Low Fat High Carb
The main proponent of this dietary tactic is Dr John McDougall, a Californian based physician who has written many articles and books espousing the virtues of a plant-based diet.
Dr Mcdougall’s book: The Starch Solution. A plan to cure diabetes and most diseases.
Makes bold claims, which quite reasonably invoke scepticism amongst the anti-quackery brigade.
This is essentially a vegan diet, very low fat, high fibre and starch, with plenty of fruit and veg, and therefore contains relatively few calories.
Consequently, it is likely to help you lose weight and reduce blood sugars.
However, I personally don’t believe it’s main premise is correct, that the cause of diabetes is simply an excess of dietary fat. So I find it hard to recommend this type of diet on a long term basis.
Moreover, because it is very low in fat, it could potentially weaken your defences by reducing the amount of important fat soluble vitamins ADE & K, your body is able to absorb.
If on the other hand you find it hard to believe that fat might actually be good for you and cannot let go of the whole cholesterol:heart disease hypothesis, then this might be the tactic for you.
One point I agree with Dr McDougall on is the avoidance of vegetable oils – there is increasing evidence that vegetable oils can be inflammatory and contribute towards insulin resistance.
Dr McDougall certainly has a devout following in the States, and I have no doubt has helped many improve their overall health, but when you’re up against the Standard American Diet (SAD) that really isn’t too difficult.
Video: Diet, Drugs & Diabetes – Dr McDougall