I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the content.
Hi Seahorse81,
I read your article, and from my point of view, I agree with most of it. Where I don't agree is that some of us have had to modify the old food pyramid as grains and some vegetables are highly problematic. Simple carbs are what my body (and mind) crave. My metabolism (digestive tract and pancreas) can turn potatoes and grain based foods to fat almost instantly. It is all about blood sugar and blood sugar spikes for me.
I can eat a reasonably sized portion of any protein and a plate full of complex carbs and either maintain my weight or lose weight (depending on energy burned, or exercise). It is a simple mathematical formula.
Fuel consumed must be equal to or less than energy burned.
I know, you may be thinking that I have committed a contradiction. Just eat the proper amount of simple carbs and you will be OK. NOT!
That screws up my metabolism. I am no longer in a ketonic state when I eat simple carbs. I am always
hungry. My bowels don't function properly. I am
always craving more simple carbs.
I can drink olive oil and not gain weight. Fat is not the problem. Bad fat is a problem. Place a loaf of freshly baked sour dough bread, a plate full of pasta, and/or a plate full of mashed potatoes in front of me at every meal, and I can't button my pants in 3 days. I love those things.
However, give me a plate full of veggies that are all lathered in olive oil at every meal, and I am satisfied for hours and not gaining weight.
YOUR metabolism matters. Figure our what you metabolize quickly and avoid it like the plague.
My neighbors have been exercising and eating "right" for years. They have not been able to drop that last 20 pounds. They now eat complex carbs and protein. We were at a restaurant and they ordered their meal with no bread and no potatoes. They are now approaching their weight goals.
If you have to stop at a fast food restaurant...order a small sized combo and get water or unsweetened tea to drink.
Hi Baranaby's Dad,
Try eliminating the happy meal and just order the sandwich and tea. The burger alone isn't that bad for you. For many, the potatoes are the coup de main (bread from the sandwich, plus potatoes are the double whammy). My wife and I went hiking yesterday. On the way home we wanted something light for dinner. We stopped at KFC and got chicken and coleslaw. No biscuit, no potatoes, and no KFC cookie. Was it a good choice? No. It was good tasting and in the big scheme of things, the fried chicken won't hurt us.
It works me. You are probably different. I have been on this diet for almost 40 years. I am on this diet every day of the year, except major holidays and other special occasions (weddings, birthdays, funerals, Scubaboard
Surges and
Invasions).
MarkM
PS: My strategy (singular) combines the tactics of portion control regarding simple carbs, and eating foods that metabolize slowly. Good fat, good protein, and complex carbs. Remember, fats are good and essential. Fat, per se, is not bad for you. Simple sugars are a really bad choice for me (you).