Common concerns-
Let me take a minute to address some of the common concerns with The PROGRAM nutritional protocol and similar diet plans. One of the most common common and obvious concerns is the high intake of fat in this plan. This is an understandable concern since we have all been brainwashed for years about the supposed hazards of fat. Fortunately for us, there is more and more research every day coming out that dispels this myth. Here is a link to several articles on that topic. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/07/27/saturated-fat-cholesterol.aspx
In a nutshell, it has been proven that saturated fat intake is not related to heart disease and cholesterol problems and in fact, it is more likely that the traditional low-fat diet has led to the majority of heart disease in this country. When following a low-fat diet, the result is usually high carbohydrate diet which has been shown to have a more adverse affect on heart health. In addition, trans fats (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/trans-fat/art-20046114) have always been and continue to be a problem and they are found in margarine and in most processed foods and baked goods. Fortunately for those of us On The PROGRAM we limit the intake of those products so we should have a diet that is free of trans fats. Again, I am no doctor, but I can relay the information out there and try to make sense of it for you. Another common concern on this diet is occasional episodes of low blood sugar. This typically happens when the client is not eating enough fat throughout the day or in a particular meal. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, you should take a look at the meal prior to the incident and most likely you will find it was either a lean protein and a vegetable, without a substantial amount if fat or it was a simple carbohydrate meal (which should never happen in The PROGRAM) which left you in a reactive hypoglycemic state (http://www.fitnessandfatlossguru.blogspot.com/2013/02/reactive-hypoglycemia.html?m=1). Either way, episodes of low blood sugar should not be an issue on THe PROGRAM if you are following the recommendations. This includes the recommendation to avoid or at least limit alcohol intake. Alcohol intake is strongly related to hypoglycemic episodes (low blood sugar). Again, the most common cause of a low blood sugar episode is not having enough fat with your meals.
Finally, because of our many long-standing beliefs about nutrition, there is concern that this diet may not be healthy. I would strongly disagree with that notion and again, look to the research. A diet high in healthy (non-trans) fats, high in vegetables, moderate in fruit, moderate in high-quality protein and very low in refined carbohydrates can only be good. There is a ton of research to support this notion. Additionally, for anyone who is still concerned about their health, I would ask them to pay close attention to their moods, their energy levels and the way that they look and feel. It is reasonable to assume that if you have good energy, are feeling great mental clarity, losing body fat and have good energy that this is a good way of eating for you. If you do not feel that way, then perhaps this is not a good program for you. But in all honesty, I have yet to meet someone who does not feel better, look better and have more energy on this program.
