I receive a lot of thank-you emails from people who’ve seen Fat Head. I’ve posted a few here and there, and readers have commented that they enjoy reading them, but frankly the main reason I don’t share more of them is that it feels egotistical.
Despite that, I’m going to post a few today because they serve as examples of This Is What They’re Up Against, the topic of my last post. Unless the people who wrote these emails are hermits, they’re probably talking to friends and family about their success. The so-called experts can recommend lowfat diets and healthywholegrains all they want … when ordinary people see their friends achieving extraordinary results by ignoring that advice, it’s got to make them think.
On to the emails:
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Dear Tom,
After viewing Fat Head, I had what can only be described as a paradigm shift.
Since the age of 10, I had been a chronic dieter. Losing 10 lbs, then going back to eating normal amounts but slowly and consistently gaining the 10 lbs back. Repeat cycle. A strict adherent to the “calories in/calories out” mantra, I could never understand why a healthy, disciplined diet would lead to weight gain. Every 4 weeks or so… for years… I had to drop down to a starvation-level diet just to get back to a “healthy” weight and maintain. An unhealthy cycle, granted. But I didn’t know what to do! I felt my options were (1) be miserable on a diet (2) be fat.
When I saw your movie, I was floored. The facts. The research. The common sense. Something about your argument just rang true. Even as a child, I remember thinking that the Food Pyramid seemed strange. 6-11 servings of bread or cereal a day? But as Dr. Mary Eades so eloquently puts it in your film: I fell into lock-step with the “experts.”
After seeing Fat Head, I immediately made changes. I replaced granola bars and low calorie cereals with almonds, eggs, and delicious, full-fat cheese. I felt good. The constant hunger, irritability and sluggishness started to abate. I even began using real salad dressing (THAT’S real freedom – let me tell you!).
I shared your film with some fellow documentary buffs. One of them has Coeliac Disease. Out of necessity, she has had to figure out how foods actually affect the body. Several times during the film she would throw her arms up and say, “FINALLY! Someone who actually knows what they’re talking about!” The four of us have since begun a high protein, low carbohydrate diet as a group. And we are all felling better!
Thank you eternally for using your own time and money to benefit humanity! (I’ll keep you posted on our progress, too.)
Much love,
Hayley
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Hey Tom,
I would like to say thanks so much for making Fat Head 🙂 I started a low-carb diet awhile before watching your movie, and I had my doubts (there were some “reports” that low carb diets are dangerous), but after watching your movie, it set me straight. I’ve been on the diet since mid-March, and I weighed 185lbs. Now I’m at 154lbs(my goal is 130lbs), and it’s the easiest diet to stick to ever (I’ve tried so many and probably spent thousands on gimmicky solutions-Jenny Craig, sensa, Arbonne, herbal life, raw diet, low sodium diet, eDiets, PGX, lots and lots of weight loss exercise dvds from infomercials, paid this internet “trainer” $180 for diet and exercise plans which required me to weigh all the food I ate ). Other people and my family have tried to debunk my diet, but having watched your movie I can defend this diet a lot better. I can’t imagine eating breads or pasta ever again!
Anyways, thanks so much, keep up the good work and take care!
-Vanessa
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Dear Mr. Naughton,
I don’t use the term “dear” lightly. Though we have never met, I want you to know how much your work has done for me and my family. I watched Fat Head on Netflix some weeks ago for the first time, and found it interesting. Then I watched Big Fat Fiasco on YouTube, and when you got to the explanation of the study with the insulin-injected mice (particularly the picture I have named “Jabba the Mouse”), I was stunned. I went back to Netflix and watched Fat Head again, then again. And then I started making notes, lots of them.
I found your blogs and have read every post on the Fat Head blog. Your work has helped me tremendously. I went starch- and sugar- free a week and a half ago, at 388 pounds, and have lost over a pound a day since. I am not hungry. I have energy, the arthritis in my knees and back are diminishing rapidly, and my blood sugar has completely normalized.
That’s the short version. The long version is below, but I wanted to front-load the good news in case you’re rather too busy to read the whole story. The information you brought to me has quite literally saved my life and improved its quality in ways I cannot begin to explain. Thank you so much for that.
I was a fat baby, a fat toddler, fat kid, teenager, and adult. At age 20, I weighed 484 lbs after 15 years of highly-restrictive diets, including a diet my mother forced me to stay on for a full month that was a 1000 calorie diet, consisting mostly of a horrid cabbage-tomato soup that tasted like, well, over-cooked cabbage and unsalted, unseasoned tomato juice.
At age 22, I stopped drinking regular soda and eating white bread, went semi-vegetarian, wasted tons of money on high-priced “natural, healthy” foods and smoothies that looked like swamp water and didn’t taste much better. After five years of torture, I lost 150 lbs. At 27, I gave up on the flax seed and smoothies, the calorie-counting and starvation, and gained back 50. At age 29, I weighed 388 pounds.
After watching Fat Head and Big Fat Fiasco, I started following the guidelines of no sugars (except for a bit of fresh fruit) and no grains at all. I have working the low-carb/no-sugar/no-grain plan for 11 days and weigh 371 pounds now. That’s 16 pounds! I lost more in a week and a half on this plan than I did in SIX MONTHS on any other plan. But that’s not the best part.
The best part of this is that I am feeling good for the first time in years. The crippling pain in my joints, in my very bones, has almost completely disappeared. I track everything I eat, and despite having a “huge” fat intake percentage-wise, I eat half the calories that I was eating when I was on a high-carb/low-fat diet. And I’m not hungry. I’m not tracking my calories because I’m worried about them, but rather to have a record to show people that when you eat nutrient-dense real food, you wind up–by accident–cutting your calories significantly.
What really kills me about this whole thing is the number of doctors I went to over the years, one after another, who told me that my problem was a lack of willpower. They told me I had no self-control. They made me feel worthless, which only made the problem worse! I believed them when they said I couldn’t be “that hungry” and walking couldn’t hurt “that bad.” I believed them when they told me I was being a wuss, a whiner, a lazy gluttonous slob. I took it all, year after year. And I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t have had to. I should have been allowed the chance to grow up healthy. But you can be damn sure I’m going give my kids (if I ever have any) a better shot at it than I had.
Thank you again for your work. I appreciate it more than I can say. I’m sure you get that a lot, but I still needed to say it.
Andrea
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Tom —
Of course you’ve received thousands of contacts with glowing reviews for the positive change you’ve helped engender in their lives! Or scathing ridicule, but it’s nice to be noticed, right?
I say thank you for using your brain, for sharing your experience, for continuing the edutainment!!
My blood sugar is under control, I’m losing weight and enjoying life so much more since I’ve modified my diet. Walks with my 9-year-old daughter, laughing again after so long feeling angry and depressed because I had cut out fat and was eating more and more whole grains!!
I hope you wanted to change peoples lives for the better, because we’re going to let you know the good you’ve done whether you like it or not!
THANK YOU!
Çhase
[Note from Tom: Yes, I get scathing emails now and then too. As soon as I realize what they are, I delete them without reading them. I’m not interested in absorbing negative energy from angry dolts.]
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Hi Tom!
I saw your documentary Fat Head this past July. I am 35 years old, 6’8″ tall and weighed about 330lbs. I have struggled with my weight since early childhood. In fact, I remember a teacher in the third grade making a joke about me weighing “as much as a full grown tiger” I think I weighed 100lbs back then. I don’t know why I brought that up, probably because it was a sad moment.
I have always been confused about different diet fads and have been temporarily successful at getting down to a healthy weight, only to watch it jump back up.
After seeing your movie, I felt like “diet” finally makes sense to me. There is so much noise coming from different experts, it was a relief to finally hear something that makes sense. I have been able to shed some significant weight, changing nothing but some of my eating habits. I’ve cut out the french fries, and usually go ‘bunless’ when I get a burger, but I have learned to actually avoid the “fat free” or “fat reduced” options when eating and find myself able to manage my hunger much better.
At this point, it has been a little over 3 months since I made the changes, and I have lost 63 lbs and still losing. I’m hoping to get down to 230lbs (or close to it).
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for putting this documentary together. I don’t think you designed it to necessarily help people lose weight, but it was inspiring for me and has made a huge difference in my life, as well as my family’s life.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Phil
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Hey Tom,
I know you probably get this a lot. But you know what, dammit? I’m gonna say it anyways. I first saw your movie about 5 months ago and thought the way you approached the subject with comedy and real scientists and doctors giving real facts, I found it very interesting. Since then I have consulted with some firefighter buddies who are also professional bodybuilders. They confirmed every word you said, so I decided to give it a go.
I can tell you that in 3 months after beginning the diet, I have lost 29 lbs, going from 210 lbs to 181 lbs. And the ease that the weight melted off was staggering. I barely increased my exercise regimen although I am a semi active person. The results speak for themselves.
Some other changes that I have noticed in my body are: I used to have savage allergies but I haven’t even blown my nose in at least 2 months. Also I used to down water like it was running out, the thirst I had was enormous, now I barely drink 64 ounces a day. My energy level is through the roof, and I am not as tired as I used to be (sleep wise). I just thought that I should write you a letter letting you know that you at least changed 2 lives because of your common sense and lack of tolerance for stupidity. Keep up the good work, son.
Josh
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I just saw Fat Head and it was the best documentary I’ve seen in about a thousand years. It dovetails with the books my wife and I have been reading and the research we’ve been doing.
No need to reply; I just wanted to say THANK YOU!
You are my new god. I’m sacrificing a goat to your magnificence (and eating its fatty meat in an orgy of rationality). Incidentally, I’ve cut out (most of) my carbs and dropped from 217 to 206 in about two weeks, all while dining on steak, chicken, fish, bacon, sausage, cheese and veggies.
I will recommend your documentary to one and all. I work in a school, a place where your perspective is sorely needed.
I’ve promoted Sen. McGovern to my list of “The Five People You’ll Meet in Hell.”
Kudos!
Don
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Thank you all for writing, and thank you to everyone else whose kind emails I didn’t post. Hearing your success stories means a lot to me.
This is what they’re up against: all of you.
If you enjoy my posts, please consider a small donation to the Fat Head Kids GoFundMe campaign.
Dr. Ron Rosedale posted a great response to the LC and thyroid issue on the Jimmy Low Carb Blog.
http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/more-safe-starches-stuff-and-why-ive-decided-not-to-test-them-on-myself/12068?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LivinLaVidaLowCarbBlog+%28Jimmy+Moore%27s+Livin%27+La+Vida+Low+Carb+Blog%29
I believe that Jaminet and most others misunderstand the physiologic response to low glucose, and the true meaning of low thyroid. Glucose scarcity (deficiency may be a misnomer) elicits an evolutionary response to perceived low fuel availability. This results in a shift in genetic expression to allow that organism to better survive the perceived famine. Intracellular antioxidant systems, heat shock proteins, DNA repair, autophagy, all tricks that nature has, are up-regulated to allow the organism to increase repair and maintain itself to remain healthy and alive. As part of this genetic expression, and as part and parcel of nature’s mechanism to allow the maintenance of health and actually reduce the rate of aging, certain events will take place as seen in caloric restricted animals. These include a reduction in serum glucose, insulin, leptin, and free T3.
The reduction in free T3 is of great benefit, reducing temperature, metabolic damage and decreasing catabolism. TSH is not elevated. We are not talking about a hypothyroid condition. It is a purposeful reduction in thyroid activity to elicit health. Yes, reverse T3 is increased, as this is a normal, healthy, physiologic mechanism to reduce thyroid activity. It is not always a sign of malfunctioning thyroid as is frequently taught, but is instead one of the redundant ways that thyroid action is controlled. Reduced thyroid level in this regard is analogous to reduced fasting insulin that generally indicates improved insulin sensitivity, which also occurs in fasting and caloric restricted animals, and is also part and parcel of the benefits seen. Sometimes our complexity is indeed paradoxical.
“Decreased production of molecules like hyaluronan and mucin and reduced levels of T3 thyroid hormone, then, are outcome of dietary glucose deficiency.”
Reduced levels of T3 occur secondary to leptin reduction that occurs secondary to reduction in glucose. This is not a detriment and is not hypothyroidism, but part and parcel of genetic expression of increased maintenance and repair. See above. As far as ‘glucose deficiency’ impairing mucin and hyaluronan production; I respect your theory but cannot agree with it as it lacks evidence, nor do I agree with the concept of glucose deficiency while on a VLC diet such as mine (moderate protein, relatively high fat).
@ Kevin
I’m not sure what to say to this one.
“There are countless anecdotal reports on the internet of disastrous failure on low-carb diets after intitial improvements. Many of these people who emailed you will likely have their health take a serious turn for the worse as a result of carbohydrate restriction. Are you comfortable with that?”
I, personally, have always been comfortable recommending carbohydrate restriction to nearly anyone. Since we don’t need carbs for health, it’s the most common sense restriction to recommend. Most people that suffer “disastrous failure” on low carb diets are probably not using common sense. I have seen people suffer ill health on low carb when they’re not eating enough fat and vegetables, or just not eating enough, period. Too many people think that low carb is the same as high protein. It is not.
I cannot think of any biological reason why a carb restricted diet would cause thyroid issues. Would this mean that carbs are necessary for thyroid health? Ridiculous, since carbs can stress the endocrine system. Is it more likely that thyroid issues may just be uncovered once carbs are removed and there is weight reduction? Stress is a more likely cause of adrenal and thyroid issues, not the lack of carbs.
I’m waiting for the evidence that the buffalo-hunting tribes and the Inuits all had thyroid issues.
Great letters. I think the part of your movie that really drove the point home to me was when you simply said “maybe nature does know what it’s doing…” I think that was really the moment when everything came together and just felt obvious.
But unfortunately, I think this is a much bigger paradigm shift than it first appears to be, because it extends to so many other areas of life besides just diet. For some people, even if the science itself makes sense, this may be just too big of a leap. I try to share this information with my family and friends. People ask me how I’ve managed to lose weight so easily, and I tell them the truth. But as soon as a doctor says otherwise, they will usually follow what the doctor says… almost always.
I think it’s really going to take more people in the medical establishment, before the ship will really start to turn. But then we also have powerful political forces at work. With the US government getting more and more involved with medical care, and with the government actually promoting the foods that make us sick… challenging someone’s diet may also indirectly challenge their political views that the government is necessarily acting in their best interest. This is not something people want to hear or talk about. Personally I’m not one to want to get into political matches over such things. I don’t bring up my political beliefs. I really dislike it when some vegans start bringing politics into it… and yet, there it is. As much as I don’t like it, it’s really kind of the elephant in the room.
It could be a long battle, but we could reach a tipping point that will accelerate things as well. I’ve had several doctors order copies (sometimes 20 or 30 copies) of Fat Head to give to patients, which means more people are hearing this from doctors as well.
“Reduced levels of T3 occur secondary to leptin reduction that occurs secondary to reduction in glucose. This is not a detriment and is not hypothyroidism, but part and parcel of genetic expression of increased maintenance and repair.”
Take a look on the internet for complaints of hypothyroidism symptoms on the internet. You won’t have to look far for hundreds of anecdotal reports. With droves of low-carbers complaining of fatigue, low-body temperature, cold hands and feet, depression, dry skin, impotence, low sex drive and weakened immunity, I’d seriously reconsider whether this incidence of lowered T3 is “not a detriment and is not hypothyroidism, but part and parcel of genetic expression of increased maintenance and repair.”
What evidence do you have to support that claim? Or is it simply something you want to believe?
“The reduction in free T3 is of great benefit, reducing temperature, metabolic damage and decreasing catabolism.”
Once again, some evidence would be nice.
“TSH is not elevated. We are not talking about a hypothyroid condition.”
The term for low T3 and normal TSH is euthyroid sick syndrome. It is typically seen in seriously ill patients without preexisting thyroid dysfunction.
‘The role of thyroid dysfunction in the critically ill: a review of the literature.’:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20935602
From the abstract:
“The magnitude of the alteration in thyroid function correlates with the severity of the illness and its outcomes in critically ill patients with NTIS.”
It borderline delusional to argue that a substantial, abrupt reduction in T3 is beneficial.
Anthony Colpo has provided a wealth of evidence demonstrating a marked reduction in T3 among people comsuming low-carb diets.
http://anthonycolpo.com/?p=1743
But if you want to believe that this occurence is a healthy, evolutionary response unlocked by the magic of low-carb dieting, well, be my guest.
You’re quoting Dr. Rosedale’s reply, not mine.
I’ve been doing low carb for 10 years. I recently had my thyroid checked out because a relative was diagnosed with Grave’s disease and I’m paranoid. Doctor said my levels were just fine.
I’ve heard warnings about low-carb causing thyroid issues, but I haven’t heard about the actual cases.
“What really kills me about this whole thing is the number of doctors I went to over the years, one after another, who told me that my problem was a lack of willpower. They told me I had no self-control. They made me feel worthless, which only made the problem worse! I believed them when they said I couldn’t be “that hungry” and walking couldn’t hurt “that bad.” I believed them when they told me I was being a wuss, a whiner, a lazy gluttonous slob. I took it all, year after year. And I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t have had to. I should have been allowed the chance to grow up healthy. ”
This, right here. This was the huge epiphany I had when I began low carb/paleo. Realizing what a huge lie that all that “medical wisdom” is was a huge weight off my shoulders, but I continue to be angry at the fact that the lies are perpetuating. This is why I respect and admire the efforts of Tom and other leaders in the field to bring the information to the people as openly and helpfully as they can, and stand up to the dissenters who continue to claim that they’re wrong.
That was the big “aha!” moment for me too, when I finally grasped that we can be starving at the cellular level even if we’re fat. That changed the whole picture.
Photos, photos, photos. Before and After pics are so much fun.
@ Kevin
I’m not sure what to say to this one.
“There are countless anecdotal reports on the internet of disastrous failure on low-carb diets after intitial improvements. Many of these people who emailed you will likely have their health take a serious turn for the worse as a result of carbohydrate restriction. Are you comfortable with that?”
I, personally, have always been comfortable recommending carbohydrate restriction to nearly anyone. Since we don’t need carbs for health, it’s the most common sense restriction to recommend. Most people that suffer “disastrous failure” on low carb diets are probably not using common sense. I have seen people suffer ill health on low carb when they’re not eating enough fat and vegetables, or just not eating enough, period. Too many people think that low carb is the same as high protein. It is not.
I cannot think of any biological reason why a carb restricted diet would cause thyroid issues. Would this mean that carbs are necessary for thyroid health? Ridiculous, since carbs can stress the endocrine system. Is it more likely that thyroid issues may just be uncovered once carbs are removed and there is weight reduction? Stress is a more likely cause of adrenal and thyroid issues, not the lack of carbs.
I’m waiting for the evidence that the buffalo-hunting tribes and the Inuits all had thyroid issues.
My low-carb journey started six months after I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease. Six months later, my thyroid is fine. Did the diet help? Hinder? Cure? Have no effect? I have no idea, but, boy do I feel great.
I have been eating VLC for 12 years. My health gets better and better every year (probably because I have continued to cut carbs and my diet is getting more “clean” and “paleo;” after a few years I realized I didn’t need to find low-carb substitutes for junk food and desserts and have also eliminated artificial sweeteners, except for a bit of stevia on occasion). I haven’t had a cold or flu in years (no flu shots) and only see a doctor every 2 or 3 years for a “preventive care” office visit. I’ve considered not even bothering with that. (I do live with a retired physician who I can consult if I have any concerns, so I feel comfortable that there isn’t something undetected going on that I could be endangering my life by ignoring).
I will be 59 next spring, and my fitness levels have also improved over the past few years. I took up long-distance cycling in 2006, and get stronger and faster every year.
I probably consume around 20 to 30 grams of carbs per day. I don’t increase the amount when I do long rides (which means 40 to 70 miles/day). This past season, I even stopped bringing low carb snacks along because I’ve discovered my regular high fat meals provide plenty of fuel.
I have no idea what Kevin is talking about.
I haven’t had any health problems either — far from it, since I’m healthier now than I was 10 or even 20 years ago — and I don’t feel cold either. In fact, Chareva sometimes complains that I set the thermostat too low for her taste.
“Reduced levels of T3 occur secondary to leptin reduction that occurs secondary to reduction in glucose. This is not a detriment and is not hypothyroidism, but part and parcel of genetic expression of increased maintenance and repair.”
Take a look on the internet for complaints of hypothyroidism symptoms on the internet. You won’t have to look far for hundreds of anecdotal reports. With droves of low-carbers complaining of fatigue, low-body temperature, cold hands and feet, depression, dry skin, impotence, low sex drive and weakened immunity, I’d seriously reconsider whether this incidence of lowered T3 is “not a detriment and is not hypothyroidism, but part and parcel of genetic expression of increased maintenance and repair.”
What evidence do you have to support that claim? Or is it simply something you want to believe?
“The reduction in free T3 is of great benefit, reducing temperature, metabolic damage and decreasing catabolism.”
Once again, some evidence would be nice.
“TSH is not elevated. We are not talking about a hypothyroid condition.”
The term for low T3 and normal TSH is euthyroid sick syndrome. It is typically seen in seriously ill patients without preexisting thyroid dysfunction.
‘The role of thyroid dysfunction in the critically ill: a review of the literature.’:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20935602
From the abstract:
“The magnitude of the alteration in thyroid function correlates with the severity of the illness and its outcomes in critically ill patients with NTIS.”
It borderline delusional to argue that a substantial, abrupt reduction in T3 is beneficial.
Anthony Colpo has provided a wealth of evidence demonstrating a marked reduction in T3 among people comsuming low-carb diets.
http://anthonycolpo.com/?p=1743
But if you want to believe that this occurence is a healthy, evolutionary response unlocked by the magic of low-carb dieting, well, be my guest.
You’re quoting Dr. Rosedale’s reply, not mine.
Tom,
I own a health and fitness testing lab and have been testing people since 2006. The bioimpedance tool your doctor used in Fat Head is completely inaccurate but since it was used both times it might have been a good a good measurement tool to pick up the differences. But that was off topic. I’ve been telling the members of my small gym and a lot of people that I meet with the traveling lab that wheat is bad and fat is fine. Most of them probably didn’t give it too much thought. Since discovering your blog and the movie I’ve told a few dozen people about it. I’ve gotten tons of emails thanking me for the information. Thank you for getting the information out in such an easily understandable way. In the late 90’s and early 2000’s I read all of the authors that you interviewed in the movie and was moved to get away from high carb diets and towards whole fats and non-processed foods. I’ve had great success and a lot of people that I’ve met through the lab have had great success as well. Since I have to work with gyms, shoe stores and different studios to promote my lab coming I can’t be too “out there” with the information on my website since a lot of trainers, nutritionists, club owners and managers still believe in the calorie in/calorie out and low fat diet theory. Once I get the client one on one I let lose and let them know about all the BS that exists in today’s market and what’s best for them isn’t what the so called “experts” are pushing. This is an email I got last night from a client I met at a gym a couple weeks ago. “Thank you so much for the info! I watched Fat Head last week. I was so floored I emailed my whole family the hulu link so they could all watch it.
Have a great day,
Denise”
I thank you for such a good site and movie and will continue to let people know about it and the benefits of our high fat/low processed way of life. If you’re ever in the Chicago area contact me and I’ll get you some free ACCURATE testing.
Best in Health,
Chad Leader
Thank you, Chad. I’m in Chicago a couple of times per year, since that’s where my wife’s parents live.
Its Science!
http://lifehacker.com/5856345/10-more-stubborn-food-myths-that-just-wont-die-debunked-by-science
I’ve been doing low carb for 10 years. I recently had my thyroid checked out because a relative was diagnosed with Grave’s disease and I’m paranoid. Doctor said my levels were just fine.
I’ve heard warnings about low-carb causing thyroid issues, but I haven’t heard about the actual cases.
My low-carb journey started six months after I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease. Six months later, my thyroid is fine. Did the diet help? Hinder? Cure? Have no effect? I have no idea, but, boy do I feel great.
I have been eating VLC for 12 years. My health gets better and better every year (probably because I have continued to cut carbs and my diet is getting more “clean” and “paleo;” after a few years I realized I didn’t need to find low-carb substitutes for junk food and desserts and have also eliminated artificial sweeteners, except for a bit of stevia on occasion). I haven’t had a cold or flu in years (no flu shots) and only see a doctor every 2 or 3 years for a “preventive care” office visit. I’ve considered not even bothering with that. (I do live with a retired physician who I can consult if I have any concerns, so I feel comfortable that there isn’t something undetected going on that I could be endangering my life by ignoring).
I will be 59 next spring, and my fitness levels have also improved over the past few years. I took up long-distance cycling in 2006, and get stronger and faster every year.
I probably consume around 20 to 30 grams of carbs per day. I don’t increase the amount when I do long rides (which means 40 to 70 miles/day). This past season, I even stopped bringing low carb snacks along because I’ve discovered my regular high fat meals provide plenty of fuel.
I have no idea what Kevin is talking about.
I haven’t had any health problems either — far from it, since I’m healthier now than I was 10 or even 20 years ago — and I don’t feel cold either. In fact, Chareva sometimes complains that I set the thermostat too low for her taste.
Tom,
I own a health and fitness testing lab and have been testing people since 2006. The bioimpedance tool your doctor used in Fat Head is completely inaccurate but since it was used both times it might have been a good a good measurement tool to pick up the differences. But that was off topic. I’ve been telling the members of my small gym and a lot of people that I meet with the traveling lab that wheat is bad and fat is fine. Most of them probably didn’t give it too much thought. Since discovering your blog and the movie I’ve told a few dozen people about it. I’ve gotten tons of emails thanking me for the information. Thank you for getting the information out in such an easily understandable way. In the late 90’s and early 2000’s I read all of the authors that you interviewed in the movie and was moved to get away from high carb diets and towards whole fats and non-processed foods. I’ve had great success and a lot of people that I’ve met through the lab have had great success as well. Since I have to work with gyms, shoe stores and different studios to promote my lab coming I can’t be too “out there” with the information on my website since a lot of trainers, nutritionists, club owners and managers still believe in the calorie in/calorie out and low fat diet theory. Once I get the client one on one I let lose and let them know about all the BS that exists in today’s market and what’s best for them isn’t what the so called “experts” are pushing. This is an email I got last night from a client I met at a gym a couple weeks ago. “Thank you so much for the info! I watched Fat Head last week. I was so floored I emailed my whole family the hulu link so they could all watch it.
Have a great day,
Denise”
I thank you for such a good site and movie and will continue to let people know about it and the benefits of our high fat/low processed way of life. If you’re ever in the Chicago area contact me and I’ll get you some free ACCURATE testing.
Best in Health,
Chad Leader
Thank you, Chad. I’m in Chicago a couple of times per year, since that’s where my wife’s parents live.
Its Science!
http://lifehacker.com/5856345/10-more-stubborn-food-myths-that-just-wont-die-debunked-by-science
@Kevin
Not everybody suffers from low carb. If they are descendants of northern people, they are not likely to suffer. If they are descendants of people from the equator they are likely to suffer. It has to do with the efficiency with which protein can be converted to glucose, and the amount of glucose your brain really needs.
This can have a very wide range. 100gms is good for healthy people. 20gms is good for a short time for people with metabolic disease, properly supplemented. These are just starting numbers. You can vary up or down based on feeling.
I don’t really like Matt Stone’s website, it is too pompous.
Athletes (at least the maximal effort kinds) in general require more carbs. Read CastleGroks journey, he was low carb paleo felt very good, but couldn’t achieve the performance he had on high carb vegan diets. He is now on a high fruit diet, like 30bananas a day, but with some meat thrown in. He finds it the best of both worlds. It is still a paleo diet, but a very high carb diet.
It is good to experiment. People who have found low carb very healthy, may be settling for a lesser health than what it could be on a higher carb diet. It depends on the person. Nobody can tell you whether your current level is the best, you have to test it yourself. If you honestly think you have tried then, of course it is best for you. But don’t judge a higher carb paleo diet any lesser than a low carb paleo diet, unless you have tried it. Trying means atleast a 3 week experiment, lesser times are not really educational. Also conditions change after being on a diet for a long time. So maybe 5 years back high carb diet wasn’t working for you due to metabolic issues. But those issues may have been solved on the low carb paleo diet. Now a higher carb paleo diet may feel better than the current diet.
I hope this is not too long. I just wanted to stress that don’t be too focused on a low carb diet, it may not be optimal in the long run.
My response to Don about Senator McGovern: He did serve the country honorably in WWII. (Then again, Benedict Arnold did serve honorably in War as well… at least until he didn’t anymore).
I believe McGovern meant well, but he was tragically wrong.
@Kevin
Not everybody suffers from low carb. If they are descendants of northern people, they are not likely to suffer. If they are descendants of people from the equator they are likely to suffer. It has to do with the efficiency with which protein can be converted to glucose, and the amount of glucose your brain really needs.
This can have a very wide range. 100gms is good for healthy people. 20gms is good for a short time for people with metabolic disease, properly supplemented. These are just starting numbers. You can vary up or down based on feeling.
I don’t really like Matt Stone’s website, it is too pompous.
Athletes (at least the maximal effort kinds) in general require more carbs. Read CastleGroks journey, he was low carb paleo felt very good, but couldn’t achieve the performance he had on high carb vegan diets. He is now on a high fruit diet, like 30bananas a day, but with some meat thrown in. He finds it the best of both worlds. It is still a paleo diet, but a very high carb diet.
It is good to experiment. People who have found low carb very healthy, may be settling for a lesser health than what it could be on a higher carb diet. It depends on the person. Nobody can tell you whether your current level is the best, you have to test it yourself. If you honestly think you have tried then, of course it is best for you. But don’t judge a higher carb paleo diet any lesser than a low carb paleo diet, unless you have tried it. Trying means atleast a 3 week experiment, lesser times are not really educational. Also conditions change after being on a diet for a long time. So maybe 5 years back high carb diet wasn’t working for you due to metabolic issues. But those issues may have been solved on the low carb paleo diet. Now a higher carb paleo diet may feel better than the current diet.
I hope this is not too long. I just wanted to stress that don’t be too focused on a low carb diet, it may not be optimal in the long run.
The same can be said about your allegation Ricardo. Where are the long term studies of LC diet and thyroid disease? Dr. Ron Rosedale is clinical physician with thousands of patients treated with LC. You didn’t read the article on the link, it present plenty of common sense plausible evidence why LC is good for optimal health. He is better suited to attest of the benefits of long term LC that a few anecdotal evidence from people we don’t the real reasons for their health problems.
But the more important reference is my N=1 study. I have been low carb for more than a decade with a better health than when I was in my twenties. I did it even all the advice that I was digging my own grave, by eating so much fat, since my father had his first heart attack before his 35 birthday and my grandfather died of a heart attack before he was 40. But my heart health is excellent and I am feeling much better than when I was a vegan. LC will not immunize you against all diseases but I have yet to find something better for my health that a Paleo LC diet and I have tried everything.
This is a follow-up to my post of 11/6.
So I am home after my angiogram/stent placement week-end of hell. Did have blockage in one artery, some “thinning’ in two others. The fun began when it was time to check-out. I had refused taking a statin from the first day I was there. Didn’t get a lot of argument until it was time to check-out and had to listen to the cardiologist who placed the stent. Right away he strongly recommended statins. I told him I had done my “homework” and was choosing not to do so. He quickly talked over me, told me whatever information I was finding on the internet was probably wrong and not very valuable, that the odds are good that I will end up back there with a cardiac event of some kind and require another stent. [I am female, over 65, my last lipid profile gave me a .26 HDL/Total Ratio and a .60 TRY/HDL ratio.]All he wanted to discuss was the total LDL of 177 and total cholesterol of 251. He finally walked away leaving me with the attitude of, well, it’s your funeral. Then in came the dietitian and what did he recommend? A vegan-vegetarian diet!!!! I quickly informed him I was following a low carb/ketogenic diet and had no intention to change. He left as well.
Did I mention how glad I am to be home?
Yeesh. Bad advice on top of bad advice. Glad you knew enough to ignore them.
My response to Don about Senator McGovern: He did serve the country honorably in WWII. (Then again, Benedict Arnold did serve honorably in War as well… at least until he didn’t anymore).
I believe McGovern meant well, but he was tragically wrong.
The same can be said about your allegation Ricardo. Where are the long term studies of LC diet and thyroid disease? Dr. Ron Rosedale is clinical physician with thousands of patients treated with LC. You didn’t read the article on the link, it present plenty of common sense plausible evidence why LC is good for optimal health. He is better suited to attest of the benefits of long term LC that a few anecdotal evidence from people we don’t the real reasons for their health problems.
But the more important reference is my N=1 study. I have been low carb for more than a decade with a better health than when I was in my twenties. I did it even all the advice that I was digging my own grave, by eating so much fat, since my father had his first heart attack before his 35 birthday and my grandfather died of a heart attack before he was 40. But my heart health is excellent and I am feeling much better than when I was a vegan. LC will not immunize you against all diseases but I have yet to find something better for my health that a Paleo LC diet and I have tried everything.
This is a follow-up to my post of 11/6.
So I am home after my angiogram/stent placement week-end of hell. Did have blockage in one artery, some “thinning’ in two others. The fun began when it was time to check-out. I had refused taking a statin from the first day I was there. Didn’t get a lot of argument until it was time to check-out and had to listen to the cardiologist who placed the stent. Right away he strongly recommended statins. I told him I had done my “homework” and was choosing not to do so. He quickly talked over me, told me whatever information I was finding on the internet was probably wrong and not very valuable, that the odds are good that I will end up back there with a cardiac event of some kind and require another stent. [I am female, over 65, my last lipid profile gave me a .26 HDL/Total Ratio and a .60 TRY/HDL ratio.]All he wanted to discuss was the total LDL of 177 and total cholesterol of 251. He finally walked away leaving me with the attitude of, well, it’s your funeral. Then in came the dietitian and what did he recommend? A vegan-vegetarian diet!!!! I quickly informed him I was following a low carb/ketogenic diet and had no intention to change. He left as well.
Did I mention how glad I am to be home?
Yeesh. Bad advice on top of bad advice. Glad you knew enough to ignore them.
Re: circulation issues
A few years ago, I started waking up with cold arms and tingly hands, and a change of mattress brought only a slight improvement. I started taking Dr. Wong’s systemic enzyme formula, Zymessence, and the problem went away in a few months. I didn’t even space the dosages throughout the day; I just took three of them right before bed, on an empty stomach. That’s made me a firm believer in systemic enzymes for improved circulation.
@ Alex
My mother had an improvement with tingling arms (she used to wake up at night because of that) after she switch to LC. She also normalized her blood pressure, gastric reflex and lost 23 lb. Probably there are people around who can thrive counting calories, but I think LC approach should be tried first if somebody is having bunch of issues that interfere with the sense of a well-being and general health.
@Linda: Sorry to hear of your ordeal. Does the cardiologist not realize that the clinical trials of statins show no benefit for women? Or that since 2005 every statin trial has been a failure? (Even for men with CAD). Maybe he thinks that an absolute risk reduction in mortality of 2% is something to shout about. And that supposed risk reduction was shown prior to 2005 when the FDA enforced stricter guidelines for clinical trials. So I am sure there was some manipulation of the numbers. (You think???). Or, maybe he does not understand NNT. Personally, I think Dr. Kendrick is on to something about stress causings CAD. I also think Drs. McCully and Ravnskov are on to something regarding infections causing CAD. God Bless.
I’d be willing to bet the cardiologist can’t define the difference between relative risk and absolute risk.
Re: circulation issues
A few years ago, I started waking up with cold arms and tingly hands, and a change of mattress brought only a slight improvement. I started taking Dr. Wong’s systemic enzyme formula, Zymessence, and the problem went away in a few months. I didn’t even space the dosages throughout the day; I just took three of them right before bed, on an empty stomach. That’s made me a firm believer in systemic enzymes for improved circulation.
@ Alex
My mother had an improvement with tingling arms (she used to wake up at night because of that) after she switch to LC. She also normalized her blood pressure, gastric reflex and lost 23 lb. Probably there are people around who can thrive counting calories, but I think LC approach should be tried first if somebody is having bunch of issues that interfere with the sense of a well-being and general health.
@Linda: Sorry to hear of your ordeal. Does the cardiologist not realize that the clinical trials of statins show no benefit for women? Or that since 2005 every statin trial has been a failure? (Even for men with CAD). Maybe he thinks that an absolute risk reduction in mortality of 2% is something to shout about. And that supposed risk reduction was shown prior to 2005 when the FDA enforced stricter guidelines for clinical trials. So I am sure there was some manipulation of the numbers. (You think???). Or, maybe he does not understand NNT. Personally, I think Dr. Kendrick is on to something about stress causings CAD. I also think Drs. McCully and Ravnskov are on to something regarding infections causing CAD. God Bless.
I’d be willing to bet the cardiologist can’t define the difference between relative risk and absolute risk.
“I’m waiting for the evidence that the buffalo-hunting tribes and the Inuits all had thyroid issues.”
Tom, another group of mostly meat and saturated fat-eating peoples to look at for long-term health would be the Sami (Saami) peoples of Russia, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The so-called “Reindeer herders”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_people
Like with the Inuit, Maasai , and various Native American peoples, there is little I can find to indicate poor health, except when exposed to modern diets high in sugar and carbohydrates.
Another good example.
“I’m waiting for the evidence that the buffalo-hunting tribes and the Inuits all had thyroid issues.”
Tom, another group of mostly meat and saturated fat-eating peoples to look at for long-term health would be the Sami (Saami) peoples of Russia, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The so-called “Reindeer herders”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_people
Like with the Inuit, Maasai , and various Native American peoples, there is little I can find to indicate poor health, except when exposed to modern diets high in sugar and carbohydrates.
Another good example.
More for your “What They’re Up Against” file:
http://cafehayek.com/2011/11/wag-more-bark-less.html
Nice! I linked that site on my other blog some ago because I like his take on economic issues.
More for your “What They’re Up Against” file:
http://cafehayek.com/2011/11/wag-more-bark-less.html
Nice! I linked that site on my other blog some ago because I like his take on economic issues.
its great reading these kind of emails! Congratulations on the praise, and have some more priase from me!.
its great reading these kind of emails! Congratulations on the praise, and have some more priase from me!.
Fat Head was the beginning of a long process of learning for me. I’m afraid this long time veggie/vegan is very wary of believing anything anyone says about diet without triple-checking it first. It kind of snowballed from Fat Head through Mark’s Daily Apple to Gary Taubes on YouTube to Peter’s Hyperlipid blog, and the next thing you know I’m pan-frying steak in butter.
54lbs lost so far.
So, thank you for totally crapping all over my deeply held veggie beliefs that had formed the framework of my entire, obese, unhealthy adult life. 😉
I’ve never been thanked before for crapping on someone’s beliefs, but you’re welcome. Fifty-four pounds is quite an accomplishment.
Fat Head was the beginning of a long process of learning for me. I’m afraid this long time veggie/vegan is very wary of believing anything anyone says about diet without triple-checking it first. It kind of snowballed from Fat Head through Mark’s Daily Apple to Gary Taubes on YouTube to Peter’s Hyperlipid blog, and the next thing you know I’m pan-frying steak in butter.
54lbs lost so far.
So, thank you for totally crapping all over my deeply held veggie beliefs that had formed the framework of my entire, obese, unhealthy adult life. 😉
I’ve never been thanked before for crapping on someone’s beliefs, but you’re welcome. Fifty-four pounds is quite an accomplishment.
There is no shame in taking pride in a job well done. Spurlock is egotistical. His movie was made purely to feed his ego. Yours was made to help people. I imagine after learning these things you said, “I’ve gotta get this information out there!” I don’t see any of this going to your head. Besides, I have a feeling your wife will keep you in line. Despite all your comedic work, my wife and I got the biggest laugh when your wife said, “Are you insane?!?” No reply necessary.