I (April) read The Calorie Myth in secret.
I was pretty sure it would be “just another diet book” that would give me hope…and then let me down.
But friends, over the past 10 weeks, Jonathan Bailor has solved my dieting problem.
I don’t count calories anymore, I am eating whole, beautiful foods. I am NEVER hungry, I am moving my body–but not exercising like a crazy woman, and for the first time in YEARS, I am getting the results that I want: more muscle, less fat, a shrinking waistline, more confidence, tons of energy, and incredible endorphins. It almost feels too good to be true.
And, as a deliberate mother, I’m bringing my family with me.
I can’t wait for you to listen to this podcast, and then–please–leave your comments and questions (I’m guessing you’re going to have a lot to say on this one).
If you want to know more about my story (like how I started counting calories when I was nine), and if you’d like to receive my free resource guide for eating 10+ servings of non-starchy vegetables a day–plus updates on further collaborations Jonathan, Saren, and I are planning to do, please click this link:
SANE Moms and Families with Jonathan Bailor and April Perry
You’ll also want to sign up for Jonathan’s Free SANE Blueprint
Enjoy!!
Show Notes
Jonathan’s Book:
The Calorie Myth: How to Eat More, Exercise Less, Lose Weight, and Live Better
His Websites/Recommended Links:
(Click here to sign up for your free plan, recipes, videos, and more.)
Social Media:
SANE Moms and Families with Jonathan Bailor and April Perry
Jonathan Bailor is a New York Times bestselling author, the founder of SANESolution.com, a nutrition and exercise expert, and a former personal trainer who specializes in using modern science and technology to simplify health. Bailor has collaborated with top scientists for more than 10 years, analyzing over 1,300 studies, and garnering endorsements by top doctors and scientists from Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, and UCLA.
Bailor serves as the CEO for the wellness technology company Yopti®. He authored the New York Times, USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon internationally bestselling book The Calorie Myth, hosts a popular syndicated health radio show and blogs on The Huffington Post. Additionally, Bailor has registered over 25 patents, and served as a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft.
Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks.
Audio Editing by Christy Elder
This was exactly what I needed tonight! I listened to it on my way to the grocery store, which was perfect! I loved it and as a science major, I loved the biology he explained. I am fascinated by nutrition and have spent the last couple of years trying to figure out the best way to eat. I love Michael Pollan as well who says: Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants. My 12 year old watched the video with me when I got home and we are going to have the double digit challenge to try to eat 10 servings of non starchy food. The best I have ever felt is when I was eating 2 HUGE salads a day and now I know why. I love, love, love what I learned tonight and can’t wait to apply it in my home. Thanks for all you do at Power of Moms to help us be more intentional moms. I am grateful to both you and Saren. Sorry for my novel. I am so excited!!!
So excited to about your enthusiasm, Kelly! Thank you for sharing your experience. Can’t wait to hear how your 10+ servings of non-starchy vegetables go. It’s taken me awhile, but I’m now easily up to 12 a day with hardly any effort, and I feel amazingly healthy. SO happy to have you in our Power of Moms community!
Thanks for your response April. I am doing 10 for myself but starting my kids and husband at 5-7. Baby steps. 🙂 The hardest part for veggies is keeping them around. I don’t love to grocery shop, but you have to go often if you are eating lots of veggies. I am figuring out our routine. I just love that many times when I am looking for an answer, Power of Moms has it for me at the right time. This was exactly one of those moments! Now time to get motivated to organize. 🙂
So great to hear, Kelly! I like the 5-7 for your kids as a starter. I’m doing the same here. I figure I’ll lead by example. I have found that I can stock up once a week and then just use the most-perishable ones first. Romaine lettuce, carrots, and peppers can last a week, spinach can be frozen for smoothies, and then things like cucumbers are typically sliced and chopped earlier in the week. I would love to hear how this works for you! (You can email me at april (at) powerofmoms.com) Thanks!!
I loved this podcast and I was really excited as I listened to it and researched his book more. I love the idea of increased consumption of whole foods, especially non-starchy veggies. Two questions:
1. Can you give us examples of your 10+ veggie servings?
2. Do you incorporate grains at all? Any diet that recommends removing all grains makes me nervous, mainly due to religious reasons (Word of Wisdom). I’m all for removing overly processed grains though….
Hi Brooke! Thanks so much for your questions. They are great.
I’m actually going to be typing up a “typical day of veggies” and sending it out to everyone who signs up for the SANE updates.
Go to http://www.powerofmoms.com/sane for the form. Hopefully I’ll get that out next week.
Regarding grains, yes, I do still eat some grains, but I eat my 10 servings of veggies first. The premise is that we all need carbs to fuel our bodies, and those can come in several different forms. I used to mainly fuel my body with bread, oats, etc., and then I wouldn’t have room for veggies, which have a lot more vitamins. So…now I put the veggies first and eat grains, if I want (I like to make homemade bread). From what Jonathan has taught me, and from what I’ve noticed from my experience, is that whole grains are much better than refined grains/processed food, but non-starchy vegetables are an even better option, nutritionally, when there’s a choice. Does that make sense? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that. xo
I really loved this podcast! I have 5 kids, 8 and under and I would love to know what you are eating and feeding your family to get in so many veggies a day. I thought that we were eating a lot of veggies, but 12…wow! I’m excited to hear more about this and read his book. Thanks so much!
Thanks, Aubri!
Yes, we’re actually working on more resources to help families incorporate more veggies into their diets. I’m going to send out a formal email next week (that’s the plan, at least :)) to those who sign up at http://www.powerofmoms.com/sane for more information. So go sign up there, and I’ll send you my standard daily vegetable intake.
Excited to have you with us!
Yes, I agree with Brooke and Aubri. What about grains? And how are you getting 12 veggies a day?
Hi Catherine! I just replied to those questions above on this post, if you want to check it out. And if you want to sign up for more updates/information on this, there’s a form at http://www.powerofmoms.com/sane. Thanks!!
Okay, yes–love these questions. These were my same questions, too. I love whole grains (I have a wheat grinder!), and I typically don’t eat a lot of meat. So I wasn’t sure this was something I could/wanted to do.
But as I researched his program more fully, I could see why he doesn’t include grains when he’s focusing mainly on how to prevent diabetes and obesity (for example, my friend who was just diagnosed with diabetes has had to cut grains from her diet…).
When I emailed Jonathan and explained that grains and beans are something I’m not planning to give up, he said that that was fine–and that this program was designed exactly for the purpose of working within people’s individual food choices. Here’s a quote from his book:
“A GUIDE TO YOUR SPECIFIC GOALS
It is perfectly reasonable to reach this point and say, “I do not always want to substitute non-starchy vegetables, nutrient-dense protein, and whole food fats for starches and sweets for the rest of my life.” It’s all good!
“Your SANE Solution isn’t about being perfect. Do your best to get the big things right most of the time. Going SANE is all about progress rather than perfection. You can burn as little or as much body fat as you want to. You are in control.
“A SANE lifestyle is compatible with plant-based, paleo, primal, low-carb, organic, local, vegetarian, kosher, halal, or virtually any other lifestyle. It’s about eating Satisfying, unAggressive, Nutritious, and inEfficient food. If you would like to add other criteria, that’s no problem.”
(April again…) So what I’ve learned is that if your metabolism is “broken” and if you’re trying to burn excess fat off your body, the more your diet falls in line with the SANE eating, the more rapidly that will happen. (It’s just the science.)
But if my goal is to help my family be generally healthier and include grains and legumes and more vegetarian options, that’s great. I would just go through the process a bit differently.
So even though his website and start-up documents seem more Paleo and meat-heavy, there’s actually a WHOLE lot more wiggle room. And that’s what we’ll be talking about here at Power of Moms.
What has really impressed me about Jonathan is how moderate he is in regards to different diets.
And we want to focus on principles like “eat whole foods,” “Cut the sugar,” and “never starve yourself.”
Make sense? Any other questions on that?
I will include more follow-up material on how I actually incorporate 10+ servings of veggies. It includes about 4 servings of veggies for breakfast, 3 for snacks, 3 for lunch, and 2 for dinner. 🙂 LOVE THIS!!
Can’t even tell you what a difference that’s made for me.
More later!
Thank you April! I have been so worried about this subject – always. As a mother of 7 – the busyness of life kills any chance to keep myself on the right eating/exercising track. I would love your lists of what to eat! I listened to this podcast (in my car) over and over – and then thought – ok – what vegetables are you eating for breakfast lunch and dinner and what is your daughter eating? And is it hard to adapt and does it take more time to cook?
I am so extremely grateful for something like this. Could this really be the solution to the weight problem in all of our lives???
You are amazing! I stayed up last night reading some of your blog (on your mother) and cried and felt so moved by some of the things you wrote and are learning. Thank you for being willing to share. Love YOU!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful support, Jill. Honestly, I have been researching Jonathan Bailor and his books/podcast, etc. for months now, and this is the best information I have ever found. It has totally changed my life.
I’ve actually been talking with him and Saren quite a bit lately about some further collaborations we can do, and I am SO excited. Please make sure you’ve signed up at http://www.powerofmoms.com/sane for updates, okay? I’ll be sending out my personal veggie-intake list and more links/ideas soon.
I would also recommend you buy his book and research his philosophy further. And when you have questions (which you probably will…I did), just know we’re working on some great support material here that will be a complement to his website.
Wishing you the best! I know how stressful this whole “food/diet/nutrition” thing can be, and I finally feel like I’ve found a mentor who is helping me get results and feel SO happy. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Hi April- Thanks for this podcast! I have a question I would love to ask Jonathan: What advice does he have for someone who reads his book and agrees with everything he says and buys all the amazing produce, but by the time the kids are home from school and teenage drama is abounding, I buckle and reach for a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and then decide the whole day is shot. I wish I could say this is an exception, but it’s not!! My breakfast green smoothie is sure good though….
: )
What can I do to help myself make it past lunch with my good intentions??
Many thanks for all your good work!
Marie, this is EXACTLY what I have been trying to do with my own family for the past few months. It’s especially frustrating when I have healthy snacks all ready, and then my kids come home with suckers and chocolate from school.
We (Saren, Jonathan, and I) are working on additional resources to help moms with this exact issue, and I’ll be sending out a list of my personal veggie tips/menu next week to all those who sign up at http://www.powerofmoms.com/sane. So if you enter your email there, you’ll receive it automatically.
Main idea behind all of it is figure out systems that make the veggies/healthy food already there/easily accessible the moment the kids get home from school. It makes all the difference in the world, and I can show you how we do it. Thanks for your comment!
Hi April- So interested in this! Could you give us actual examples of what veggies you are eating/serving for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner?
Yes! I’m going to send it out next week to everyone signed up at http://www.powerofmoms.com/sane. Join us there, okay? We’re also working on additional resources with Jonathan to help moms up the veggie intake without too much stress. 🙂
Thank you!!
I shocked myself that I opted to listen to this particular podcast topic! I actually really enjoyed it, despite disagreeing with some of the material. I am such a firm believer in moderation in ALL things (including ice cream and chocolate cake), that I am skeptical of anything that says otherwise. However, he has some wonderful advice and knowledge and I am very glad I listened to it! Surprisingly, I’m even motivated to up my vegetable intake!
xx
You are so cute, Tiffany! I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear you say that. Even though it probably seems like Jonathan is against every piece of sugar in the world, he is actually really understanding that everyone has their own goals/food choices/preferences. He continually reiterates, “Progress, not perfection.”
What I’ve learned from him (and what specifically draws me to his book) is that he provides information (like what foods are best for preventing diabetes/obesity), but then he totally leaves it up to each individual to make their own choices.
For example, there’s no “Jonathan Bailor” police coming to my kitchen if I take a bite of chocolate cake, but I know full well where that cake is on a “SANE” scale. Clearly, kale or spinach would be a better choice, but an occasional treat is totally my decision.
The idea of his that I like best is exactly what you mentioned in your comment when you said, “I’m even motivated to up my vegetable intake!” That’s exactly the goal–little changes where we put more and more good stuff into our bodies so we feel happy, healthy, and full.
Love you!
Hi April! I am a dietitian and a diabetes educator (plus a huge fan of Power of Moms!) I listened to this podcast with great interest given my profession.
First of all, I LOVED how Jonathon encourages over 10 servings of non-starchy veggies per day. I have been preaching this for over 10 years!! Numerous studies have shown time and time again the importance of “super sizing” your veggies.
I also loved the perspective of nourishing your body vs. focusing on weight. My heart broke into pieces when I heard you talking about how you have counted calories your whole life. And your mother’s experience as well.
I haven’t read his book (yet!) but have to air my concerns over a few things stated in the podcast. I feel that most nutritional books tend to start great but then overreach to complete their “program”. I don’t believe that eating certain fruits has any negative effects vs. eating others. For example, a small apple has 21 gm of total carbohydrate with 3.6gm of fiber. A small orange has 17.1gm of total carbohydrate with 3.1gm of fiber. There is a clinical very small difference in total carbohydrate (also known as sugar!) To avoid most of a food group that provides countless nutrients and Phytonutrients seems to have missed the mark.
The podcast today was focused on bringing this to our families as well. A very important note is that children have very different nutritional needs than adults. For example, I have been heartbroken with the failure to thrive of young infants and children that have been caused by over restrictive parents. In particular, children need adequate calories and fat for growth. A diet too high in non-starchy vegetables can cause a hypocaloric state since veggies are very low in calories. I encourage a diet high in vegetables/fruit balanced with adequate protein and fat.
I am excited that Power of Moms is encouraging healthy eating and body image. I just wanted to add thoughts from my perspective! 🙂
Love your thoughts, Dana! Thanks so much for sharing! Obviously in one brief podcast, we can’t cover the whole book and all the questions/subtleties/etc., but I will definitely ask Jonathan about these details you brought up, as I think they are critical to the discussion. I feel like an open, informed, respectful discussion about nutrition among deliberate mothers (and helpers!) is such a powerful thing. So glad to have YOU as a part of it!!
Hi Dana! The apple question has stayed with me, and so I did a little bit of research. Here’s what I found: All food falls somewhere on the SANE scale (more or less likely to contribute to diabetes and obesity). From what I have researched, less of an orange’s sugar comes from fructose and an orange is much more nutritionally dense than an apple. Not to say apples are “bad,” but they’re not as SANE as oranges. Thoughts? xo
Hey April!
Thanks for getting back to me with more of your thoughts! 🙂 My issue is that the “SANE scale” has no research to back up the claim that a food is more or less likely to contribute to diabetes. That is a nutrition theory vs. a fact with research to back it up.
In fact, there is a study that shows that eating apples actually significantly lowers diabetes risk! Study is here: http://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f5001
In addition, “At least one study shows that the flavonoids and nitrates in apples may protect against cardiovascular disease1 by lowering blood pressure, as well as improving endothelial function to regulate blood flow. Flavonoids are one of the most important naturally occurring phytochemicals in fruits, vegetables, and edible plants.
Research also indicates a connection between eating apples and a reduced risk of certain cancers, specifically colorectal cancer2, due to the high flavonoid content that releases antioxidant activity. Apples, it turns out, contain more antioxidants than any other food, with the peel being even more potent than the flesh. Interesting too, is the finding that no other fruit is associated with altering colorectal cancer risks: The higher the intake, the bigger the impact.”
While I definately agree with a lot of Jonathan says, this is where we part ways. I look forward to reading his book and learning more details of his perspective.
Good thoughts here, Dana! I am still in “learning mode,” so these are definitely great things to discuss further!
Finally got around to listening to this. Totally intrigued and inspired! Thank you!
I don’t know if my mind will ever stop counting calories. I loosely count calories even when I don’t intentionally do it. And I wear a heart rate monitor when I work out to track how many calories I burn. I’m trying to build more muscle and have to make sure I eat enough to fuel my workouts. When I was losing my baby weight after four kids I learned that eating less more often made a HUGE difference for me. And I truly never felt hungry. I’m looking forward to reading this.
OK, April, I don’t mean to be nit-picky, but aren’t some of your vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers) actually fruits, ie the part of the plant that bears seeds? If so, why are they better than the fruits we don’t mistakenly call vegetables?
Hi Alisha!
I am not a nutritionist…just learning, but here’s what I understand up to this point–when selecting which vegetables/fruits to eat, we’re looking at what the food does to us hormonally, how likely it is to turn to fat, how much it fills us up, etc. Jonathan has spent more than a decade of his life studying all of this, so I have been “putting his research to the test,” and it’s been working AMAZINGLY well. As far as details, within his book and his online program http://www.sanesolution.com, there are lots of Q&As, etc. for “official” information. But that’s as much as I know. 🙂
I did look around sanesolution.com, though only a little. It’s just such a foreign concept to me–to prioritize vegetables over fruits to such a degree. But I am glad you’ve found something that works so well for you! Yay!
This was really interesting.. As a mom of 4 kids, I totally agree with you that moms are the ones in charge of not only our diet, but our whole family’s nutrition!
You mentioned that you didn’t think anyone else was talking about this, so I wanted to point you to the blog Word of Wisdom Living (www.wordofwisdomliving.com). My dad is the author and his approach to health is similar to Bailors. The site is just good information, he’s not selling anything, and the site has no advertising. It’s really just a labor of love for him. If you look at the Healthy Changes on the side, you can see one change a week that can help your family eat healthier. After tending to the blog for 3 years, he’s not adding any new information at this point, but his archives are filled with great common sense info. Check it out.
Brooke, thank you so much for sending that link! Your dad has done an AMAZING job with this. I think I’ve received this link from about 5 friends. I so appreciate your comment and for sharing your thoughts here. xoxo