Stop Getting Sucked Into Diets
First week of 2010, and already we’re inundated with resolution hype of how to “lose those holiday pounds”, “blast that belly fat”, and “whittle away to the new you” in just about every form of media. Most of it is bunk. Why? Because most of it relies on some temporary ‘plan’ that is generally not enjoyable or sustainable.
Diets are not the solution. At least not in my opinion, and I dieted far more than I care to remember in my twenties and teens – and even earlier as a preteen. Diets by definition are something that is changed for a period of time, and that usually is not long enough to make long-term lifestyle changes. People “go on a diet”. We need to “live through diet” instead of “going on a diet”.
Two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and this number is projected to increase to 75% by 2015… with 41% of Americans not just overweight, but obese. That’s almost half of the population obese just five years from now. Clearly, our collective lifestyle and eating habits are beyond problematic, and the majority of ‘dieting’ efforts are futile.
It’s time to change our understanding about food. Living through diet is not just about cutting out fried foods, sugary soft drinks, and take-out (though, this is an obvious start). It’s about questioning the tired notions of the food we ‘need’ to eat (ex: meat for protein and milk for calcium), and also getting off your duff to make healthful changes, including moving your body.
I know, I know. You love your cheese. And your hamburgers. But let me tell you folks, your body doesn’t love them. Milk does not do a body good, nor does chicken, beef, or other animal flesh. The research is out there if you care to look into it. One of the most powerful books I have read about the health benefits of a plant-based diet is The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. I challenge you to read this book and not seriously question eating meat and dairy yourself. Dr. Neal Barnard’s books also offer scientifically based support for eating a vegan or plant-based diet, and more information is available on his website, the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Do you want to live a life of dieting, gaining weight… dieting again, gaining weight? And, do you want to have the health risks associated with a meat and dairy-centered diet? Why not make a resolution that really counts this year? Eating a plant-based diet is not as difficult as you think, and more importantly, is far more enticing than you might imagine. Plus, these are changes that can truly make a difference to your health – as well as your waistline.
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While I agree diets rarely work, & respect your personal decision to follow a vegan ‘diet’(I’ll skip the irony there) I think its a little irresponsible for you to suggest that animal products are the reason people are fat.
Many many people cannot tolerate carbs, and require a high protein ‘diet’ in order to function optimally, to think & act (& yes, LOOK) their best.
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to eating.
Thanks for adding your view, Suzy. I truly do believe that most of our weight and health issues are because of the consumption of dairy and meat…. as well as highly processed foods like white flour, convenience foods/junk foods, and refined sugars. For certain, our culture is hooked on processed foods. But, meat and dairy are a huge part of those convenience foods – and even on their own, they are linked to a host of health issues from heart disease to diabetes to cancer and obesity. It is hard to ignore this reality when reading something like ‘The China Study’.
In response to another comment. See in context »The China Study as a book has many flaws. Be skeptical of people trying to push an agenda and do your own research.
Even if it were 100% accurate, I’m not chinese, I’m of northern Europen decent. My ancestors evolved in a cold climate, and depended on animal products. I have genes that allow me to digest them that those of (for example) african decent do not have.
As for your assertion that meat & dairy make people fat & unhealthy, you’re just wrong. Ask anyone who has done a South-Beach, Atkins or other keto diet. Diabetes is specifically related to glucose, aka sugars, which the body makes from any sort of carb, not animal products at all. In fact, most diabetics are encouraged to take a high protein, low carb diet.
Again, I do not have a problem with you deciding to be vegan — I was vegan for a very long time — but disseminating inaccurate information is not doing anyone any favors.
In response to another comment. See in context »I forgot to mention that the misconception exists that a vegan diet is all about carbohydrates. It isn’t. There are adequate protein sources, and not just from soy. Protein is available in nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and vegetables as well. It’s the refined carbs that cause problems, and what I’m advocating is a whole foods vegan diet, not one that is based on refined carb foods. I think folks see eating vegan as eating tofu and carbs. It’s not at all that way. Just to clarify.
Seeds, beans, nuts, veg, and grains are all carb-rich foods, as are soy/ tofu. It would be very hard for (for example) a diabetic or hypoglycemic person to get adequate protein with minimal carbs on a vegan diet.
Again, I’m only trying to emphasize there is no “one-diet-fits-all” approach to eating!
When giving dietary advice, you need to look beyond agendas & personal preferences and focus on both the individual, and the established scientific evidence available, with a critical mind.
In response to another comment. See in context »Suzy,
I accept that you do not agree with eating vegan, and that you don’t think it suits most people. I disagree, I think it can suit most people, and sure there are always exceptions to the rule. It’s not my intention to change your mind or your diet. I’m here to offer information that is a healthy alternative to the standard diet that is linked to numerous health problems.
I am not going to argue every point that you raise, since many of these are already factually presented in well researched books (ex: Becoming Vegan outlines carbohydrate and protein dietary requirements and food sources; Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes). What I will argue is your assertion that I have not examined a plant-based diet from a critical level, and that my views are based on mere preferences (and, as for agendas, Atkins built an empire around his). I have been vegan for almost 15 years. In that time, I have researched, evaluated and reevaluated the vegan diet, particularly when becoming pregnant and at different stages raising three children. You think I haven’t questioned the safety and sensibility of this diet? I would NEVER be that careless where the health of my children is concerned.
Beyond research, I have personal experience with this diet. Apart from my immediate family, my father-in-law adopted a plant-based diet after having a heart attack… upon the advice of his cardiologist. He experienced reversal in his heart disease, and he and his wife both lost twenty pounds in the process. That was over ten years ago, and they continue with their diet with the inclusion of some fish. I’ve received numerous e-mails over the last ten years with stories of improved health associated with adopting a vegan diet. So, I support a diet that supports my family’s healthy lifestyle. And, I support a diet that is supported by the American Dietetic Association, not to mention other reputable sources such as the PCRM (‘R’ stands for responsible).
And, from the most common sense level, I ask “what dietary lifestyle is not just health promoting – but safe – for my family”:
The Atkins diet? No. (Osteoporosis and kidney disease, to mention just two health problems).
A whole-foods plant-based/vegan diet? Yes.
I regret that this conversation got ~personal. My intention was not to slam you nor a vegan diet/ lifestyle.
However you said you “truly do believe that most of our weight and health issues are because of the consumption of dairy and meat.” That is an inaccurate & frankly inflamatory statement, and does indeed show your “views are based on mere preferences.”
I was vegan for nearly 20 years, and raw food vegan for several of those. I’ve also got a lot of personal experience & common sense. I’ve learned the dangers of a high carb-low protein diet first hand.
I stand by my assertion that there is no one perfect diet for every individual.
Best wishes to you.