U.S. News & World Report posted a story today titled “What makes a Healthy Diet?” and once again tows the government line on requirements for grains and dairy. It’s certainly a well meaning article pointing out the desperate attempts to lose weight can often come at the expense of the dieter’s health. But in blindly following the governmental guidelines, the author is contributing to the confusion and cover up of the key health issues we face today.
They list the diets in order of nutritional completeness with Paleo near the bottom. Then, when you look at the details, they point out that the paleo diet significantly exceeds the recommended level of;
- Fiber
- Vitamin B-12
- Potassium
And it’s beneficially lower in SALT!
So what’s the knock? They assume you will likely fall short of the amount of calcium recommended by 30-50%. Sounds like an advertisement for fortified cereal will be popping up any moment… Then they point out low vitamin D. Yes most Americans are deficient in vitamin D but if you’ll just go outside once in awhile… Okay seriously, ever hear of fish? eggs? liver? mushrooms? And don’t forget cheese.
So really what it comes down to is the ratio of macro nutrients that don’t fit governmental guidelines.
Fat at 39% is 4% above allowed.
Protein at 38% is 3% above allowed.
And the WHOPPER!
Carbohydrates at 23% is far far below the required 45-65% recommended amount! This is what they can’t get past. How can you be healthy without shoving bread and pasta down your pie hole?
This ranking was produced by 22 MD’s & PhD’s that need to be woken up! Let’s send them encouragement and links to studies/papers which illustrate today’s science. Check the list of doctors and make your voice heard!