Very Low Fat Diets

VLF diets contain 10% or less fat, very high carbohydrates, and low-moderate protein. Representative VLF diets are those promoted by Dr. Dean Ornish (Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease), and Nathan and Robert Pritikin (The Pritikin Program).

VLF diets are based primarily on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, with moderate quantities of egg whites, nonfat dairy or soy products, and small amounts of sugar and white flour. Ornish’s diet is vegetarian; Pritikin allows a limited amount of low-fat animal protein daily (no more than 3.5 ounces of lean beef, fowl or fish-my comment: this suggestion completely ignores individual needs and requirements). Each plan includes a nutrition and exercise component; Ornish’s plan includes stress reduction and emotional support as well. Pritikin also claims medications for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure may be reduced or completely eliminated by following these plans.

My thoughts: VLF Diets

Nutritional analysis of a VLF diet indicates that VLF diets are inadequate in vitamin E, B12, and zinc. Some VLF diets, based on poor food choices, may mean lower than recommended levels of other certain nutrients such as iron, phosphorous, and calcium. Other nutritional questions that occur when following a VLF is the uncertainty about compromised absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and the impact of increased dietary fiber on the absorption of minerals. VLF diets that result in weight maintenance often cause increases in blood triglycerides and decreases in HDL levels. In general, with weight loss decreases in triglycerides and LDL levels occur with no change in TC/HDL ratios. VLF diets are often low in protein for athletes and active individuals (although this depends).

Most people following very low-fat diets will probably lose weight (especially if they follow the guidelines prescribed by Ornish and Pritikin). These diets lack in overall optimal nutrition and the lack of dietary fat can lead to numerous problems.

thanks
Coach Hale
www.maxcondition.com