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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Ruminant Revolution Manifesto

This is an abstract for several presentations I'll be giving over the next few months. 

We Need a Ruminant Revolution!

Human beings exist because of ruminants. Today’s societies rely upon them. Humanity’s future depends upon improvements in the productivity and efficiency of worldwide ruminant animal agriculture. Like the general public’s confusion of what constitutes a “healthy diet,” tremendous misunderstanding exists regarding the environmental role of ruminant animals. Human beings didn’t evolve to eat meat, they evolved because they ate meat - and because they learned to cook and process meat and other foodstuffs. Unsurprisingly then, diets rich in butter, meat and cheese have been shown to promote human health and development. Of significant worldwide impact, such diets can correct the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, offering hope in arresting the current worldwide epidemic of chronic diseases. The Dietary Goals for the United States and the subsequent eight editions of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, however, are based on the belief that plant-based, high-carbohydrate diets are “healthy.” But since nutrition research does not support the belief that vegetarian diets are healthier than animal-based diets, an appeal to “sustainability” is now used to justify these recommendations and argue against the Restricted Carbohydrate approach. True sustainability is a multifaceted topic that should consist of societal, economic, and ecological aspects. The enormous suffering and financial costs of chronic illness must be acknowledged. The production of high-quality animal protein and animal fat by ruminants from feed resources humans cannot directly utilize will be fundamental to feeding a growing population. What’s more, this essential food production can preserve and enhance the diverse environments where it takes place. We need a revolution in our thinking of what constitutes a healthy diet, of what causes chronic illness, of the vital role that animal product play in the human diet, and the essential nature of ruminant animal agriculture in meeting humanity’s needs. This will mean overthrowing established policies and institutions, and confronting vested belief systems. In addition, we need an effort, analogous to the Green Revolution, to develop and deploy the knowledge and technology necessary to meet the mid-21st Century demand for ruminant animal products while preserving and enhancing the environments in which they’re produced.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Ruminati Poet

I'm in the midst of a very busy season of travel. I was on my way home recently when I got a wonderfully encouraging e-mail. I met Betty and Byron at a talk I'd given recently at the Pharo Cattle Company Spring Bull Sale in Southwest Missouri. They've begun their own low-carb journey and are enjoying the results completely predictable benefits. Still, it's nice to hear of the positive changes that happen in people's lives. What I didn't know is that Betty is a cowboy poet. She sent me her poem about the dietary debacle we've been embroiled in for the last half century and a solution more people should know about. She also told me that she's given a presentation to a local group on the topic! Glad to have Betty and Bryan in the Ruminati herd!

"Bring Back Good Eating!"
By Betty Burlingham

The government told us to lay off the butter
And for heaven's sake, don't buy the cream!
Mazola Oil and Dream Whip should be
The new American dream.
All animal fat will harm you,
And it will make you fat.
If you keep on eating bacon and eggs,
You'll have a heart attack!

The government said that beef
Was the most hazardous meat of all.
Americans should give it up,
Or keep their portions very small.
They said, Beef should be a garnish,
A portion is just 3 oz. on a plate.
And be sure you do not grill it
Or cancer will be your fate!

Ever since the government told us,
How it is that we should eat,
We just keep on getting fatter,
Many of us are now obese.
We can't afford our medical care,
Since so many of us are ill.
The government says, Stay on their diet
And take the newest pharmaceutical pill.

But haven't they lied to us before,
And won't they do it again?
So eat your beef, your bacon and eggs,
And soon you will be thin.
Your blood profile and A1C
Will all get back in line.
You're sure to have the time of your life,
While you're still in your prime!

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Podcast Roundup


It occurred to me that I should assemble a list of the podcasts that I've appeared on. Here's as complete a list as I can produce. If I've omitted one, I sincerely apologize. Please let me know and I'll add it. Thank you to all the hosts who asked me to be a part of your programs!

Here's the first part of a conversation I had with Jimmy on his Inner Fire Podcast (Jan 3, 2018) - http://innerfirepodcast.com/grassbasedhealth Thanks, Jimmy! Here's the "sequel" http://innerfirepodcast.com/grass-based-sequel/

Ketovangelist Episode 135 – Dr. Peter Ballerstedt discusses sustainable keto. By Brian Williamson https://www.ketovangelist.com/episode-135-dr-peter-ballerstedt-discusses-sustainable-keto/


Future of Ag (Tim Hammerich) Future of Agriculture – A Ruminant Revolution with Dr. Peter Ballerstedt 11/1/2017 http://www.farmruralag.com/future-of-agriculture-a-ruminant-revolution-with-dr-peter-ballerstedt/


 
 
Keto Geek Aug 10, 2017
 
Peter Defty's Food for Thought - 29. Food Politics with Adele Hite and Peter Ballerstedt July 25, 2017 http://ofm.podbean.com/e/29-food-politics-with-adele-hite-and-peter-ballerstedt/

Break Nutrition Episode 18 – Peter Ballerstedt PhD: better nutrition through sustainable agriculture June 27, 2017 http://breaknutrition.com/episode-18-peter-ballerstedt-phd-better-nutrition-sustainable-agriculture/

With Trent Loos on Rural Route Radio Feb 14, 2017 – (file)

An enjoyable conversation with IvorCummins @FatEmperor Sep 15, 2016 https://youtu.be/UWQViyHRRxs

Peter Defty Food for Thought - 17. OFM & the Ruminant Revolution! November 10, 2016 http://ofm.podbean.com/e/ofm-the-ruminant-revolution/

Power Athlete Radio – Episode 152: Peter Ballerstedt with John Welbourn April 22, 2016 http://powerathletehq.com/2016/04/22/pa-radio-episode-152-peter-ballerstedt/
 
Mr. N=1 - Interview with Dr. Peter Ballerstedt, December 30, 2014 http://nequals1health.com/interview-with-dr-peter-ballerstedt/