The Magic Bus Trip

wifezilla

In Gary Taubes' book "Good Calories, Bad Calories", he mentions a study of the Tokelau atoll natives. (photo here: http://www.uscg.mil/d14/units/kukui/Swains/jungle%20trail.JPG) Their diet was comprised of about 70% coconut, fish and some breadfruit. While many Pacific Island cultures grew starchy vegetables and ate high levels of carbohydrates in the form of taro, yams, breadfruit, etc....according to reports on the Tokelau, they did not have cultivation and, though they ate breadfruit, they got most of their nourishment from coconut and fish. It is my aim to incorporate the health aspects of the Tokelau diet (the coconut and fish) while eliminating the bad (starches). I am also incorporating healthy elements of other Pacific Island cultures. To keep things low carb, I am making modifications to replace the starchy breadfruit with low carb fruits and vegetables.

Goals:
Still remain low carb while trying to get up to 70% of calories from coconut and the remainder from primarily fish. So if I eat 2000k a day, 1400 of that should be coming from some kind of coconut. Instead of using carby foods to fill the role of breadfruit in their diet, I have added low-carb friendly veggies and a few fruits. I would still be aiming for a daily carb count under 30g (but it could go as high as 40). This woe will allow me to figure out if dairy is one of the reasons I have been in such a long stall.

Duration: The month of March. After that, I am going to add back in dairy and see what happens.

Allowed:
Coconut including coconut oil, meat and milk
Fresh water fish (perch, trout, walleye, etc...)
Clams, oysters and scallops
Shrimp, lobster, tuna, shark, sword fish, etc...
In small amounts:
Tropical nuts such as macadamia and almond
Tropical nut oils and palm oil
Low carb fruits like strawberries, blueberries and kiwi (to replace high carb native fruits)
Jicama (as a replacement for bread fruit)
salad greens and other low carb veggies (think Atkins induction)
Nori (seaweed wraps)
mushrooms
spices

Disallowed:
Beef
Pork
Lamb
Dairy including cheese, milk and cream
And all high carb foods like cereals, grains, fruit juices, etc...

Artificial sweeteners:
Following the carnivore experiment has shown artificial sweeteners to be weight neutral in my case. I am going to leave this up to personal choice, just list them if you use them.

Research: I used the Taubes book as a start off point and then hit the Weston Price website. I found some interesting sources of information listed below. One thing that stood out was several people claiming native islanders ate a low fat diet, and then they mentioned they ate a bunch of coconut. Uhhhh....hello!

https://edit.britannica.com/getEditableToc?tocId=53908
http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/price/price8.html

" It was particularly instructive to observe the diligence with which some of the isolated Maori near the coast sought out certain types of food in accordance with the tradition and accumulated wisdom of their tribes. As among the various archipelagos and island dwellers of the Pacific, great emphasis was placed upon shell fish. Much effort was made to obtain these in large quantities. In Fig. 74 (lower), will be seen two boys who have been gathering sea clams found abundantly on these shores. Much of the fishing is done when the tide is out. Some groups used large quantities of the species called abalone on the West Coast of America and paua in New Zealand. In Fig. 74 (upper), a man, his wife and child are shown. The father is holding an abalone; the little girl is holding a mollusk found only in New Zealand, the toharoa; the mother is holding a plate of edible kelp which these people use abundantly, as do many sea bordering races. Maori boys enjoy a species of grubs which they seek with great eagerness and prize highly. The primitive Maori use large quantities of fern root which grows abundantly and is very nutritious." http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/price/price12.html

"Inland, fertile land yielded some comestibles such the yam, taro, cassava, banana, papaya, and sweet potato, which were native to the islands. The diet of the Polynesians included the aforementioned staples but was centered around indigenous maritime animals such as shrimps, clams, oysters, snails, eels, and many types of fish." http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu/archeo/islands/polynesia1.html

"For most, a traditional diet of fresh fish and vegetables has been replaced by Spam, canned corned beef, potato chips and beer. A result is the one of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world. Life expectancy is only 50 for men and 55 for women."
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/full...sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all

"When Captain Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, the native population (est. 300,000) lived chiefly on dasheen and sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas), supplemented with things from the sea. In the Hawaiian Islands, taro was said to have been formed by the union of daughter earth and father sky, before man was born, so taro was honored as superior to man and treasured as the most important food crop. So intensive was its cultivation there that there may have been up to 300 cultivars in Hawaii when Captain Cook landed. Poi was traditionally prepared by removing the corm "skin" and then pounding the white flesh on a board with a stone pounder (pohaku ku'I) to make a thick paste, which was dried, diluted with water, kneaded, and then aged. The infamous Polynesian poi may be fermented (first bacteria, then yeast) or sometimes unfermented forms of this sticky dasheen paste, eaten with the fingers or as small balls. Some Polynesians were said to consume up to 20 pounds of poi per day!" http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/...onomicbotany/Colocasia/index.html

" Breadfruit is one of many starchy fruits traditionally eaten by Pacific Islanders. The diet also includes abundant fresh vegetables, fish, and nuts. [Photograph by Wolfgang Kaehler. Corbis. Reproduced by permission.]

Fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, and nuts (e.g., peanuts, macadamia, and litchi) are eaten in abundance, while milk and other dairy products are uncommon (there is a high prevalence of lactose intolerance among Pacific Islanders). Coconuts are plentiful, and both the milk and dried fruit are used to flavor meals. Pigs, chickens, and cows exist on the Pacific Islands, but in areas like Fiji they are expensive, so local villagers tend to purchase them only for large celebrations and feasts."
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5200/is_2004/ai_n19120941

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jeff · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject:

Interesting. I'll be watching.
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Heather L · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:08 pm Post subject:

Zilla- This sounds like a good experiment. I hope it goes well for you.

wifezilla · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I guess this is one way to get a taste of my fantasy to live on a beach eating sea food and coconuts all day. :D
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mae_west · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:38 pm Post subject:

Have fun! This sounds like an interesting experiment.

I would love to do a challenge where I only eat seafood and butter, but that does not sound like this one. I don't think I could afford it either...
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Dean · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:39 pm Post subject:

I would eat a TON of Appetizing Aquatics if I could afford it! Cry

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When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Erasmus · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

Ya know 'zilla....

As you are doing this you should start playing Hawaiian music around week two to three but don't cop to it. Just say, "I hadn't noticed, must be the coconuts." when asked. Then...

Around week 3 or 4...

Start wearing nothing but a grass skirt. Devil

-E
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“Vegetarians, and their Hezbollah-like splinter faction, the vegans ... are the enemy of everything good and decent in the human spirit.” - Anthony Bourdain

Manaloa · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 10:52 pm Post subject:

highly recommend haupia
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Manaloa

wifezilla · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:34 pm Post subject:

Sounds good to me E :D

As for the cost, I started stocking up on fish a couple of weeks ago. I have perch, cod, salmon, and shrimp. I am keeping my eye open for any and all seafood sales. I got the perch from ShareColorado.com. Unfortunately they don't have any fish or seafood for the March order.

I bought 3 jars of coconut butter last month and it has been calling my name for the last several weeks. I also have a jar of evco and that is readily available at my local Wally world. And I have refine coconut oil for cooking too.

Haupia sounds really good. According to the article I just read, unflavored gelatin can be substituted for arrow root powder. I might have to try that. :D
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Tracy · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:37 am Post subject:

Will be watching with interest! Very cool experiment.

Coconut butter - do tell!
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Vesna · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:54 am Post subject:

Wifez, this sounds like a terrific experiment.

Of course, in my mind, it has Aquatic Ape Hypothesis written all over it!

I've begun to rely more on canned fish and seafood. Doesn't cost too much, and it stores so easily. I've found that more expensive sardines and tuna really do taste better. And tuna in oil tastes way better than tuna in water.

Keep postin'!

wifezilla · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:55 pm Post subject:

Here is the coconut butter I have. It is so delicious!
http://www.premierorganics.org/

Aquatic Ape Theory? Never heard of it. I will have to check it out.
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wifezilla · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:42 pm Post subject:

I picked up a couple of cans of coconut milk last night at Wally World. I need to check the vitamin cottage and see what kind of coconutty goodness they have :D

I have also been running sample menus through fitday. This is looking very doable.
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Heather L · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

Zilla- It sounds like you are getting prepared. (stocking up, crunching numbers) I can't wait to see what you think of this once you get going. I love to watch a good experiment.

Tracy · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject:

I'm eager to read your meal details!

What do you use the coconut butter on? Well fish, I suppose :) Duh.
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wifezilla · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 11:34 pm Post subject:

Eat it with a spoon....or spread it on an almond meal macaroon. Yummmmmm

I may try using it as a cream replacement for coffee. I don't drink much and I don't do it every day, but sometimes you just need some java dammit!
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wifezilla · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:34 am Post subject:

Maybe I need to get this before I start?

"The ultimate in ridiculous relaxation. A hammock slung between two realistic palm trees with palm fronds, coconuts, and a cooling mechanism. The Tropical Island from Bim Bam Banana comes as close to being there as… well… being there. This getup would look great by any pool, or on any city roof-deck. Place one of these babies in the middle of your patio, grab a reflector screen, and your neighbors will scramble as you’ve certainly one-upped them.

For the bargain price of $8,240.00, the hammock comes with a pillow and drink caddy. The palm trees have an internal dual-control mist mechanism to simulate a misty ocean breeze. Play some Buffett in the background, and presto, you have paradise, even in Buffalo, NY (weather permitting). The website promises that the setup will withstand anything short of a cyclone. "
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jeff · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 4:38 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:20 pm Post subject:

With native hunks in loin cloths fanning you, who needs the hammock? Devil

wifezilla · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject:

God point! How much are hunks going for now-a-days?
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wifezilla · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

more inspiration...

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mae_west · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:21 pm Post subject:

The music here is sooooooo relaxing.....
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wifezilla · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiFf6iafw8g&feature=related
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jeff · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:48 am Post subject:

wifezilla · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject: Day 1

My first day was rather tasty I must say!

Brunch: Salmon Burgers with tropical tartar sauce (coconut butter seasoned with diced pickles, garlic, lemon juice, balsamic, horse radish, Mrs. Dash and dried onion)

Snack: Coconut Flakes (They were pretty large and I ate them like potato chips)

Dinner: Shrimp and cucumber salad with warmed coconut dressing (coconut oil, vinegar and spices)

Dessert: Coconut milk smoothie

Stats...
1775
Fat: 126 1136 64%
Sat: 92 829 47%
Poly: 4 35 2%
Mono: 4 40 2%
Carbs: 39 104 6%
Fiber: 13 0 0%
Protein: 132 529 30%

My percentage of calories from coconut only worked out to be 53%, but I expected it would take me a few tries to dial it in.

No change in weight (not that I expect any from 1 day).

Eating tropical today will help keep my mind off the fact that is is FREAKING SNOWING AGAIN!!!! Here is a little visual inspiration for those following along...

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wifezilla · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:47 am Post subject: Day 2

Total: 2028
Fat: 161 1450 72%
Sat: 123 1106 55%
Poly: 8 71 4%
Mono: 12 105 5%
Carbs: 49 104 5%
Fiber: 23 0 0%
Protein: 113 452 23%

Another tasty day :D

Breakfast was the rest of that smoothie I made yesterday...
Salmon burger and shrimp for lunch (cooked in coconut oil of course)
Snack was coconut flakes and dinner was trout with cocnut oil and lemon juice.

Total % of calories from coconut was 63%. Almost there!
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wifezilla · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

Holy guacamole!

Down 1 lb! Woo hoo!
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jeff · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:59 pm Post subject:

Nice!
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wifezilla · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:46 pm Post subject:

No menu to post from yesterday. I didn't eat anything. I caught the flu. After weeks of having people cough and hack their germs on me, I finally got it. Bleh!

Anyway...feeling less like death today so back on plan...I hope.
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Tracy · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:57 pm Post subject:

Congrats on the lost pound!
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wifezilla · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject:

Down one more to 213. I did eat some food yesterday, but not nearly enough calories. And I went off plan with a small bowl of stew. I had it already made up for hubby and cooking was out of the question.

Still feeling a little woozie, but my appetite is returning. I dreamed about pizza last night and woke up reeallllyyyy hungry!
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wifezilla · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:27 am Post subject:

Yesterday was a mixed day. My appetite came back with a vengence. I did eat coconut, but I also scarfed down a bunch of chicken wings. Opps.

Today I was a good girl though. Salmon burgers for breakfast, coconut bark for snacking, and this awesome coconut clam chowder I whipped up in the morning and left cooking in the slow cooker. I wish I would have measured things so I can make it again. I think I can get close. Think clam chowder with coconut milk instead of cream and lc veggies instead of potatoes. Yum!

I also managed to get another blog post up. Check it out if you want a quick laugh :D

Here is some inspiration for tomorrow...

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Dean · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:33 am Post subject:

zilla, that clam chowder sounds great. I hope you will post that in the Appetizing Aquatics forum. BTW, did you ditch dairy from Feb? Or were you not doing dairy? I'm lovin' the "deflation" of my dairy bloat since March 1. Cool

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When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

wifezilla · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:35 pm Post subject:

I am ditching dairy and eggs for March. I actually have an intolerance to eggs that was dxed when I was in college. They haven't caused me to break out in hives since then so I just ate them whenever I wanted.

As for the dairy, I do feel a little different these days. Not sure if it the lack of dairy or adding all that coconut.

I gained back one of the pounds I lost when sick, but I figured that would happen. Still at 214.
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Heather · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:38 pm Post subject:

wifezilla · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:12 pm Post subject:

The recipe is up :D

http://wifezillasway.blogspot.com...pe-low-carb-tropical-seafood.html
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Dean · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:24 pm Post subject:

Wow, that looks deeelish! Yup

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Heather · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 11:37 pm Post subject:

Thank you! Yup

I never thought of using coconut milk for cream soup, although I use it for curries and it's awesome.
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Heather

wifezilla · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:23 pm Post subject:

I will get that recipe posted in a bit :D

Still at 214, so it looks like that 1 lb loss was a keeper, not just the scale faking me out. I have been living on that chowder for the past 2 days and I am still not sick of it. In fact, I am going to heat up a bowl for breakfast right now. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
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jem51 · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject:

butter poaching, yummm. maybe dinner if i can get to the store for a bottle of white. i have some shrimp.

Tracy · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject:

'Zilla, I'm going to try that chowder. I love love love clam chowder and haven't had it in ages!

Butter poaching sounds amazing. DO you use all of that poaching liquid at once, or does it keep? I pay a lot for organic butter :)
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jem51 · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:03 am Post subject:

tracy, the recipes on that page tell you how much to use...so no, you use the amt you need. in other word whatever tastes good. i will make a half recipe since i'm single and cooking for just me.

wifezilla · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:39 pm Post subject:

Down to 213 this morning :D

I had the chowder for breakfast yesterday, a coconut milk smoothie with strawberries for lunch, and 4 pieces of whiting (fried) dipped in butter for supper.

I kind of blew the no dairy thing with the butter, but I was craving fat and whiting is so boring without butter I went for it. If I keep dropping weight and feeling fine, who am I to argue??? Still staying away from cream and cheese though. I want to be a full month without before I add those back in.

Here is your inspirational image for the day...

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Dean · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:28 am Post subject:

zilla,

Congrats on the loss! Thumbs Up

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

wifezilla · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks Dean :D

That pound is still gone this morning, so I get to claim that one lost for good too!

I need to get to the store. This particular diet is WAY more easy to fall off of than the meat and fat only diet I did last month. If I run out of food (or time to cook) on meat/fat, I can just go to McDonalds and get a dollar menu cheese burger and throw out the bun. You can't get seafood in Colorado at a restaurant unless it has been battered or is drowning in a sugary sauce.

I also can't reheat my seafood stuff at work. Nobody likes a copy shop that smells like fish :p

Oh well, I think I have time to cook up a piece of mahi mahi. I will be doing butter again since it only has 1g of fat but has 21g of protein.

Demi on the active low carb forum has posted a really cool article about butter. Check it out. http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=367210
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Erasmus · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:50 pm Post subject:

Dean · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

wifezilla · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:07 pm Post subject:

Erasmus · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject:

Fine. Make me do this the hard way. Wink

1) Pre-cook your fish. Cut into small blocks no bigger than an inch or so. And refrigerate.

2) Make a stock/soup/curry without anything fishy. Portion and frige.

3) At work nuke the hell out of #2. Then cool it by adding fish chunks.

4) Eat non-fishy smelling lunch.

---OR---

Get a thermos.

-E
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Dean · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject:

Or tell your coworkers to get over it. LOL

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!