As many of you know, I am a practicing vegetarian and, except for the occasional croissant or slice of cheese, vegan.
The reasons are numerous: the environmental impact of breeding, feeding, killing, processing, and transporting animals and animal products; the health impact of (cancer-causing) processed meats; and my own spiritual beliefs (I practice Hinduism).
I believe a vegetarian diet is a viable option for anyone who wants to feel better, stay healthy, and save money on food bills. I don’t push it on anyone, and I don’t care if someone orders steak while we have lunch together. I choose my battles. Trying to get people to adopt the Old Money way of life has been challenge enough.
Nevertheless, I’ve just started reading Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD. In the book, he recounts a complaint that I have heard from many people for many years: “I’m exercising like crazy, eating smart, and I still can’t lose weight.”
He offers a surprising solution. I’m going to leave it to you to read the book, consider his approach (which, by the way, allows for the consumption of animal products) and let me know what you think.
Bon appetit…
- BGT
First, the good news. At your recommendation I read A Gentleman in Moscow and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Amor Towles is a very good writer. Now the bad news. I’m a pescatarian (vegetarian plus seafood) and whole grains, including wheat, are a large and important part of my diet. There is no way I could give that up. A vegan who doesn’t eat wheat, or grains in general, would be down to pretty much just fruits and vegetables, no? As a counterpoint I would offer The Starch Solution by John McDougall which aligns closely with my own approach to eating.
By the way, I didn’t know you practice Hinduism, bit I’m sure it has not escaped your attention that the Brahmins were the original Boston OMGs.
…Is his proposed solution a calorie deficit?
While some people may argue that wheat-based products (and carbs in general) are the culprit, you can’t argue with the laws of thermodynamics. Carbs are also easily overeaten (they’re not satiating) and often make up the majority of calories in a lot of diets, which is why so many people have success when they cut them out.
I recently had a lot of success losing some excess weight just tracking calories closely while still indulging in my morning pastry, bread, pasta, the occasional beer, etc. More protein and veggies helps for sure, but I’m sure those still struggling to lose the gut are still overeating calories.
Hello there,
Last year, my doctor recommended that I stop eating all grains (including rice and corn). I wanted to do some research on this and ended up reading Dr. Davis’ Wheat Belly (which aligns with my doctor’s advice). Just this one change helped me lose 60 pounds (carefully and slowly), and here I am – a year later – and haven’t gained any weight back. (I am still grain-free). I do eat some carbs, but only carbs that are from nature (potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables). I feel a lot better and am very appreciative of my doctor’s and Dr. Davis’ advice.
Kate