, the assembly line industrial slaughter houses, massive scale meat processing plants, and the long hauls in refrigeration trucks.

The best way to ensure the safety and quality of meat products is to know where they are coming from or even better, to take a little road trip to visit the farms (might a recommend a Saturday jaunt to Everdale Farm) that our eggs, chicken, pork, turkey, beef, lamb, goat, bison, or venison are coming from. After that, we may find that we don't want to eat them quite as often, and that when we do, we opt for the best quality available.

I have, what I consider, the greatest job in the whole wide world. I get to help people feel their greatest, their happiest and, of course, their healthiest. After all, looking like hot stuff in a wicked outfit means little if we feel like poop. Health is the most important thing and I am hoping this site will help you to bring a little more into your life.

Once upon a time, I was an ungraduate student in fashion, then became an account manager with some great advertising agencies. All this time, I was dealing with some serious health issues, until, at long last, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. I took a completely natural approach to my healing, which resulted in complete remission of the disease. I have since gone back to school to become a certified nutritionist and am now spreading the nutrition and healthy living love, which is what this site is all about.

As my blog description says, "Making Love In The Kitchen is not actually about getting up on the counter with the one you love. It's about creating, healing and nourishing all aspects of life from the physical to the spiritual. You don't need a meditation guru, a yoga master, or even a life coach. All of this can be done simply and lovingly in the kitchen. This blog will guide you through the greatest love making your kitchen has ever witnessed".

Through my own videos, videos I think you should see, my extra super special recipes, and other lifestyle advice and commentary, I hope this site becomes your 'go to' for a little pick-me up of healthful goodness.

Subscribe with the RSS feed for this site and come back soon. The first official post will be up mid-September. See you again soon!
Big love,
Meghan

Why Kenyan women crave stones

Nancy Akoth is four months pregnant and like many women in her state has strange cravings.

Some women eat coal, gherkins or soap but Mrs Akoth craves soft stones, known in Kenya, where she lives, as "odowa".

"I just have this urge to eat these stones. I do very crazy things, I would even wake up at night and go looking for them," she told.

"I consulted my doctor and all he told me is that maybe I'm lacking iron and gave me medication on iron, but I still have the urge to eat those stones."

Luckily for Mrs Akoth, she is not alone in craving stones and they are easily found on sale in Nairobi's sprawling Gikomba market.

It can actually cause things like kidney damage and liver damage, if you don't take enough fluid Alice Ndong, nutritionist

Among the fish-mongers and dealers in second-hand goods who flock to the market are traders who specialise in odowa.

Stone-seller Stephen Ndirangu unsurprisingly says women are his main customers.

"Most of them buy the stones to go and sell them to women who are pregnant," Mr Ndirangu says.

He says he sells one 90kg sack for about $6.

'Pleasant taste'

Although they are stones, they are too soft to break the teeth of Mrs Akoth and her fellow cravers.

Nutritionist Alice Ndong says the stones have a bland taste.

"It's a pleasant taste. It doesn't have a tangy flavor or a salty or a sugary flavor. It's a bit like eating flour," she told.

I cannot do without it Sylvia Moi

She says that because of their abrasive nature, the stones actually clean the teeth as the stone is chewed and the finer particles pass through the mouth.

However, she warns this should not be used as an excuse to eat the stones as the habit can also have harmful consequences.

"If somebody eats those stones and they don't take enough water, then they will actually get severe constipation… It can actually be very dangerous," she says.

"It can actually cause things like kidney damage and liver damage, if you don't take enough fluid because it will form a mass that cannot be excreted."

"When you eat these stones, it's like eating metal. The particles - because it's not food - are not digested as finely as fruits or vegetables," she says.

'Irresistible'

The phenomenon of craving non-food items like soil or soft stones is referred to as pica, a Latin word for magpie, the bird notorious for eating almost anything.

Researchers from the University of Nigeria interviewed 1,071 pregnant women attending a prenatal clinic at the Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi.

At least 800 of those interviewed said they ate soil, stones and other non-food items during their pregnancy.

But it is not only those who are pregnant who indulge in this habit.

Sylvia Moi still finds the soft stones irresistible, 14 years after she gave birth.

"I cannot do without it... Walking without it makes me feel bad, as if I'm lacking something [or] I'm hungry," Mrs Moi says.

She says she would like to quit the habit but just cannot stop herself.

"When you eat it you look awkward, people think: 'What is it that you lack in you that makes you eat that awkward stone,'" she says.

Infection

Experts say that the craving to eat odowa is largely due to a deficiency of vital minerals, like calcium, in the body.

"Unfortunately, these stones don't offer a lot of calcium. They offer some other forms of minerals like magnesium but not much calcium," says Mrs Ndong.

Research shows that these habits have negative side-effects on the women's health, ranging from parasitic infestations, anaemia and intestinal complications

"The problem with these stones is sometimes they're not hygienic. I remember up-country I've seen people just go somewhere, dig up and maybe people urinate in that spot," she says.

Experts warn pregnant women and others who enjoy eating odowa to try to ignore these cravings for the sake of their health.

The researchers say that the women are better off eating a balanced diet, than remaining hooked to the myth that their changing bodies need soft stones and soil.

An average human drinks about 16, 000 gallons of water in a lifetime.

It is estimated that the average life span in the United States is 78 years. That means that we drink an average of 205 gallons of water a year, or a little over .056 gallons per day. My math skills leave a lot to be desired, but if I’m right, if a person drinks, say 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day, (which is what some diet plans call for, that means they are drinking a half a gallon of water a day, which figures out to be approximately 182 gallons a year. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a real fan of water as a drink, so I don’t drink anywhere near a half a gallon of water a day, but I do consume many other things that contain water, so I am not dehydrating myself.

The reason water is so important to the body is that over 70% of our body is water.

Muscle is made up of about 75 percent water.
Fat is made up of about 50 percent water.
Bones, too, are about 50 percent water.

While I think liquid in the body is very important, because dehydration is not a pretty sight, it is pretty much up to the body as to what it needs. In an article found on the internet www.Telegraph.co.uk news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/ entitled Healthy Eating: Do You have Portion Distortion the following was written:

(Celebs often attribute their glowing good looks to a daily two-litre H2O fix (rather than, say, Botox). "But it's complete rubbish," says nutritionist Fiona Hunter. "First, anything with a high fluid content will keep you hydrated." A piece of steak is at least 60 per cent water, which will add to your fluid intake. "And the amount you need depends on body size, lifestyle, whether it's hot?… You might need to drink just a few glasses of water a day or two and a half litres."

So how do we find our ideal intake? Your body is the best guide, says Hunter. "Just look for signs of dehydration - lethargy, low concentration, headaches, dark urine and constipation."

“Coffee and tea are dehydrating, so you should limit your intake and replace each cup one-for-one with water. "A myth," replies Dr Chris Smith of BBC radio series The Naked Scientists. "These drinks don't dehydrate you unless they're very strong. An average coffee hydrates you. I drink hardly anything but tea and coffee, so my bladder ought to be like a raisin. Even alcohol has to be more than 10 per cent alcohol by volume to affect your fluid levels adversely. There are limits - pregnant women should seek advice - but we've drunk tea and coffee for decades without all keeling over. Limit yourself to three cups of coffee a day”

There aren’t enough bathrooms in the whole city of Houston to take care of me if I drink eight ounces of water a day, so I limit my pure liquid intake and find substitutes in my food. I probably don’t drink more than one to two glasses of water a day, a couple of cups of coffee, a glass of wine now and then, ice tea if I go out for a meal, and the rest is just whatever I get from the food I eat. I have never had a kidney problem, and my bladder problem is not because I don’t drink enough water. If you are drinking those eight glasses of water a day because your body needs that much, then for Heaven’s sake, continue drinking them, but if you are forcing yourself to drink that much water because your diet plan says to do so, and you hate every drop of it, find a substitute that will keep your body hydrated. Plain ice tea or any liquid that does not add calories to your diet can help reduce your daily caloric intake.

Think Thin Thoughts!

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Though some people are just naturally thin no matter how much they eat (and the envy of those who gain weight easily!) but one can gain weight and get bigger by following these simple tips:

• To gain weight, eat food having high caloric value. Try to increase your food intake without consuming too much fat and sugar.
• Regular meals, especially breakfast, are important if you find it difficult to gain weight. Have some fixed timings and avoid eating in between so as to increase the hunger for food.
• Protein is essential to the body, for repair, to enable the immune system to function and for recovery from illness. If you are recovering from illness, it is important to include adequate protein in your diet. Good vegetarian sources of protein include: cereals, nuts & seeds, Soya products (Soya milk, tofu, tempeh etc) and pulses. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and free-range eggs are also excellent protein sources for the non-vegetarians.
• Avoid Caffeine and Nicotine, as they are good stimulants and help to increase the metabolism of our body. Avoid having these stimulants in excess quantity to help your body retain maximum nutritional value from what you eat.
• Having snacks at bedtime helps to gain weight, as long as it does not interfere with sleep. To gain optimal nutritional value from the food you have eaten you must relax after having meal.
• If you have food just for one or two times than it slows down the weight gain since it makes you feel that your stomach is full. Go for smaller meals and snacks throughout the day since it increases the food intake of our body.
• While doing exercise, one should work out the muscles. Gradually with each workout, you should put a little stress on the body over your normal limit in order to grow muscle and to gain weight.

During pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes loads of changes, which mainly include extra weight gain and hormonal changes. According to nutritionists, for at least first three months of post pregnancy a woman should concentrate on eating healthy food instead of “weight loss”. Reason being, the new born is completely dependent on the mother’s milk; as a result there is nutrient depletion from the mothers body which will lead to other complications later like osteoporosis, if not taken care of in this phase. Many side effects are seen due to pregnancy, which can be taken care through proper diets. Some of those side effects include hair loss, stretch marks, and changes in the shape of the breasts. Along with physical changes a woman also undergoes a lot of emotional and psychological changes like change in sleeping pattern, getting emotionally attached to the new born. Managing household chores along with taking care of the needs of the newborn turns out to the toughest work for a woman post pregnancy. Due to these changes in the surroundings, many women face the problem of insomnia, which further precipitates as frustration and stress. Excessive stress can lead to lack of breast milk production. Therefore, it is very important to provide the mother and the newborn child a stress free environment. This also helps the body to recover faster. After the first three months pass by, one should consult a dietitian to lose excessive weight, in a healthy way without crash dieting.

Tips to be followed in first three months of post pregnancy period

• Eat healthy and give time to your body to recover.
• Exercise in moderation to help the metabolism to function optimally.
• Exclusive Breast feeding is the best way to regain the pre pregnancy weight and shape.
• Concentrate on more of protein, vitamin and mineral rich food instead of calorie dense food.
• Do not heed to the myths linked to breast-feeding; like having excess fatty foods leads to good breast milk production etc