GeoffreyLevens wrote:Thanks for the link, had not seen. What surprises me a bit is that this has not become more "general knowledge" in the CRON "community". I am not connected at all, don't really follow, but get the impression that most continue to struggle with extreme portion control and perhaps often unconscious feelings of deprivation when it can be done so enjoyably, easily and healthily.
I think part of the problem started after Dr Walford died. As you may know, if you looked closely at his teachings, he was a fan of the lower fat, higher carb, whole foods lifestyle and even recommended Pritikin in one of his books. However, after he died, it seemed like some other strong personalities took over the direction of the movement and they were all very pro The Zone and the work of Barry Sears. While they eventually moved away from most of the that, it seems they still tend towards more of a higher fat MED type diet. Of course, the more high calorie dense foods you include, the more portion control you need.
One main point I see coming through all of it is that as long as CR is practiced and ON is met (and their definition of ON is basically meeting most RDA/DRI's and keeping the bad stuff low), the program works.
So, it seems to me that the over-riding principles of it all are...
1) Plant Centered - Center your plate and your diet around plant foods: fruits veggies, starchy veggies, roots/tubers, intact whole grains & beans, pas & lentils.
2) Minimally Processed - Enjoy foods as close to "as grown in nature" with minimal processing that does not detract from the nutritional value &/or add in any harmful components.
3) Calorie Dilute - Follow the principles of calorie density choosing foods that are calorie adequate, satiating and nutrient sufficient.
4) Low S-O-S - Avoid/minimize the use of added Salts, Oils/Fats and Sugars
5) Variety- Consume a variety of foods within the recommended food groups
In addition, include about 30-60 minutes of activity a day (including some aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercise), aim for a BMI of around 18.5-22 and get enough sleep, rest, relaxation, recreation, fresh air, pure water, etc.
If you do that, regardless of how exactly you do that, may not really matter.
In Health
Jeff