I follow a ZC regimen but have steadfastly kept to a low to moderate fat intake because of the multitude of studies which document the medical risks of a diet rich in saturated fats. I've tried to caution those who follow such a plan on a ZC "support" thread here but have been told that my concerns are more appropriate for the War Zone.

Over time, I'll try to highlight a number of studies. Folks can then use them if they wish to make their own risk analysis.

I can't wait for you to post those studies. That should start interesting discussions.

Patrick

Will they be like the studies that Taubes and Eades, etc, have poked all sorts of holes in?

I eat tons of saturated fats...I can easily share my results if you ever want some hands on reports.

This is going to be awesome... *sitting back and watching*

IIRC LFTM has not read GCBC...

(That was a lot of acros LOL)

Nor has she read FOTL (NBBA)

(more acros LOL)

I anticipate a good discussion and can't wait to see some studies that also include low to zero carbohydrates and no vegetable fats, (such was eaten in the FOTL and the Bellevue Hospital study) rather than propoganda.

OMG, WTF?

Yes, because what happens to Joe Blow on a SAD diet, does not necessarily happen to Jane, on a diet eliminating carbs.

And don't forget, even those SAD studies, they were "interpreted" bass-ackwards frequently.

It has also been mentioned that Ancel Keys is a hero. I hope she brings his 'studies' up too, perhaps we are all missing something.

Abby,

It's all well and good to follow a plan that suits you, and if you don't happen to like the fattier cuts of meats, then this is fine.

Thing is - I *do* get a wee bit concerned when I hear about people combining ultra-low-carb intake with very low fat intake. It can be done...it works, but um...not for too long. I don't think this is a healthy plan, to be honest. In fact, such a plan is more of a 'crash diet' and I don't think it's wise to keep this up for too long.

All of that said - this isn't to say that you always have to try and increase fats beyond whatever fats might be in the meats/fish that you're eating either. I'm not a fan of tons of coconut oil or purposely trying to increase fats - I think just eating a variety of meats and fish is a good idea.

Meanwhile, if you're wanting to limit saturated fats, then I'd highly recommend increasing other fats - maybe you want some fish oil, some nuts, some avocado or what have you.

I am not going to be able to buy into the idea that saturated fats are as bad as they've been made out to be. Reason? My husband had really high cholesterol, and really tried to follow the 'usual' guidelines - he was told to cut out eggs, beef and cheese. It didn't work. What actually ended up 'working' was following a low-carb Paleo-ish style diet and ditching his statin medications. Result? His total cholesterol numbers went from 330 to 180.

Tinker with your fats - sure. But don't do this 'zero carb low fat' deal - it's really not very healthy, imo. Nothing wrong with zero carb - just that it's not such a hot idea to try and do both low-fat plus super low-carb for too long at a stretch. If you want to stick to the 'zero carb' thing - then I'd honestly recommend eating a variety of meats. Whatever you like, and whatever you're in the mood for.

Meanwhile, I really don't believe that saturated fats are the evil they've been made out to be. I am not saying 'load up on sat fats', but rather, what I am saying is 'Don't go low fat' on this thing.

I hope that I haven't confused things - to be clear - combining zero or almost zero carb intake and low-fat is ....a really bad idea.

It can be used as a 'quick fix' sort of crash diet for a really short time, but even then - I wouldn't recommend it.

Just being honest about all this - and I hope that no one takes offense to these things.

Hi Sara

Thanks for bringing up your DH; the way his labs responded to going Paleo was outstanding.

I wish I could explain myself a wee bit better without having to type paragraphs and paragraphs.

The short version? Don't combine ultra-low-carb or even zero carb with 'low fat' - not good.

And no, I am *not* saying ultra low carb or zero carb is a bad idea either.

I get a little freaked out at the idea of someone living on chicken breasts, that's all.

Didn't Keys eventually say that his hypothesis wasn't correct?

Name one.

Cut saturated fat by going for wild game instead of farm raised meat. Check out the difference between a pound of pork roast versus a pound of roasted wild boar, elk, moose or antelope. The USDA or Fitday.com will both break down the fat content for you. It's amazing.

With popcorn?

Patrick