lots of carbs bad??? What about Japan????

[Professor]

Here's one for the tribe. A friend of mine wants to know if a lot of carbs are so bad for us and can lead to heart disease according to some, why is it that the Japanese don't suffer from these things even though their diet has a lot of carbs?? I'm still new to this so anyone with information that I could pass along to my friend, would be appreciated.
It appears that a lot of people who eat a standard diet, don't care much for this diet.I love it but I seem to be alone except for this website. Here's another point my friend is trying to make with me...there doesn't seem to be any scientific evidence that a lot of carbs can cause insulin levels to rise. I'm not sure on this one.
Again, I'm new to this but the diet seems to be working for me, I just don't have enough info to answer these questions. I almost forgot...there was a post on here that said a high protein low carb diet can lower testosterone levels? Any truth to that?? i hope not!!

Thanks guys and gals.     

[Tony Bondioli]

A common misconception about this way of eating is that it is necessarily "low carb."  It isn't.  What the caveman diet stresses are "non-grain" sources of carbs, because most carb sources consumed by people today (especially refined grains and sugars) have an extremely high glycemic index, meaning--in simple terms--that they cause a rapid spike in blood sugar (reducing insulin sensitivity over time).  Complex carbs, such as those found in vegetables, fruits, and nuts, are processed by the body more slowly, and do not have the same effect on insulin sensitivity.

As for various traditional Asian diets containing lots of carbs (especially brown, or whole, rice, and LOTS of vegetables), yes, they are extremely healthy ways of eating.  Personally, I tend to follow a sort of hybridized way of eating, striking a balance between the caveman-style diet described here with the traditional Okinawan diet.  Works for me.  Strictly following one or the other, or another way of eating, seems to work for others.  My advice is to keep experimenting until you find what works the best for you.

P.S.--I've not heard that a high-protein, low-carb diet will reduce testosterone levels, but I don't feel it's the healthiest way to eat, either.

[Lilnicki]

Here's my take on carbs......

There are good and bad ones..... obviously 'refined' carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and wheat noodles are a no-no. Carbs found in fruit and veg are good for this diet....... then you have those inbetween like rice and potatoes....... these to me seem like natural foods, so i eat them in moderation. Others will say that these are a bad idea though.......

Take what works for you and stick with that.

Nicki

[ajcurly]

I believe Asian cultures also eat good amounts of fish and seaweed full of omega 3. I'm sure they have a more balanced ratio of omega 3 to omega 6. It's supposed to be anywhere from 1:1-1:3. We Americans have an average ratio of 15:1 I believe is what I read somewhere. I think there diet is a more balanced approach to eating than the western diet which is about 70% grains or some form of grain.

[aza]

the "in japan ..." style thread. I live in tokyo and I think the biggest and most important reason japanese as a whole are generally ... its a bold cliam... is they dont overeat. its as simple as that. dish sizes are tiny compared to say the US. yes the diet is less junkish but doubt that is the primary reason.

its simply on average they aren`t nearly as overweight, as a population. that alone has tremendous health benefits.

[Tony Bondioli]

Well said, Aza.  I think the biggest hurdle for people in Western society to overcome regarding achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, is that many want to be able to eat "as much as they want" and not become fat. 

[SidheDraoi]

its simply on average they aren`t nearly as overweight, as a population. that alone has tremendous health benefits.

I agree with this 100%  in highschool in order to lose weight I went on a Japanese style diet, using bento boxes and such for portion control and getting myself accustom to food that had little to no seasonings. Been 4 years now and I no longer use bento boxes but the portion control has become a habit and so has the taste for lightly seasoned foods.

I use the "Hand Method" with my portion control... your palm is for meats, thumb is for sweets, 1 hand cupped is nuts and 2 hands cupped together is vegetables and fruits. Easy peasey lemon squeezy! 

[abdominator]

Portion control???...  never thought that exists

i eat like an animal always listening to my body'z innermost food desires
nuff said

[SidheDraoi]

Portion control???...  never thought that exists

i eat like an animal always listening to my body'z innermost food desires
nuff said

well arent you just a lucky little thing!    hahaha     I joke I joke I kid I kid...

I feel that portion control at the beginning of every diet is very important, especially if you ate like a starved animal before haha. If eating like its going out of style has landed you in an unpleasant situation perhaps its time to re-think your eating habits... Balance is necessary, yin and yang baby yea!

portion control doesnt necessarily have to be about keeping yourself from eating too much either, it could very well be about making yourself eat more! You control the portions, wither it be big or small yep yep!

[aza]

paleo lifestyle certainly is not the social norm so your eat all you want for a single meal is a bit out of context

its more, how often will someone not "finish their plate". its unusual, as we`re socially conditioned that its rude not too - starving children, no waste, finish your sprouts etc etc. So if the baseline plate/dish/portion is massive then chances are most ppl will eat it all and thus the body adapts.

[Kate]

Also worth mentioning: most Asians are lactose intolerant and dairy isn't part of their food culture. 

So no dairy, lots of good fish, an emphasis on vegetables, and those small portion sizes--sounds really healthy!  And rice, as Nicky pointed out, is one of those "in between" carbs, which is served up steamed and eaten with chopsticks (..not that you can't wolf down food with chopsticks).

Unfortunately, Western globalization has slowly taken over.  Did y'all know that Okinawa, formerly the land of centenarians, has a new generation that--thanks to McDonalds and such--is now the most obese in Japan?  It's so insane.

[Riverman]

My ideal diet is very, very simple and satisfying.....the following is a fairly typical day for me:
7am - water, grean tea, banana and protein.
10am - handful of almonds, veggies
12 noon - salad, 2 eggs, 1 can tomato basil tuna (small)
3pm - veggies, almonds
5pm - salad, broiled lean meat, grilled veggies
8pm - 2 eggs, tuna
NO dairy, grain products or potatoes.
Well it works for me..........