This document discusses why diet foods and low-fat alternatives promoted in the 1980s may be contributing to higher obesity rates. It argues that replacing fats with artificial ingredients, sugars, and refined carbs causes more harm than good. Specific "better choices" are suggested for various diet foods and drinks, emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods like grass-fed meat and full-fat dairy instead of their low-fat or fat-free counterparts. Overall, it questions the conventional wisdom around diet foods, suggesting whole foods and moderate amounts of healthy fats are more conducive to health and weight management.
3. You can eat
sugar, fat and salt if
youre willing to do
it right.
- Hana
Feeney, MS, RD
University of Arizona
Mass adoption of healthy diet foods
begins in the early 80s.
Lab created. Chemical-based.
Diet Coke
Entenmanns fat-free pastry
TCBY frozen yogurt
Obesity rates have doubled among
adults, tripled among kids.
REMEMBER THE 80S?
4. 1. COOKING OILS
INDUSTRIAL VEG OILS
Fat Factor:
High Omega-6 vs. Omega-3 leads to body-wide inflammation and
impaired cellular health (clotting & proliferation) due to hormone
production
Diets high in Omega-6 increased risk of heart attack and death from
heart disease.
Long-chain fatty acids not easily burned as energy. Stored, then, as
fat.
Less stable than butter fat. Degrades and releases free radicals
possible cancer risks.
Refined to increase smoke point for frying/searing/browing. Smoke
from oil is toxic.
5. 1. COOKING OILS
BETTER CHOICE: GRASS-FED BUTTER
Saturated fats vital to our cellular well-being and do not drive
heart disease
Saturated fat make it ideal for cooking does not oxidize easily
from heat, light, or oxygen
Magnet for heavy metals and antibiotics, so eat from grass-fed
dairy cows
High in lauric & linoleic acids (CLA) support immune
system, fight heart disease, build lean muscle
Grass-fed cows produce butter 3-5 times higher in CLA
Also consider: HSP: Almond, Avocado, Hazelnut, Palm; M-HSP:
Canola, Grapeseed, Extra Virgin Olive, Peanut; MSP:
Corn, Hemp, Sesame, Coconut; NoHeat: Flaxseed & Wheat
germ
6. 2. FAT FREE PRETZELS
Fat Factor:
Most made from white flour stripped of most
nutrients & injected w/ synthetic vitamins & minerals
Refined flours incite inflammation, leads to chronic
disease & weight gain
Cravings: Empty carbs trigger sudden rush of blood
glucose signals brain that it is being fed, but
nutrients do not follow leading to cravings.
False sense of virtue
7. 2. FAT FREE PRETZELS
BETTER CHOICE: ORGANIC POTATO CHIPS
Potato is food no such thing as a pretzel plant
When in doubt, a whole food is always preferable
Fat in potato chip holds down glycemic load of
potato
See cooking oils discussion organic potato and
good-quality oils
More satisfying to the brain than pretzel
8. 3. SKINLESS CHICKEN
Fat Factor:
Antibiotics leading to urinary tract infections and
other bacterial infections.
Food-borne illness 2005 CDC found bacteria
Campylobacter on 47% of raw chicken breasts
tested.
Low in good fats
We cant work out if were sick!
9. 3. SKINLESS CHICKEN
BETTER CHOICE: GRASS-FED BEEF
Richer in Omega-3 fats
Higher in CLA
No antibiotics
Fraction of harmful bacteria
Grass-fed is 1/3-1/2 overall fat content of grain-fed
counterpart
6 ounce grass-fed steak has almost 100 fewer
calories because of lower fat content
10. 4. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Toxicity Sucralose & Aspartame linked to skin
rashes, migraines, impaired cognitive
function, blurred vision
Bait n switch
Taste of artificial sweetener triggers liver to receive sugar
shipment
Body release insulin to break down sugar and metabolize
Sugar does not come
Liver triggers body to eat more
Artificial sweeteners 13,000 times sweeter causing
hard change in sweet sensors, leading to binge
sweet eating long term.
11. 4. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Better Choices:
Unrefined organic cane sugar
Raw honey
Real maple syrup
* Stevia is genetically modified.
12. 5. FAT-FREE YOGURT
Additives fat is replaced by questionable
emulsifiers and thickening agents
Emulsifiers are cousin to anti-freeze (propylene
glycol) considered toxic to skin and neurological
toxicant
Lack of Satiety Fat is filling triggers stop eating
sensor. Lack of fat causes over eating and lack of
fullness feeling
Empty calories leads to cravings fat helps slow
glycemic process, reducing sugar high and keep
cravings at bay
13. 5. FAT FREE YOGURT
Better Choices:
Full-fat yogurt from milk from pasture-raised cows
Greek yogurt is best
If too dense, mix down with skim yogurt
Avoid fruited yogurt. Go with plain and add your
own fruit, nuts, etc.
14. 6. ENERGY BARS
Watch out for:
Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil - Fractioning separates
solid fat and raises melting point
Rice/Whey/Soy crisps Highly processed. Adds
bulk, texture, crunch. Digest quickly causing surge
in blood sugar, unused energy stored as fat.
Organic brown rice syrup Arsenic. Eating just 2-3
energy bars w/ OBRS can expose enough to be har
15. 7. SPORTS DRINKS
Watch out for:
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Guar Gum
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Emulsifier, flame
retardant, and hormone disrupter* banned in several
countries
Better:
Water and/or Water diluted with juice and sea salt