I agree we are entitled to our own opinions and choices, but we have to be very in tune from where our nutritional information is being derived. My vegan feathers got ruffled last evening while lifting weights with the TV on for distraction. The Five, a Fox News channel show, had a segment reporting on an Italian study that stated women were more attracted to men who ate meat. They went around the table giving their supporting opinions while they ate their favorite “protein” derived from dead animals. Supporting arguments included Dana Perino having been told on a safari that animals, like humans with their eyes in the front, were hunters and those on the side were weaker grazers. She also bragged about being from a family of cattle ranchers in Wyoming. No bias towards eating animals there! Another arrogant comment came from the less than manly Greg Gutfield who stated eating cow ribs was like being a cannibal to those watching from other planets, making humans something to be feared from potential predators. Jesse Watters, who probably would not tolerate going without air-conditioning, let alone hunting down his own food, suggested that eating meat was a sign of strength and manliness that attracted women. I am not sure how manly hunting meat on a menu is, given that he probably gets most of his animal protein delivered to him at restaurants, like the steak covered in a cheese sauce he proudly ate during his comments. And then there was Juan Williams, the token liberal, said he was trying to cut back only eating non meat items like chicken and fish because of his brush with prostate cancer. I guess flying and swimming animals are not animals and cutting back is a punishment for being stricken with cancer.
How is it that political journalists become experts in all fields including health and nutrition? At least Dana confessed to her support from the cattle industry. Juan perhaps knew better but sought sympathy for his bad choices from those with similar illnesses. Greg and Jesse portray bad boys that use sarcastic humor to feel good about their bad habits. It is your choice boys, just don’t try to take others down with you. They would be less coy if a vegan powerlifter walked out on the stage to question their manliness. The bottom line is that they are there to support the sponsors and their well studied viewer demographics. When most populations are asked what is most important, they universally site health. Yet industry vows to disconnect nutritional choices from health seeking support from anywhere they can.
The important lesson is to be aware of the biases of the presenters and question their sources. Hearing good things about your bad habits does not justify continuing down a path that leads to poor health and lifestyle diseases. Being supported by industy sponsors does lead to bias. There have been many studies showing the herd effect on generating biases and opinions. I am intolerant of hecklers in my nutrition classes because of this very reason. Even though there is no malice intended, there is an underlying desire to attract like thinkers to support old behaviors, and hang onto the very choices that caused ill health in the first place.
Our goal is to present the most accurate data available on preventing and reversing lifestyle diseases without attachment to industries promoting quick fixes and unproven health benefits. Eat plants as close to their original form as possible, and move your body daily. Let us help you achieve the healthiest version of you.
15 Comments
Charlie Popp
Good blog. This morning my sister told me I should eat more protein because her daughter who is a vegetarian said if I want to lose weight I should eat more protein. Neither one of them know how much protein I even eat. Sorry, I am venting. Non-support comes from so many sides around us, it is hard to keep our eyes forward and on the prize.
Dr. Dulaney
Weight loss is not necessarily being healthy. Eating plant based helps one to achieve health with a side effect of fat loss. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to be a skinny sick weakling. I am after lean, strong, healthy, and flexible. All best achieved eating a whole foods plant based SOS free diet.
Susan from Bryson City NC
My mother just went to a ( Midwest) rehab facility for PT and Cardiac rehab. First day breakfast was eggs with biscuits and gravy. Today, was eggs, a ” large donut” and cream of wheat. WTH? She has aggressive bladder cancer and multiple blockages in her heart and a HEALTH facility feeds her this?
Dr. Dulaney
So sad that we have a dsconnect with nutrition and health.
Suzette Trainor
Great blog and thanks for sharing it. It’s sad to look around daily and see how much sickness is out there and the meat issue is always disgusting but I’m grateful for making a lifestyle change being plant based and having you as my health care provider. Very blessed and will continue to boast about it!👍🏻😊
Dr. Dulaney
Thank you
Jack & Barb McIvor
Amen!
Dr. Dulaney
Thank you
David Rodrigues
Awesome blog! Real men eat plants!
Dr. Dulaney
Yes they do!
Donna Berry
I can’t help but wonder if the meat industry sponsored the study? Wondering now if places like e-harmony will have video clips of men eating meat while they describe their best attributes to attract the opposite sex.
giselebivens
May I just say what a comfort to uncover someone that actually understands what they’re discussing on the web. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you’re not more popular since you definitely have the gift.
Dr. Dulaney
Thank you for the kind words. Please feel free to share the website with your friends.
giselebivens
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else encountering issues with your website. It appears as if some of the text in your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This may be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously. Thank you
Nancy Brainard
I love listening to your podcasts and today’s was especially timely. You spoke about mixed messages. Well, I have met some plant based (sorts) people at the gym and we have decided to start to plant based group (Plateau Plant Eaters) but as we meet and talk, it is apparent that some are still eating meet and using oil. All 5 of us seem to be doing things a little differently. I believe the science but get confused listening to the others. We have decided to just invite people and see what happens, but very few rules except to be “open and supportive.” I was hoping to be more open with the rules but I think the others are concerned being too committed and strict will drive many away. So, we have our first pot luck 10/21 and I am not sure where this will go. I will continue with my WFPBNO ways but I am not confident we will have high enough expectations for others. One friend is Japanese and she really has different ideas and eats fish still. Anyway, thank you for your podcasts. Wish I lived closer. Loved in Gainesville for 28 years! In TN now. Thank you for your guidance.