DIETS

Definitions: a “diet” (noun) is an eating plan which is what I’ll be talking about. In our grossly overweight culture, the word has become synonymous with trying to lose weight (specifically to lose fat) because so many folks are “dieting” (verb). OK, that’s enough grammar.

All my trainers and I don’t agree on this subject. This isn’t about right/wrong. It’s about interpretation of existing data. Our discussions on the subject will hopefully inspire us to each do additional research and continue to learn. For example, in a recent discussion of one of the many wall signs I’ve written that are all over our studios, I had “Just eat sensibly” as part of my sage guidance. It was pointed out that was a bit vague. It was. It’s now an ex-sign. I’ll purposely be leaving out some details in this column to hopefully inspire you to do some homework research for yourself. I think that has a better chance of leading to meaningful change for those of you who choose to participate.

I started studying nutrition in the early 1970s (as my kids will confirm because they lost a lot of favorite foods as I was learning). The most important thing I learned is if you can’t change/adapt to new proven research, you’ll be the one who pays the price. Fortunately, in today’s world, the research tools are much better than they’ve ever been. Computers may not be perfect (think “passwords”) but the positives of them are priceless.

Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the U.S. and the top ranked heart research in the world is done at The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Harvard. All four right here in the U.S. and all four support the same dietary eating plan, which I’ll get to in a minute. These folks are studying millions of people over decades and documenting their findings. They’re not selling books or recruiting YouTube followers. My point is if you’re forming your “opinions” from other sources, I’m questioning that. I’m trying to inform my readers with facts.

Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension/High blood pressure) are based on the same things. Reduce or eliminate processed foods. Have vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts/seeds, legumes, olive oil and some fish. Which fish? There’s your first homework assignment.

Now, as you look over the choices, I hear the rumblings. What about_____? Each of you will fill in the blank based on personal preferences. The answer though isn’t varied. If it’s not included, it’s not included. But, you say, I’m not giving up my ______. So don’t. I don’t care. That’s up to you. Are you going to cheat? Of course, that’s inevitable. How much and with what are the personal choices which will hopefully be made after you’ve done some of the personal homework/research I mentioned earlier? I researched eggs, for instance, and include them in my daily intake. Look, this isn’t radical. These are foods our grandparents ate before mass processing and packaging became so convenient.

And let’s also consider: because something isn’t included, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily unhealthy. What makes the whole subject of nutrition confusing and often contradictory is individual metabolisms will produce different results.

Again, this is all backed by studying research results of millions of people over decades. And for additional incentive, this heart-healthy way to eat also reduces rates of Type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancers, anxiety and depression. C’mon, keep an open mind and improve your health, the health of your children and probably the health of a few friends and acquaintances. It’s a great way to eat and has no calorie counting or portion control!