Olive oil is that bad???

I lied. No stats today. I'm sure you are terribly sad that you won't get to read my robust measurements; but do not fret, I am eating more pie in anticipation of D(iet)-Day. In fact, I was reading and eating pie at the same time today. I'd say that is a strikingly obvious image that I indeed have food issues. So Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of Eat To Live and my new diet guru, says I cannot begin the diet until I have read the entire book; so I have been reading diligently (while eating pie, as previously mentioned). There were a few key points that stood out for me and I wanted to share them.

First, let me say that this book does not necessarily push vegan diet, as I have mentioned I will be following. It does indicate, from what I have read so far, that a primarily vegetarian diet is best; but the diet plan offers a meal plan that includes animal protein and dairy. It's up to you which path you choose to take. I'm going to use a vegetarian plan, but adapt it to a vegan plan (which the book mostly uses anyway). I have read the intro and Chapters 1 and 2 so far, and each is primarily an informational, why-this-crap-is-bad-for-you background. I was already convinced, so Dr. Fuhrman doesn't need to convince me; but I must admit, I am surprised by the information he provides. I want to share some of the "who knew?" excerpts with you:

First of all, the doc says that you shouldn't start the lifestyle plan if you aren't committed. He writes, "When you get married, does the religious figure or justice of the peace ask, 'Do you swear to give this person a try?'"(9). Preach it doc! He is so right. I am definitely the gal who is always giving it a try instead of getting it done when it comes to dieting. Screw that! I'm done with trying, so count me in.

"The 1992 Bogalusa Heart Study, which studied aoutopsies performed on children killed in accidental deaths...confirmed the existence of fatty plaques and streaks (the beginning of athersclerosis) in most children and teenagers" (19). This one breaks my heart.

A slow metabloic rate means you will age slower, which is a good (no, great) factoid. So for those of you depressed about a slow metabolic rate, know that if you get your nutrition in check, you will be skinny and young forever-- or at least until you aren't ;). To quote Dr. Fuhrman, "Those with a genetic tendency to [be] overweight may actually have the genetic potential to outlive the rest of us" (29). Heck yeah! At least we have something going for us!

Even whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread are processed/refined foods. In other words, not the best food choice (31-34). Who knew? Not me.

More fat= More insulin production= more storage of fat= more insulin= more storage of fat. Think compound interest, but with fat cells (38).

Lastly, olive oil is not the miracle fat we think it is. We get really mixed messages about healthy fats. The good doctor says that only healthy (a.k.a. not fat) people who exercise regularly should use this healthy fat. He writes, "Olive oil...can be stored on your body within minutes, without costing the body any caloric price; it is just packed away (unchanged) on the hips and waist. If we biopsied your waist fat...we could actually see where the fat came from...as it was in the original food" (40). Darn. I thought olive oil was good. I've been using it like a mad woman and now I have olive oil abs. Great.

I promise I won't use this blog to regurgitate this book, but I thought these facts were pretty darn interesting. I will continue to read, anticipating the the start of the 185 day countdown to an itty-bitty booty.