The myths about dieting and healthy eating continue to frustrate the general public on a daily basis. How many times have you seen or read a news story promoting dangers of certain foods, then a week later the exact opposite news story is being promoted. For example, one week the news cycle is stating that pasta and carbohydrates are the devil, then the following week it’s carbohydrates and pasta help you lose weight. The amount of conflicting information that is promoted to the public seems to be never ending, often leaving the public confused and annoyed. Fat has long been portrayed as the ‘bad guy’ when it comes to health and wellbeing, however these claims are continually being challenged by scientists due to the lack of evidence these claims are based on.

Nina Teicholz is an investigative journalist, who has spent the better part of the last 18 years investigating diet, research papers, farming and perhaps most importantly, the weak science in which the United States food pyramid was built on. In 2014 Nina released a book “The Big FAT Surprise” where she reported her findings on studying the effect of fat on heart disease, cholesterol and mortality rates. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Nina discusses the findings in her book, her ongoing fight to debunk dieting myths, her experience as a vegetarian and her experience as a born again meat eater.

website: https://thebigfatsurprise.com/

Nina is not alone in her fight to promote a high fat diet that is low in refined carbohydrates. Dr Peter Brukner, Australian cricket team Doctor and Author, has also started to promote a high fat diet following his personal experience with reducing carbohydrate intake. Peter is now part of a larger group of medical professionals who promote the high fat diet/lifestyle. Their work can be found on their website and youtube channel at

Website: https://lowcarbdownunder.com.au/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lowcarbdownunder

Dr Brukner also has released a book called “A Fat Lot of Good” where he aims to “busts the dietary myths we’ve been living by for decades and gives you all the information you need, in as simple a way as possible, to live a longer, healthier and – most importantly – more enjoyable life”.

When considering a change in dietary habits it is important to remember there is a scientific hierarchy that needs to be understood for results to occur. The rules are listed below in rank of importance.

  1. A diet that suits your lifestyle and behaviour
  2. Energy balance. For weight loss to occur energy intake must always be less than energy expenditure. (calories in < calories out)
  3. Macronutrient intake. Protein, Fat and Carbohydrates. Aim to eat 1.6gm protein per/kg of body weight. 1 gram of carbs = 4 calories, 1 gram of protein = 4 calories, 1 gram of fat = 9 calories.
  4. Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals)
  5. Nutrient timing. What time you eat, how long between meals etc.
  6. Supplements. No point using supplements if you haven’t properly tried rules 1-4.

For those of you stuck in a rut, hopefully, these resources begin to enlighten you to start thinking differently about your diet and lifestyle.

If you feel the need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, be sure to consult with a health professional before proceeding.