01/17/2024
Let’s talk shop: I am completely aware that this is a touchy subject for a lot of people and I’m not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings, but the reality is that obesity related diseases are on the rise and will continue to rise. In 2016 an estimated 4.6 million people died from obesity related diseases the number is expected to be 6.7 million by the year 2030.
According to the CDC obesity is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In 2017-2018 an estimated 496,000 people died from obesity related diseases. The number is equivalent to 1 in about 5 deaths. There are approximately 42,000 grocery items in a given grocery store of those 42,000 grocery items 74% have refined sugars and are loaded with carbohydrates. Only 10 to 15% of grocery store items are fresh fruits and vegetables and less than 1% of grocery store items are unprocessed meats.
Those who promote a plant-based diet and those who promote a carnivore or keto diet say pretty much the same thing that eating real food is the key. Meaning that it’s best to shop on the outskirts of the store and avoid the middle isles. I’m not a plant-based diet advocate and I never will be. There are certain nutrients from animal proteins that plants don’t provide and the items that have been fortified with the nutrients that we need are highly processed so for me it’s just better to eat meat and limit my carbohydrate intake.
Moving forward there’s very few people in the United States that hasn’t been impacted by type 2 diabetes either you have type 2 diabetes, or a loved one has type 2 diabetes and all the health issues that come along with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is diet related there is no getting around that fact in anyway shape or form it is what it is. Type 2 diabetes is on both sides of my family, the Hale side, and the Fields side. And no, I don’t have type 2 diabetes however I’m very much aware of the damage type 2 diabetes can do to the human body and as I get older, I have to be diligent with my diet.
Below are low carb advocates from the 1600's to present day. Obesity and diabetes are not a new thing however the amount of people suffering from obesity and diabetes is relatively new within the last 50 years or so.
Low Carb Advocates 1600’s to present day.
1600s: Thomas Sydenham Born 1624 died 1689 age 65 years, Thomas Sydenham was an English physician, recommended a low-carb diet for the treatment of diabetes.
1700s: John Arbuthnot Born 1667 died 1735 age 68, John Arbuthnot was a Scottish physician, published a book called "An Essay Concerning the Effects of Air on Human Bodies," in which he advocated for a low-carb diet for the treatment of obesity.
1800s: William Banting Born 1796 died 1878 age 82 William Banting was an English undertaker, lost over 100 pounds on a low-carb diet. He published a book called "Letter on Corpulence, addressed to the Public," in which he shared his diet plan.
1900s: John Harvey Kellogg, born 1852 died 1943 John Harvey Kellogg was an American physician, advocated for a low-carb diet for the treatment of a variety of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
1920s: Frederick M. Allen, Born 1879 died 1964 age 85 Frederick M. Allen was an American physician, developed a very low-carb diet for the treatment of diabetes. This diet was known as the "Allen diet."
1930s: Clifford B. Miller, born 1922 died 1994 Clifford was an American physician, developed a low-carb diet for the treatment of obesity. This diet was known as the "Miller diet."
1950s: Alfred W. Pennington Born 1910 died 1998 age 88. Alfred W. Pennington was an American physician, published a book called "The Pennington Diet," which advocated for a low-carb diet for the treatment of obesity.
1960s: Robert C. Atkins, Born 1930 died 2003 age 72 Robert C. Atkins was an American cardiologist, published a book called "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution," which advocated for a very low-carb diet for the treatment of obesity.
1970s: Richard K. Bernstein, born 1932 died 2022 age 90 Richard K. Bernstein was an American physician, published a book called "Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution," in which he advocated for a very low-carb diet for the treatment of diabetes.
1980s: Barry Sears Born 1947 died 2017 Barry Sears was an American biochemist, published a book called "The Zone," in which he advocated for a low-carb diet for the treatment of a variety of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
1990s: Jeff Volek and Stephen Phinney. Jeff Volek born 1957 still living Stephen Phinney born 1948 still living. Jeff Volek and Stephen Phinney two American researchers published a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living," in which they advocated for a low-carb diet for the treatment of a variety of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
2000s: Gary Taubes, a Born 1956 Gary Taubes is American science writer, published a book called "Good Calories, Bad Calories," in which he argued that a low-carb diet is the best way to lose weight and improve health.
2010s: Jason Fung, born 1965 still living. Jason Fung a Canadian nephrologist, published a book called "The Obesity Code," in which he advocated for a low-carb diet for the treatment of obesity..
