Diets should not be a fad, nor should they be used as a means to target the Fast Food epidemic. The fact is, obesity has long been a problem since the Great Depression. The Big Mac did not exist then! So why was it that we still saw obesity during that era? The problem was not that these people ate too much. The problem was the same then as it is now; the prevalence of sugars. refined flour, and starches.
Multiple campaigns including the Institute of Medicine, Center for Disease Control, and the National Institutes of Health have been preaching the same idea; We get fat because we consume too many calories and expend too few. These major campaign players for obesity have even formed a nationwide community based outreach campaign with HBO called the "Weight of the Nation." The solutions this multi level campaign promotes are the same ones that have been around for a century. It's not "The same amount of energy (calories) IN and energy OUT over time=same weight.
THE REAL SOLUTION: Dr. Larsen at Physician for Living was elated when he came across this article from David Taubes! Finally, someone else gets it. Our diet programs with our clients are specifically geared towards Taubes facts. Specific foods-REFINED SUGARS AND GRAINS SPUR INSULIN CREATION WHICH LEADS US TO ACCUMULATE FAT. Because fructose (from sugar) is converted into fat, the fat accumlates in the liver cells which become resistant to insulin, so more insulin is secreted to compensate. This inevitably leads to pounds per year and also more severe problems such as type 2 diabetes.
SO WHAT SHOULD WE EAT? Protein has a little effect on insulin, decreases hunger, and helps you maintain your muscle mass. Good fats are unsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts, flaxseed, and Omega 3 from fish. Low Glycemic Carbs: these are carbs that are absorbed slowly into your blood and have less effect on your insulin level. These include fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains. Do not eat high glycemic carbs such as white breat, white potatoes, white bagels, white rice, white flour tortillas, and sugar drinks especially soda! Eat lean met including RED! The lowly cheesburger is consistently targeted as a consumer fallacy.
