[ExI] Fwd: CrossFit picks up the WSJ article

[Harvey Newstrom]

On May 29, 2:22 am, Scott Kerr <uwsk... at gmail.com> wrote:
> it seems there could be a simple
> conclusion, such as: several body types exist and these process food
> differently with different effects; or, it doesn't matter what anyone
> eats as long as it's not gorging

Believe it or not, most data shows little variation between humans.  I know 
people stress different body types and genetic differences.  But most of 
these have a statistically "significant" effect of a few percent.  Basic 
diet and exercise account for most body changes, and far out-weight these 
other so-called differences.

My theory on why so many different diets work, is that any diet is better 
than random eating.  Most people eat whatever they feel like, and don't 
realize how much junk and how many total calories they eat.  Switching to 
any diet (high fat, high carb, high protein, low fat, low carb, or low 
protein) will greatly reduce your food choices.  Besides having less choice 
and probably eating less because of it, the dieter will also start paying 
attention to what they are eating, and probably make better choices.  So 
virtually any diet that is planned is better than any random unplanned diet.

My other theory on diets is that most of them are bunk.  The list I gave 
before (high fat, high carb, high protein, low fat, low carb, or low 
protein) are all bogus.  There are good carbs and bad carbs.  There are good 
fats and bad fats.  There are probably good proteins and bad proteins. (Or 
if not pure proteins, proteins often come mixed with other good and bad 
macronutrients).  One has to distinguish between the good and bad to 
increase the good and decrease the bad.  It makes no sense to increase or 
decrease total amounts, if one doesn't distinguish whether one is adjusting 
the good or the bad.  This is the major flaw with most diet theories, and is 
a major flaw with many experiments as well.

It also makes no sense to focus on one macronutrient while ignoring the 
others.  One has to increase good fats, increase good carbs, increase good 
proteins, while decreasing bad fats, decreasing bad carbs, and decreasing 
bad proteins.  This is basic biochemistry for human nutrition.  And it is 
the same for all humans.

--
Harvey Newstrom <www.HarveyNewstrom.com>