[Muscle Medicine] Fueling Your Body For Optimal Health w/ Julia Mitchell, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #766
Sep 25, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Julia Mitchell, a functional nutritionist and bison rancher, shares insights on personalized nutrition and the benefits of grass-fed diets. She discusses sustainable ranching practices, highlighting the nutritional advantages of bison meat over beef. The importance of muscle health and the mind-muscle connection is emphasized, along with agility training for older adults. Additionally, the guests delve into family fitness, exploring playful training methods and personal stories, all while underscoring the significance of high-quality protein in their diets.
Muscle-Centric Medicine emphasizes the critical role of muscle health in preventing disease and enhancing overall well-being.
Functional nutrition offers personalized dietary interventions that consider individual histories and health needs, contrasting with traditional one-size-fits-all diets.
Raising grass-fed bison not only provides healthier meat options but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices that improve nutrient density and land quality.
Deep dives
Introduction to Muscle Centric Medicine
Muscle centric medicine emphasizes the importance of muscle health in overall well-being. It stresses that maintaining and building muscle mass is critical for preventing numerous health issues, including cognitive decline. Recent studies have shown a causal link between low muscle mass and negative health outcomes, such as reduced longevity and increased susceptibility to diseases. Understanding the role of muscle in health offers a holistic approach that connects nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.
The Role of Functional Nutritionists
Functional nutrition focuses on personalized dietary interventions that cater to individual health needs. A functional nutritionist assesses various elements such as medical history, lifestyle, and unique physiological conditions to create tailored nutrition plans. This approach contrasts with traditional dietetics, which often follows a one-size-fits-all methodology. The goal is to optimize nutrition not only for weight management but also for enhancing overall health and preventing disease.
Health Benefits of Bison Farming
Raising bison for meat is highlighted as a practice that can provide healthier options compared to conventional beef farming. Bison meat is typically lower in calories and fat while being higher in protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Grass-fed bison, which are raised in diverse grassy environments, are linked to better omega-3 to omega-6 ratios, providing greater health benefits. This emphasizes the significance of agricultural practices on the nutritional quality of meat consumed.
The Importance of Strength Training
Strength training is vital for maintaining muscle mass, especially as individuals age. Research indicates that higher mechanical load applied to muscles during resistance training leads to greater overall health benefits and improved body composition. Women, in particular, may initially resist strength training due to misconceptions about gaining bulk; however, education about the real benefits of lifting weights can help shift this mindset. Ultimately, personal agency in setting fitness goals plays a crucial role in achieving desired health outcomes.
Quality of Meat and Muscle Mass
The quality of muscle and meat we consume significantly impacts our own health. There are distinctions between different types of meat, such as grass-fed versus conventionally raised, affecting their nutritional value. Key differences can include variations in fatty acid composition, nutrient density, and overall health markers provided by the animals' diets and living conditions. Understanding these differences allows consumers to make more informed choices about their diets and supports the benefits of selecting higher-quality meat options.
Julia Mitchell is a functional nutritionist, bison rancher, and mother of two boys.
She combines expertise in Muscle-Centric Medicine®, regenerative agriculture, nutrient density, and food quality to provide personalized nutrition and wellness solutions.
She is passionate about helping individuals achieve optimal health, which involves sourcing and consuming the highest quality food, including grass-fed animal proteins and other foods that improve body composition and longevity while building soil and improving land quality.
Alongside her husband, she raises grass-fed bison in Alberta, practicing and promoting regenerative practices and land stewardship