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 Health Issues
From: Jo
Graves’ disease is often triggered by stress and is always aggravated by it. As you know, the Thrive Diet is a stress-reducing one, so it will certainly help.
However, you will want to avoid foods with high levels of iodine. Iodized salt should be eliminated and sea salt should be greatly restricted. Sea vegetables are generally rich in iodine, so their consumption should be restricted or altogether eliminated in your case.
The elimination of all refined sugars and flours is, of course, helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids which are rich in hemp and flax (Thrive Diet staples), are said to have a positive effect on those with Graves’.
Brendan ------------------
From: Lindy
Q: I am wondering if you can recommend a supplement for me to use during my training for the Royal Victoria Half Marathon. I was using a product called E-load in my water bottle and energy gels, but I found that the gels gave me stomach problems.
I was then told about products called Perpeteum and Recoverite, which I have been using during and after my long runs. They have been fine, but after reading your article in Vistamagazine and learning that their main ingredient, maltodextrin, was corn-based, I need to find an alternative source to use. I was told many years ago that I have an allergy to corn and usually avoid it in any form. I was vegetarian for 30 years and can no longer use soy products, having developed a problem with them, after using soy as my main protein source for that length of time. Do you have any suggestions for use in my water bottle during training and for my races, as well as afterward, for recovery?
A: Hi, Lindy,
I also avoid soy and corn.
I make my own sport drinks, energy gels, and recovery smoothies. They are exceptionally functional as well as being easy to make and to get down during activity. They taste good, too. The recipes are all in The Thrive Diet, including a chart that shows which foods are best to consume before, during, and after a run or other exercise.
Good luck in the build-up to the Victoria Marathon. It’s one of my favourites.
Brendan ------------------
From: Laurie-Marie I was once told the same thing by a naturopath several years ago. When the body has more stress placed on it than it can handle, hormone imbalances are created. Eating eggs with the intent of raising cholesterol level and therefore hormone level is a form of symptom treating. What’s causing your body to not produce enough “good” cholesterol? Too much stress. As discussed in the book, it can come from a variety of sources such as: polluted air, too many refined foods, not enough nutrient-rich alkaline forming foods, over exercising, mental / emotional concerns, etc.
My suggestion is to treat the cause of the problem. Adopting components of a whole food, plant-based diet is a good place to start. It will facilitate greater health and therefore the ability for your body to make all the good cholesterol it needs.
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From: Beverley
Yes, you can. However, you might want to consider adding dulse seaweed to your diet. It has been shown to help thyroid function.
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From: Claire
A: Hi Claire,
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From: Maggie ------------------
From: Laura
I have just recently bought The Thrive Diet and I would like to follow the twelve-week meal plan. However, many of your recipes include nuts, which I am allergic to. Are there any foods I can replace them with that are equal or almost equal to the nutrition of nuts?
A: Hi, Laura,
You may substitute sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or Salba for nuts. Buckwheat is also a good substitution option.
Brendan ------------------
Q: Hi, Brendan,
I recently picked up your book in an effort to move away from my dairy-focused vegetarian diet to a healthier, mostly vegan approach.
However, I'm also trying to lose a few pounds. Could you tell me if the portions recommended in the book are likely to promote weight loss, or if I should reduce them? I'm reasonably active (about one hour per day of moderate exercise).
A: Hi, Simone,
Good decision. Dairy is a major contributor to excess body fat.
The portions in the book can simply be used as a guide. Two of the great things about eating whole foods are that they’re very high in fibre content, and extremely nutrient rich. These combined qualities, assuming you eat at a not-too-hurried pace, will fill you up and turn off your desire to eat quite quickly. Simply eat as much as you like of the food on the meal plan. You won’t be able to overeat; you’ll simply be too full to eat more than your body needs.
Brendan ------------------
From: Andrew
A: Hi Andrew,
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From: Paria
Vega chocolate almond smoothie 1/2 serving Chocolate Vega
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From: Mandy
Q: I'm trying to switch to a gluten-free diet. Are there any books you can recommend that incorporate the same principles as The Thrive Diet? Or even just some info on how to switch to gluten and on what products to stay away from?
A: Hi, Mandy,
All the recipes in The Thrive Diet are gluten free. Gluten is one of the most common ingredients in processed foods, so cutting way back on that is a good start. One of the reasons I use pseudo grains in my recipes is that they are gluten free. They include amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, and wild rice.
I don’t know any other specific books to recommend. I know they do exist, but the ones I’ve seen are largely based on refined foods.
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From: Nicole
I am new to the idea of whole or raw foods. I am NOT a high-end athlete like yourself and but am interested in a nutritional change to aid in weight loss. What are the effects of your diet on weight loss for someone who is not training at your intensity level?
A: Hi, Nicole,
Since whole, raw foods are among the healthiest foods, they play an important role in weight loss if you are overweight.
This way of eating is healthy. A healthy body will be closer to its ideal body weight. The Thrive Diet treats the cause of the problem, not the symptom. If you are overweight, it means something is out of balance and your health is not optimal. To try to lose extra weight without addressing what caused it is simply a form of symptom-treating and may work in the short term, but will not be sustainable.
Even if you are not very physically active, this way of eating will significantly help you to lose body fat.
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From: Joseph
Q: According to my blood-type diet, I’m not allowed to eat certain foods—like bananas, oranges, chlorella, red peppers, coconut oil, etc. What should I do about this type of diet? Do you believe in it?
A: Hi, Joseph, Personally,
I don’t eat the way I should if I were observing my blood type,
according to the blood-type-diet philosophy. I’m type O, so according
to that program I should eat a lot of meat.
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From: Neena Q: Are
hemp protein and carob powder available in Ontario, specifically
Mississauga? What is the best protein shake to purchase for trying to
lose weight? I’ve started stair-climbing (eleven floors, twice daily)
at the office and want my eating habits to be more beneficial. A: Hi, Neena, Yes,
you can get carob powder and hemp protein in most health-food stores in
Ontario. Some Loblaws stores have what are called NaturalVALUE sections
that also sell these ingredients. Vega Complete Whole Food Meal Replacement is the best for fat loss and improved recovery after exercise.
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From: Sarah
Q: I was wondering how you came to the conclusion that humans don't need animal fat and protein when a lot of the vitamins and nutrients we need come from them, and no culture in our history has been without them. Of course—using our native farming methods and practices, not conventional factory farming.
A: Hi, Sarah,
We can get all the vitamin and nutrients from plant-based sources.
Brendan ------------------
From: Dean
Q: Your book is very inspirational! Where do organic eggs and honey place on the pH scale?
A: Thank you, Dean. Glad you like it.
Organic RAW eggs are slightly acidic (have to be cautious about salmonella, so I would not recommend eating them). Cooked eggs are more acidic.
Raw (unpasteurized) honey has a near-neutral pH. But, as with any raw animal product, microbial concerns need to be taken into consideration. Pasteurized honey is slightly acidic. I’d recommend raw agave nectar in place of honey.
Brendan ------------------
From: Mallika
A: Hi, Mallika,
Any pasteurization will slightly decrease nutrient value, yes, that is true. Loss of enzymes is the main downside to heating juice. But Just Juice pomegranate juice is so nutrient rich that a loss in enzymes is a relatively small trade-off when you consider what you get from it. The alternative is, of course, juicing your own pomegranate, which is very time consuming and expensive.
Brendan ------------------
From: Andrea
A: Hi, Andrea,
Brendan ------------------
From: Michele
Q: Hi Brendan,
By the way I read Thrive—awesome book. Just ordered The Thrive Diet. Can't wait!
A: Hi, Michele,
The Thrive Diet has lots of tips on reducing cravings for processed sweet foods.
Sugar cravings can stem from many things, usually originating from a form of stress, including training stress. Make sure that you’re not over training and are simply not over-stressed.
Good luck in the marathon and I hope you enjoy The Thrive Diet.
Brendan ------------------
From: Jon
Q: I was wondering what the nutritional information is for the recipes (carbs, protein, fats)? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
A: Hi, Jon,
I don’t know. I don’t look at that ratio for each meal. I know that generally when you eat a healthy whole food diet such as The Thrive Diet, it will work out to be about 60 / 20 / 20
Brendan ------------------
From: Franny
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From: Anna Q: Dear Brendan, I
have tried to pop amaranth using both of the methods described in your
book, but I have not had any success. Can you recommend a substitute
for use in your recipes? A: Hi, Anna, Amaranth
can be tricky to pop if it has dried out too much, which can be the
case when it’s bought in bulk. Try soaking it overnight and then
draining it and letting it sit for a few hours before popping. It needs
a bit of moisture to be able to pop. Or find a brand that’s sealed in a
bag and therefore more fresh. I use Inari; it’s also organic. Check it
out at www.inari.ca. Sprouted buckwheat or Salba can be used as an alternative.
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From: Dave Q:
I notice that in your sample recipes you substitute cacao nibs for the
roasted carob powder to make the recipe 100% raw. Why not use raw carob
powder instead? A: Hi, Dave, Raw carob powder has a bitter nondescript taste. The roasting is what brings out the flavour.
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From: Susie Q:
I'm trying to find something with the same consistency as ice cream. I
found Belizza, which is made using cane sugar. What is your opinion
of
cane sugar? A: Hi, Susie, You
might want to try putting frozen bananas, berries, and coconut oil or
soaked macadamia nuts through a macerating-style juicer. I left those
recipes out of the book because I didn’t want people to feel as though
they had to buy an expensive piece of equipment. However, if you have
one, you can make some excellent raw creations that closely resemble
ice cream. I avoid cane sugar. I use dates or stevia as sweeteners, depending on the application.
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From: Kendyra Q: I've noticed that you don't include
edamame in your Thrive Diet.
I thought it was a healthy source of protein (and one of my vegetarian
choices when I go out for sushi). What is your opinion of edamame? My
four-year-old vegetarian daughter loves edamame. A: Hi, Kendyra, Edamame
beans are a good source of protein. The reason I don’t use them in any
of my recipes is because they’re soy. Many people have sensitivities to
soy products. Soy, along with wheat, gluten, active yeast, corn, and
dairy, is a common allergen. I wanted to make the book completely free
of common allergens so it can be used by those with food sensitivities. With so many soy products on the market, it’s common for people to overdo it and actually develop a sensitivity if one doesn’t already exist. Edamame are actually the best soy products since they are the
least processed and therefore the least acid forming. Since your four-year-old daughter likes them, there’s no reason to stop feeding them to her if she shows no sign of a sensitivity. Symptoms of sensitivities include rash, mild flu-like symptoms, headache, trouble sleeping, bloating, and watery eyes.
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From: Sheila Q: Mr. Brazier, I just bought The Thrive Diet and I look forward to
integrating it into my lifestyle. I have a couple of questions:
A: Hi, Sheila, I
don’t suggest honey be substituted, but you could use maple syrup or
brown rice syrup. Agave nectar releases into the system more slowly and
therefore is the best option. The
soups and entrees can be frozen. However, the ones with avocado will
turn a darker shade, so they will not be as visually appealing. But
nutritionally they will be fine. The portions don’t matter. Just eat as much as you feel like. Because they are all whole foods with the fibre intact, they are filling. It’s very hard to overeat when your diet is based on fibrous whole foods. You know your portion size is correct when you are no longer hungry.
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From: Billy Q: Are you opposed to having eggs included with your diet?
I’m not opposed to anything specifically. But there is simply no need to eat eggs. This diet / meal plan has plenty of high-quality protein. An egg has about 6 grams of protein, which is quite low considering the amount of cholesterol it has. Other examples: one energy bar from the book has about 10 grams of protein and one of the smoothies has about 20 grams. One serving of Vega Complete Whole Food Meal Replacement has 25 grams.
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From: Erika Q: What are soaked lentils? A: Hi, Erika, Soaked lentils are lentils that have been soaked overnight in water to help them become more digestible. Soaking and sprouting instructions are in the book.
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From: Kelley I ran two marathons prior to going raw and have noticed that I feel weak during my daily runs. Is that just because I'm detoxing? In my head I keep thinking it's a lack of protein or iron but I know intellectually that is likely not the case. About how long does it take to adjust?
A: Hi, Kelley,
It is likely detox, as you noted. But it could also simply be your body adapting to the changes, which can take some time. Depending on what your previous diet was like, a few days to a couple of months is standard. About 3–4 weeks is the most common.
Yes, you’re right about protein and iron as well. Even if your diet was low in iron, the symptoms would not be apparent for several months. There is considerable lag, so a few days of low-iron eating will not affect energy level at all.
Brendan ------------------
From: Colette
Q: Hi, Brendan, I have two questions.
A: Hi Colette,
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From: Angela
Q: I'm studying nutrition at the moment and I'm vegan. A few of my lecturers are fans of bio-typing and metabolic typing, and they believe that some people cannot be healthy and athletic on a vegan diet. Has this been your experience?
A: Hi, Angela,
I have heard about this before. But I have also found that those who really want to make a vegan diet work for their athletic life can.
I’m an ‘O’ blood type, so according to The Blood Type Diet I should base my diet on meat. Which, of course, is the opposite of what I have found I have the most success with.
Brendan ------------------
From: Christine
Q: Hi, Brendan,
I have just started taking your Vega drink blend and the Vega bar during my triathlon training. I am on a special diet to stay away from sugar and milk products, but still find that I am a little low on energy. Do you have any suggestions? I also find that the bars sometimes make me gassy. Is that a common symptom?
A: Hi, Christine,
Energy levels from non-stimulating foods take a while to rise. But, once they do, they are here to stay. So it’s common to not experience an energy spike immediately. It will occur more gradually, but be sustainable.
Gas and other symptoms such as bloating and sometimes general fatigue are often signs that your body is adapting to new types of food. Generally this happens when the new foods are high in fibre and cleansing greens. The gas you are experiencing will likely dissipate within a short period of time and be completely gone within a few days.
Brendan ------------------
From: Doris
A:
Hi Doris,
Brendan ------------------
From: Denise
Q: Hi, Brendan,
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From: Spiro
Q: How long before a hockey game should one
eat a Direct Fuel bar? I am fifty-three years old. A: Hi, Spiro, You could eat one immediately before, or even during the game, while on the bench. They are digested straightaway and will give you energy within thirty seconds.
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From: Miguel
Q: I
am a vegan long-distance athlete in Jamaica. To aid in my training, I
would like to get information on amino acids, post recovery,
multivitamins, and something that helps joints but does not use animal
products. A: Hi, Miguel, I don’t use any supplements that aren’t whole foods. I used to use a bunch until about four years ago, but found much better results by simply eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and other whole foods. For more information on what I find works best for recovery after a workout, you can check out: www.myvega.com.
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From: Marlo
Q: I
am a thirty-five-year-old female. I usually do a five-mile interval run
combining hills and speed or Tae Bo for over an hour, and I work out
after breakfast. When should I eat breakfast and your Direct Fuel
Bites? Should I still have the energy bar as a snack, or the recovery
pudding? You have a sample
twelve-week diet plan but the plan doesn’t say anything about working
out. It does say to eat a big salad every day but that is not in
the
plan. I’m just a little confused about working out and eating. Additionally,
if I just want a smoothie for breakfast, is that okay? I usually have a
big green salad (with lots of dark greens) for lunch, but not like the
kind you make. Sorry if I sound completely confused. A: Hi, Marlo, Eating the Direct Fuel Bites before your workout is best. Then
having a smoothie after is good to help recovery. Eating
can fit around your workout routine. Since everyone’s schedule is
different, I didn’t want to slot in specific times for exercising.
Whenever you can fit it in is good. A salad is on the meal plan for each day, either for lunch or
dinner. The
meal plan and recipes are just examples that put the theory of the
principles into practice. Having a big green salad for lunch is good,
even if it’s different from the ones in the book. ------------------
Q: How does one adapt The Thrive Diet when undertaking many international business trips? I love the smoothie and energy bars (steps I follow when at home), but cannot carry these items with me in my travels. What are your recommendations? Thanks!
A: Hi, Manon
I travel a lot as well.
I shop at a supermarket and get lots of fruit and vegetables to graze on throughout the day. I sometimes make a big batch of bars and travel with those. I also travel with Vega Whole Food Meal Replacement and mix that with water. Usually half a serving twice a day. Dipping a banana into a chocolate Vega snack pack is also a good and convenient way to get high-quality nutrition on the road, since bananas are available most places (even convenience stores) and Vega snack packs can be easily traveled with. For dinner I’ll usually have a large salad. Most restaurants will make it with extra vegetables.
Brendan ------------------
From: Rod
A: Hi, Rod,
Glad you and your brother like the book.
I have not heard of Sunrider supplements. You don’t need supplements in addition to good food. But, there are some supplements that aren’t bad and are fine to take. Keep in mind that supplements only help you if you’re deficient in vitamins and minerals, which is highly unlikely to be the case if you eat a premium whole food diet as described in The Thrive Diet.
Brendan ------------------
From: Dariusz
Q: I am new to your diet/philosophy on ultra-running. As you certainly know, beer is a popular "carbo-loader" among many runners. I don't remember reading anything about beer in your writings. What is your opinion on this subject? Do you drink beer?
A: Hi, Dariusz,
I don’t think beer will hurt once in a while. It’s not part of The Thrive Diet, but it doesn’t have to be cut out either. It is acid-forming, but other than that, it’s not too bad. If you enjoy it, keep drinking it. I’d choose it over soda and cow’s milk for sure. But I don’t personally drink it.
Brendan ------------------
From: Alan
A: Hi, Alan,
Since most of the ingredients are whole and non-processed, they are actually cheaper than many prepared foods. Leafy greens and other types of vegetables are not terribly expensive and pseudo grains are very cheap (except for wild rice). So, too, are dried legumes, plus they are filling. Organic, of course, costs more.
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From: Trish Q: Hello Brendan
Brendan ------------------ From: Diana Borst Brendan ------------------
From: Stephanie
Q: Hi,
Brendan! I heard you speak in Kingston, ON, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Have you ever collaborated with a nutritionist or a chef? Are the
recipes in The Thrive Diet of your own creation? A: Hi, Stephanie, Glad you liked the talk. Yes, all the recipes are my own. They are ones that I’ve been making for myself for several years. Many have organically evolved over the years to the point they’re at now.
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From: Han-Lin
Q: Many of your recipes require hemp flour.
What are some stores in Vancouver that sell hemp flour? A: Hi, Han-Lin, Different
companies call hemp flour different things. Sometimes it’s called hemp
fibre, hemp powder, or hemp-seed cake. They’re all the same. Hemp
protein can be substituted. It’s a bit lighter and less fibrous.
Manitoba Harvest is a good brand. You can buy it at most health-food stores in Vancouver, such as Choices, Capers, and Whole Foods.
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From: Bev
Q: My
husband and I started your twelve-week program yesterday but I am
having difficulty finding some ingredients. One of them is hemp oil. I
was at Capers and Whole Foods yesterday but had no luck. Where do you
shop in Vancouver and where can I buy your energy bars? A: Hi, Bev, They
do have hemp oil at Capers and Whole Foods. It will be in the
refrigerated department with the flax oil and other cold-pressed oils. You can buy Vega Whole Food Raw Energy Bars at Capers, Choices, Whole Foods, and most other health-food stores in Canada.
------------------ From: Louis
Q: Can you recommend cookbooks that are Thrive
Diet friendly? A: Hi, Louis, There are a hundred recipes in The Thrive Diet. Apart from those, I can’t recommend any specific ones since I’m not familiar with what’s out there right now. I make my own recipes. However, I can suggest that you look for raw-food recipe books. Most will have great recipes for healthy food. Some will be gourmet which will likely mean the preparation process will be time-consuming and involved, but there are likely ones that are simpler as well.
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