How Our Obsession with Meat Is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It

This book helps tremendously in making sense of all the myths, misinformation, confusion, and biases that perpetuate the hi animal protein mindset. So much research has been done, and so much more has been misused and misconstrued. This book will help separate the wheat from the chaffe as it were.

Excellent read! I have been vegan now for 5 years and have never felt better. This book solidifies my commitment to avoid animal protein. Very well researched and well presented. I highly recommend it!

A thorough, informative and mind opening view on why a plant based diet is the simple yet effective solution to the worst health issues of our times ( and so much more!). Doctor Garth's background and his own journey add crucial and very powerful elements that make the book "real" and very relatable. Truly inspiring work. If all doctors were as open minded and dedicated to the true cause of the well being of their patients!

This book presents an evidence-based approach to the goal of finding the ideal human nutrition. My purpose in reading this book was to become more educated regarding sound nutrition that I could apply to my life and that of the hundreds of patients that I treat. I will be reviewing the reference articles to glean more insights.
Thank you Dr Davis

Ho hum, more of what I already knew. I've been n enthusiastic vegan since 2000. However I found this book great. A good summary of all the awful things that happen to us when we eat animal products and the way industry uses fake science to cover the truth about their deadly foods.

Maybe you won't make any changes to your life after reading this book, but you can't say anymore that you didn't know. Thank you to Dr. Davis and his co-authors for explaining the studies and giving us non-science people a chance to understand.

an inspiring book that motivates a healthy life-style as well as a healthy environment; a book everyone should read to begin to understand the physiology of our body as it relates to our nutrition; nutrition as it relates to protein and the impact agriculture has on the environment.

This book is fantastic, well researched, logical and a MUST HAVE for anyone. I am going to give a copy to everyone I know. Especially my doctors as all but three doctors I know, are clueless about how our food choices are the most important part of our health and well being. I loved the candor of Dr. Garth Davis. His own journey, even as a doctor, was astounding. I love any person or medical authority who can step back and research facts to get to the truth. I find that medical professionals often refuse to learn anything new because they think they know everything. How refreshing to have a doctor tell you about his past misinformation! Doctors are like gods and we patients tend to believe everything they say. This doctor lets you know that his own new awareness caused him to tell the facts in this great, easy to read book. I am getting everyone I know this book. Thank you Dr. Garth Davis for this outstanding work.

Dr. Davis provides a thorough, research-based argument for eliminating animal-based protein in favor of a vegan lifestyle. He explains the ways in which animal protein promotes disease, and everything is well-cited. It is easy to understand, even without a scientific inclination.

I cam across Garth Davis's name in the documentary 'What the Health' and looked up his work, which led me to this book. I tend to skip over the personal anecdotes even though they do provide a context for authors' motivation and went straight to the substance. Maybe I agree with a lot of what Dr Davis recommends because it fits my own dietary habits, but I do think we've come to identify protein with animal products--meat, eggs, dairy, etc.--and perhaps even 'overvalue' it because we don't look at what is packaged with it: for instance, 1 oz of raw, ground grass-fed beef offers 5g protein but comes with 4g fat (an average hamburger is about 4-5 oz).
There's some good science and research here, but as with all books in this genre, don't take it as gospel, adopt a critical approach; read, keep up on nutrition studies if it interests you (always check 'quantity' and who funded the research) but don't obsess over food and especially food fads.

Dr. Garth Davis takes us on a journey from when he was a famous weight-loss doctor recommending protein. He performed bariatric surgery saving lives. When his patients left, now 100 pounds lighter, he assured them that with lots of protein they could keep the weight off. But they didn’t. Nor did the good doctor! His own medical results were terrible. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and fat. All the while, people thought he was the model of health. He vowed to discover the ideal diet. He reviewed blue zones—populations where people lived a long life free of disease. And he discovered one thing in common: they all lived on whole-food, plant-based diets. This shook his world view. He couldn’t risk his world-famous reputation without making sure this plant-based thing was right. So he reviewed the science—all of it. And in the end he concluded, without a doubt, that America is protein obsessed. We don’t need the enormous protein that we’re bought up thinking we do. All the protein we need is in a basic plant-based diet. The book is backed by serious science. In fact if there’s anything negative to say, there might be too much focus on research. There’s even a whole chapter about how you can tell whether science is reliable. Why did Dr. Davis recommend protein before? Because that’s what everybody said was right—group think. That was the reason. And that’s why you think enormous amounts of protein is best. You’re wrong. Read Proteinaholic to find out why.

As a dietitian who works in a hospital community with a large geriatric population, as well as a skyrocketing obesity problem, I see the effects of a "meat centric" diet every day. I see people die and it is tragic. And they are dying of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, renal failure, complications of diverticulitis....preventable diseases for the most part. But it is not too late to change. When you know better, you do better. After reading his book, one will most certainly know better! Thank you Dr. Garth. America needs this. Lori Stevens RD, LDN, CNSC

Probably the best book on plant-based health I've read. Lots of good and scientifically proven information on the health benefits of vegan diets and the extremely negative effects of the standard animal product consumption. I wish my family and friends would give it a read.

Excellent book! I am no newbee but I learned a ton in this book. I especially like the science regarding the Paleo diet and also some new science on diabetes. As Dr. Davis states, clearly the treatments now recommended for diabetes seem to be doing them no good at all. He gives a fairly detailed account on why that is and what he feels is another reason and pathway for the disease. The one thing that he did not mention (and maybe because there is very little science on it as Monsanto and its ilk have primarily made only pro-gmo studies available) is the effect of gmos on our food. I have a sense that they have made meat and dairy even worse for us than they were before; a possible synergistic effect.

There is a ton of science in the book and a critical look at how the studies were done, their flaws, etc. Good to know since I am not qualified to make those determinations.

His story engages the reader. His explanation of the research is easily understood. I'm sharing this book with anyone who is interested in improving their health and reducing their risk of living with a chronic disease.

Simply put: this is an indispensable work. Dr. Davis calls out all of the ways the American public has been duped into being obsessed about protein. He cites every study and explains them in a way that any layperson can understand. It also is put in a way that isn't dry or boring. There are many "ahh!" moments in this book and solid, medical reasons why everyone should examine what they are eating. Don't let untrained bloggers or media manipulators dictate your health decisions. Get it from Dr. Garth Davis in this great book.

I don't think I've read a more thoroughly researched and referenced book on the subject of protein to date than Proteinaholic. While Brad Pilon's excellent eBook on protein requirements is probably on par with Proteinaholic regarding factual/objective research -- vs. that created by the supplement or livestock industry, it doesn't come close to the health aspects of over-consuming protein addressed by Dr. Davis.

Worth considering, other notable MDs and PhDs whose recommendations agree with, or, are similar to Dr. Davis' include:

- Dr. Gerald Reaven, MD (Endocrinologist) - Discovered Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome and long ago recommended lower protein consumption and demonstrated protein impacts insulin as much as some carbohydrates, if not moreso
- Dr. Ron Rosedale, MD (Endocrinologist) - Dr. Rosedale, a low carb advocate, has warned for years of the relation of high protein and disease
- Dr. Ellington Darden, PhD - With a background in nutrition, Dr. Darden's PhD studies confirmed the muscle magazine recommendations of over a gram of protein per pound of bodyweight are both worthless and expensive

One extremely positive aspect of Dr. Davis' book is while he's a vegan, he doesn't discount consuming 'animal' proteins. Like other vegan MDs, such as Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD, he suggests reducing your protein intake to your body's actual needs.

Besides the potential health benefits, the financial savings are pretty telling...by simply reducing your protein intake to what is actually needed, that protein purchase of chicken or eggs that would disappear at one meal will probably last up to three meals. And while many will discount the environmental impact of livestock on the environment, watch films like Cowspiracy. Global warming aside, the incredibly destructive impact created by millions of tons of animal waste are wiping out waterways, while these animals are literally draining already-low water resources.

- If you're a vegan, this book is a complement to your favorite author--Fuhrman, McDougall, Esselstyn, etc.
- If you're not a vegan, give the book a read for your health and wallet. (And long term, those two become pretty important.)
- If you're a bodybuilder, give up the bro science for a few minutes and check out the impact of what the supplement media (eg "muscle rags") are selling

Highly recommended!

Great combination of story telling, scientific evidence, philosophy, and personal growth coaching. The whole foods, plant-based diet can heal ourselves, our families, our communities, and our planet. It isn't easy for most people to change their diets. Food addictions, denial, ideology, and just plain stubbornness run very deep for most of us. However, it is essential that we adopt this way of eating and as long as we are still alive it isn't too late. Who wouldn't want to live to be over 100 , full of vitality, and disease free?

Dr. Garth Davis lays out a logical and scientific case for the positive benefits of a whole food, plant based diet with a minimum or negligible consumption of animal based foods. Dr. Davis explains that the obsession with the consumption of animal protein has put us all at risk of many chronic diseases. Dr. Davis explains why getting the "big picture" when it comes to evaluating nutritional studies is so important. Bottom line: this is a great book that may help many people to maintain great health (I hope it does)....

Howard Jacobson has a great ability to make a book readable! Garth Davis brings the science!

This shows that the science is clear, a whole foods mostly plants, nuts, seeds, and beans is the way to go if you want health! The answer is not another pill, or procedure. Eat well and get rid of chronic disease. Good by Adkins, and Paleo. Please read if this book! Sadly, it is better advice than you can get in most doctors offices.

Reducing or omitting animal protein makes a lot of sense to me and this book offers some very interesting data on why animal products are not good for us. However, I think it makes a plant-based diet sound simpler and easier than it is. It does not stress the importance of supplementing with B 12 and of making sure your diet includes enough iron, calcium and omega 3s. I think being a vegan is great for the environment and animals and has a potential to be very healthy as well, but I missed some tips on how to make sure you get all necessary nutrients eating this way.
Update: since reading this book, I have been researching what to eat and I now think that except for B 12, a balanced plant-based diet is likely to include enough nutrients. I still think it could be stated in the book. E.g. that you can get enough iron by eating various legumes or that tofu, sesame seeds or poppy seeds are good sources of calcium.

Started it today and finished it today. I couldnt put it down. I normally get very bored with nonfiction but decided to get this anyway because i was very curious about the subject matter. There is nothing boring about this book. It feels more like your sitting down with a very smart friend explaining to you why protein is killing you and not just some doctor spewing facts. A must read for anyone that doesnt want to live an unhealthy life and die early.

What mades this book real and believable is Dr. Garth Davis. He told the story about himself and his circumstance. He didn't right out tell you to change your lifestyle, moreover he explained what it took for him to change his. The process and knowledge plus his self awareness were the keys to his success. Dr Garth Davis is a weight-loss surgeon in Texas. Texas is known for it's meat. What does this tell you?

As the author of <i>Three Minute Therapy</i>, with a chapter on compulsive eating, I have read many books on diet, nutrition, and health. <i>Proteinaholic</i> is among the very best. In addition to the important nutritional information, the book is interestingly written, clear, and well organized. I highly recommend it. Three Minute Therapy: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life

Finally someone is standing up to this misguided Paleo movement. This author has all the studies over a long period of time, it's not just his opinion. Very compelling. Everyone who has questions about the wisdom of eating animal products - and everyone should have those questions in this day and age -needs to read this.

Life changing book for me and some friends I have given it to. Author does a wonderful job explaining science linking various diseases, and the foods most of us eat. The bibliography in the book is 47 pages long. Somehow the two authors manage to explain a wide range of data in plain English!!! There are also some true golden bits of info about protein and nutrition. The book does contain meal plans and recipes, some very good ones in fact. However it is not a cookbook.

Amazing book! Dr. Garth Davis has done great research on how animal protein can destroy your body, and how a whole food plant based diet can make your body thrive. My wife and I love this book and have learned so much from it. Read this book and it will save your life.

I'm a registered dietitian and I LOVE this book. It is a must read for anyone interested in health, nutrition, or even 'just' living a long and healthy life. I will be recommending this to all my clients.

I got this book to be able to reply to the phrase, 'So how do you get your protein?..". But it's much more than that. It has so much information from cover-to-middle. I'm only half way, so I can't really speak for the stuff I haven't read.

This is a very interesting read loaded with well researched information on the benefit of a plant based diet. Dr. Davis dispels many myths about nutrition including why our culture became obsessed with animal protein. It is also loaded with tons of recipes and is a great starter book for people new to the benefits of plant based nutrition.

Definitely an eye opener....just confirmed my thoughts and ways of going plant based. So glad I read this...it’s not an opinionated but SCIENCE and FACT- based book. Lot of sources too. Very easy to read and understand for those who want or need simpler terminology. I like his analogies...easy to remember.

Exceptional story of a doctor who believed national rhetoric of MAXIMIZE ANIMAL PROTEIN only to learn all the evidence points to eating small amounts of protein for superior nutrition. The author backs it up with extensive research and explanation and adds some recipes to help newbies start a new, healthful diet.

A well-chronicled story about Dr Davis's personal transformation from an "average American" eater into an energetic, lively Vegan. Amazing explanations and also discounts many of the abundantly known diets such as Paleo, South Beach, Atkins and WHY they are outright false. Sources and references GALORE. I applaud Dr Davis for writing a masterpiece

As a nutritionist and exercise physiologist (and nutrition professor), I've seen what the effects of different diets and different types and amounts of exercise can do. And I've also seen the vast amount of confusion and misinformation that clouds the discussion of nutrition and diet in the media, on the Internet and even just among friends and family or people I meet at dinner parties. I also have seen inaccuracies in nutrition textbooks--written by old-school registered dietitians who follow the protein-is-king philosophy and who aren't even vaguely aware of the research on plant-based eating. This book is like a breath of fresh air in the nutrition world. It's easy to read and compelling to read. Your eyes will be opened. In some sense we all instinctively know the information, except it's been deprogrammed out of us: We've all been so pummeled by Big Dairy and Big Meat food messaging from advertising, PR campaigns and lobbying pressure that has influenced dietary guidelines. So we think up is down and down is up when it comes to certain nutrition information. This book will open your eyes. And if you take it to heart--and to your plate--you can literally save your life (and also knock some toxic visceral fat out of your waistline.) I recommend that everyone and their dog—and also their diabetic mother, heart-disease afflicted father and medicated (for cholesterol, hypertension, etc.) brother, sister, spouse or friend—read this book. ----Martica Heaner, PhD

As a nutritionist and exercise physiologist (and nutrition professor), I've seen what the effects of different diets and different types and amounts of exercise can do. And I've also seen the vast amount of confusion and misinformation that clouds the discussion of nutrition and diet in the media, on the Internet and even just among friends and family or people I meet at dinner parties. I also have seen inaccuracies in nutrition textbooks--written by old-school registered dietitians who follow the protein-is-king philosophy and who aren't even vaguely aware of the research on plant-based eating. This book is like a breath of fresh air in the nutrition world. It's easy to read and compelling to read. Your eyes will be opened. In some sense we all instinctively know the information, except it's been deprogrammed out of us: We've all been so pummeled by Big Dairy and Big Meat food messaging from advertising, PR campaigns and lobbying pressure that has influenced dietary guidelines. So we think up is down and down is up when it comes to certain nutrition information. This book will open your eyes. And if you take it to heart--and to your plate--you can literally save your life (and also knock some toxic visceral fat out of your waistline.) I recommend that everyone and their dog—and also their diabetic mother, heart-disease afflicted father and medicated (for cholesterol, hypertension, etc.) brother, sister, spouse or friend—read this book. ----Martica Heaner, PhD

So far I am enjoying the book and the research in it. I think people are quick to judge because the guy is a vegetarian. But doesnt every author have an agenda? I choose not to judge him for being a vegetarian. Also, if you insist on checking out his background he is an MD specializing in the obese! And he happens to be in great shape! I think he knows a bit more than the average person does on the subject of health and nutrition.

Lots of great information, definitely a must read for those interested in living life to the fullest and healthiest. Well written and easy to follow. Dr. Davis does a great job of communicating this very important idea.

Intelligent, articulate, a most important message for anyone interested in their health. Highly recommended. An easy and conversational approach towards a vital topic taken by an experienced and greatly respected surgeon. I would like all my family and friends to read this book.

Great science and I agree with his analysis of the data. Dr. Davis made this book interesting to read. I appreciate his thoughtful analysis and personal insight as a bariatric surgeon.

The only reason why it got 4 instead of 5 stars is because I wish that a small portion would have been left out - that is the portion about the ethical side of not eating meat. Where I agree with this section, it keeps me from recommending the book to people who are avid meat eaters because they will automatically be turned off.

I did my PhD in a research institute that specializes in human and animal nutrition and includes world-famous experts who advised the WHO and other groups on minimum nutrition requirements for populations living in famine. A fact that I heard many times while studying there was that if you are getting enough calories then you are getting enough protein. Dr. Davis also emphasizes this fact – it’s virtually impossible to be protein-deprived if you are eating enough calories. Any diet that consists of a reasonable mix of foods, even if 100% plant-based, will include enough protein. The question then becomes: is there a benefit from ingesting more than “enough” protein? Dr. Davis believes that there is no benefit – and that animal protein in particular is harmful in high amounts.

I’ve been vegetarian for a long time, so I didn’t think I needed to read a book warning about the dangers of eating lots of meat. However, as I read the book I realized that I had bought into the almost universal belief that, of all the macronutrients, protein is the one that you really can’t get too much of (and I do eat eggs and dairy). Davis gives some nice background on how we’ve been conditioned over the years to eat more animal-based protein. For example, when the U.S. Select Committee on Nutrition and Humans needs recommended that Americans eat less meat and dairy while consuming more fruits, vegetables, and grains, Davis’s recounts that after uproar from head of the National Livestock and Meat Board, Kansas Senator Bob Dole was brought in to alter the report. “In an interpretation worthy of George Orwell’s 1984, the report went from telling people to eat less meat than to eat more lean meat like chicken...”

An important topic that Dr. Davis visits many times throughout his book is that of how we trust way too much in the media for reporting on science. He devotes an entire chapter (“Research Truth and BS: How to Speak Science”) on how to interpret scientific papers for yourself, or at least to be able to tell when you are being fed sloppy agenda-driven interpretation of scientific research. He also notes to be aware of where the funding is coming from; particularly in the arena of diet and human nutrition there’s a lot of research that’s funded directly by food industries or lobbies that have something to gain by particular outcomes to the research, or interpretation of those outcomes.

He also doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to criticizing certain diets and diet books. One diet-related book that I read recently, Wheat Belly, is pretty much dismissed by Davis as trash, and I tend to agree with him. For the most part that book is a mess that sets out with a theory and then misinterprets, or makes unfounded conclusions from published research to suit his agenda. He also goes into the Atkins Foundation’s attempts to do a PR job on Dr. Atkins’s condition when he died from a heart attack. There’s also a chapter on the Paleo diet. Davis does acknowledge the upside that the Paleo diet is a move away from processed food, but he correctly points out the holes in some of the ridiculous reasoning behind the diet, and that it contains way too much animal protein.

This agenda-driven bias and selectivity in popular science writing is a huge problem today – it’s really no wonder that people are confused. So, when Davis provides evidence that reducing your intake of animal protein can increase longevity and reduce cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, he goes to lengths to provide a balanced perspective. This is more trouble than authors of most bestselling books on nutrition would care to take on – it’s much easier to sell books when you claim to have 100% proof of something. And it does make some sections of Proteinaholic a bit dry to read, because he goes into quite a bit of detail on many, many published studies (there are around 650 references - props to Howard Jacobson who probably did the lion's share of the research) – but that’s Science!

Overall, the book would have benefitted from six months of additional research and editing – there are a few sections that seem repetitive and some studies that are discussed should have been omitted because they don’t add a lot to the discussion. I did spot one reference that’s not described properly in the book – the study looked at muscle synthesis following protein ingestion and Davis apparently didn’t read it very closely. However, his conclusion does match that of the researchers: the “muscle full” hypothesis, in which it was suggested that there must be an upper limit of amino acid delivery before muscle cells would no longer use them as a substrate for muscle protein synthesis, instead diverting them toward oxidation. Bottom line: ingesting very high levels of protein, even after a workout, will not result in additional muscle gain – some protein is beneficial (Davis recommends around 20 grams) and beyond that the extra protein will be broken down, giving rise to potential problems such as acidosis.

I would have liked to have seen more discussion on acidosis. Maintenance of blood pH is so essential to life that if our diets are acid-generating (like meat and dairy) then our bodies can go to the extreme of leaching calcium from our bones to neutralize pH. So, one consequence is that a high intake of acidifying animal protein (meat or dairy) may lead to osteoporosis. The benefit of getting calcium from drinking milk (that has been drummed into us through decades of advertising) will be overshadowed by the calcium loss from bones if the dairy/meat intake is high. Hip fractures are five times more common in the U.S. compared to China, despite the higher calcium intake in the U.S.

One of his central premises is that we are omnivores that have always primarily eaten a plant-based diet, and we thrive when our diet is mostly plant-based. I don’t think many would argue against that.
“Are we carnivores? Feel your teeth. Look at your hands. Can you chase down an animal and rip its hide off with your bare hands and teeth? Do you look anything like a lion? We are omnivores. […] We have small mouths, grinding teeth, and long intestinal tracts. We produce amylase in our saliva to break down starch. Unlike carnivores, we do not produce our own vitamin C, so we have to get it from plants. We, like other primates, can live exclusively on a plant-based diet… If you think you cannot build muscle on bananas, I challenge you to pick a fight with an ape.”

Proteinaholic illuminates the dark corners surrounding our obsession with “protein – and more of it!”

Released just a couple of weeks after The Plant-Based Journey, if Journey got your obsessed-with-protein cage rattled, Proteinaholic is your next read.

Starting off with nuggets like this on page four: "Protein is everywhere. Big deal . So what’s the problem? In a word, confusion. Some of us eat protein to lose weight. while others eat protein to gain weight. Ponder that paradox for a second..." Proteinaholic, shakes up the protein status quo - never belittling its importance in human nutrition yet bringing it into balance with the entire human nutrition picture.

Author Davis – an admitted former proteinaholic – explodes one protein myth after another in this deeply-documented, heavily researched piece of work. Starting with his own personal story of health challenges, his quest to pound down more protein through the years in his own misguided attempts at building strength and personal health, and moving on to his own moments of awakening surrounding protein and nutrition in general, we get all the intimate details of Davis’ personal protein journey.

As a bariatric surgeon, Davis has keen interest in helping people achieve ideal weight and ideal health. Previously a self-confessed protein-monger, Davis now advises his patients to switch to whole foods plant-based nutrition, and make a decided move away from compartmentalizing foods into macro-nutrients. He advises them that the quest to eat more protein to lose weight is actually a big part of their weight – and overall health – problem. And he explains why.

Davis and co-author Howard Jacobson answer all the questions and will undoubtedly startle you with deeply documented facts about the connections between protein and your health as they address one after another protein and Paleo, diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, weight challenges, and the thermogenic effects of protein (not the help-you-lose-weight holy grail you might have heard it to be). And that’s just for starters.

These topics are well-organized into these chunks of book content in Proteinaholic:
~ Garth Davis, Proteinaholic: Davis’ personal history
~ How We Became Proteinaholics: why and how we all bought into the protein myth
~ Death and Disease by Protein: complications from eating too much animal protein
~ The Proteinaholic Recovery Plan: suggested pathway for disentangling yourself from the protein problem and plant your meals accordingly

The protein pedestal has been on a decided tilt - Proteinaholic gives it a topple.

Read my entire review of Proteinaholic here: [...]

...and whole grains don't have cute reps with free samples for patients, or branded office wall clocks and posters in patient waiting rooms. Three good reasons, right off the top, you might want to love Garth Davis. Because telling us the truth - that when it comes to your health, plants are better for you than pills, and food that's plant-based is better than from a manufacturing plant - is neither lucrative nor popular for a physician today. Most doctors take few if any nutrition classes in med school (when was the last time yours asked you for a complete dossier on what you eat and drink?) even though the leading causes of illness and death - cardiovascular disease, Type II Diabetes, obesity - have inextricable links to diet. I know; I watched my husband collapse and die in front of me from a heart attack when I was 47, leaving me and two children devastated. I began to realize over the next several years after Pat's death I really was so terribly ignorant about diet - the food "pyramid" I followed changed shapes more often than my middle-aged body. Every couple of years, as the dietary sands shifted, I'd valiantly moved the family from high protein to low glycemic to gluten-free stevia-infused paleomorphic just forget it pass the potato chips.
Eventually I remarried, and this husband (he'd lost his wife to colon cancer at 50) was another meat and potatoes guy. With the vigilance of a former widow, I insisted he get an annual exam with blood work. Results? 274 cholesterol, and he'd be taking statin drugs which made him sick since I'd known him. Nothing was making sense. Where was the truth about healthy eating? Whoever was speaking it either wasn't very loud, or was being drowned out by louder voices funded by organizations and industries that seemed to have interests other than my family's and my good health. My sister, who'd started eating plant-based in 2012 to battle severe Type II diabetes and obesity, suggested my husband and I attend HealthFest in tiny Marshall, TX. There would be several speakers there discussing the latest on nutrition and other topics - Dr. Garth Davis among them. My husband is from East Texas (think movie "Bernie" with Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey), so he was reasonably ok going as long as no playoff games were on TV that weekend, and we had a pact that he would eat a plant based diet and stop Lipitor for three months. Fast forward 90 days. Doug goes to the doctor again after changing nothing but his food. Which, by the way, was easy, delicious plant-based meals from Thug Kitchen, Oh She Glows, mrsplantintexas .com, desserts from Chocolate Covered Katie. He even snuck in the occasional Taco Bell, ordering a 7-layer burrito - hold the cheese and sour cream (yes, it's vegan). Cholesterol recount? 210. 210! A 64-point drop in three months, by doing nothing but eliminating animal protein and dairy, Proteinaholic-style. Please, take it from two formerly widowed, read the book. And live - and eat - well.

This is a well-researched book written in a folksy narrative style addresses some of the very same topics I had been observing, and reflecting on, much of it empirically. In the book, Dr. Davis takes us through a journey of his discovery and research on diet, after his flailing health acts as a call-to-action. Chapter after chapter, he refers to data and research to emphasize why excess protein (and meat) consumption by humans is neither necessary nor beneficial to the health and sustenance. He starts by explaining the major fallacy of modern medicine and how he “had come to view human body as a kind of expensive, unreliable car – something that was always breaking down and needing to be repaired. I was totally focused on treating disease – prevention hadn’t really entered my mind as a possibility.”

I read the book with much interest; however, I am left shaking my head on whether it will make a dent in meat-centric diets that the western readers are used to. I am willing to bet that most, if not all Americans reading the book aren’t going to share the same epiphany as Dr. Davis, or the enthusiasm to convert to vegetarianism.

(a more detailed viewpoint on my blog: [...]

I have had a health issue the past 7 years that wasn't getting better-- severe dry eyes/eye pain-- even though my labs were normal. I knew that diet was related but didn't know how, so I experimented a lot. I managed to fall prey to the latest fads, often recommended by health professionals: Paleo (which made me so tired and constipated), Atkins/South Beach (felt horrible too). I was told by a naturopath to eat "lots of eggs and protein" because it's essential for healing. Finally, after listening to everyone else, I'm listening to myself. My body has always felt better eating vegan or mostly vegan, so I've been doing that for 2 months and I'm slowly starting to heal.

This book is brilliant because it explains the science-- including showing the fake science that misleads us. I respect doctors who admit that they were wrong. This doctor cares more about getting the correct information out than protecting his ego. A must read.

When one is a Vegan the most redundant question asked is "Where do you get your protein?

First, this immediately shows the ignorance of the questioner since most fruits and vegetables have protein. It's not really anyone's fault concerning this ignorance since the culture has demonized both fats and carbohydrates and given a pass to protein. For the record, all three macro-nutrients are necessary for good health. Actually, there are two different questions that should be asked:

The first question is "Are you getting enough protein?" That answer for nearly everyone is Yes! Rarely is anyone protein deficient unless they are also calorie deficient. Meaning, if you're eating enough you are getting enough protein. A better question might be "Are you getting enough fiber?" since 98% of Americans get enough protein in their diet, yet 98% of Americans are deficient in fiber! That points to more people eating more servings of fruits and vegetables.

The second questions that should be asked is "Is all protein the same?" The answer to that is No! Animal protein is different than protein coming from fruits and vegetables. Dr. Garth gets into this particular aspect of the subject for much of the book and in many different ways. Also what is enough protein? he'll discuss that too. He sites many studies and discusses what one needs to consider when reading the abstracts and choosing which studies are valid and for what reason. He also gives you his personal story about being a veracious meat eater and his 180 degree turnaround.

The long and short of it - if you couldn't tell from the book's title - animal protein is not healthy for you and for many reasons. If you are open to hearing the information it is provocative and eye-opening. If you are serious about your health it is a helpful read among the growing books on plant based health.

Proteinaholic lives up to its title, busting the dangerous myth that, when it comes to protein, more is better. This is a rich, multi-faceted book that effectively uses several strategies to document the hazards of high protein animal foods.

While oversimplifying nutritional research is common, Proteinaholic paints the evidence-based picture in its glorious complexity. Yet the book is marvelously written, easy to understand and a pleasure to read.

The author, Garth Davis, MD, shares his own story of deteriorating health and weight gain with high protein meals. He vividly describes his experience of "hitting bottom." This desperation, paradoxically, was a good thing - opening his mind to question the real effect of eating animal foods multiple times a day. .

Dr. Davis lets you know what healthy people around the world actually eat (hint: it's not animal foods) and what happens when they change their menu. He runs through what researchers have found on common medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Descriptions of typical patient encounters and conversations liven the facts. Dr. Davis even guides you in how to evaluate research yourself, so you are not hoodwinked by shallow journalism and food industry distortions.

Dr. Davis shares several strategies to transform how you think about food, so that changes in how you eat become sustainable and enjoyable. Can you imagine being repulsed by your favorite animal food recipe? Follow the tips in Proteinaholic and you may be delighted to find this happening as your tastes change course to healthy.

I’ve been a wavering vegan for years now. I would eat a plant based diet for a year or two and I would inevitably feel amazing, my energy sky rocketed, my skin cleared up, my digestion was optimal, and my athletic abilities were unbounded. When I went back to eating animal products (a total of two separate several month long instances) I gained wait, felt bloated literally all the time, had the poorest digestion, and low energy overall. My time spent in the gym seemed to get me knowwhere and my skin was always breaking out. I don’t understand why I kept going back to the standard American diet when I whole heartedly knew all along that animal products would make me sick and lead me to an early death.

This book changed everything for me. Not only did it solidify my views that humans are not meant to eat animals but it gave me enough information to be confident talking to any meat eater and stating my case in a positive light hearted but firm way. This book is amazing. Everyone should read it...

This book tackles an important issue which is the copious amounts of misinformation and flimsy research that is presented to consumers and patients alike regarding diet and nutrition. I appreciated very much Dr. Davis' zeroing in on Weston Price Foundation and the asinine allegations and assertions they make. He goes to great lengths to helps us understand the difference between selling meat and dairy and the body of evidence that vegan diets are essential for preventing and reversing most western diseases. What is amazing is that Sally Fallon's first publication even said it was "Pro Motion Publishing" (1995) but they soon turned to republishing their books under their own label every year to avoid charges of false advertising. The other thing about Ms. Fallon is she is able to have special meetings with legislators to get them to ignore laws regarding bacteria in milk and they not only meet with her but them do what she wants. Dr. Davis tries mightily to warn us of the deception that is taking place and the special interests that pretend they are not lobbyists themselves. This is an exceptionally important book and extremely well written and researched.

I am recently new to not eating meat, I specifically transitioned to peso-vegetarian 22 days ago AN successfully cut out meat only. However, this book has just given me a change of mind, actually it has right after reading the first chapter. He did a great job is capturing us and keeping us there and intrigued all in his first chapter. Very persuasive and I LOVE IT.

As of now, after reading this book, I am going to enjoy my last seafood salad meal for thanksgiving and, after that I'm going 100% vegan.

I had got both my parents hooked from this book and they are no actually considering making major changes and as a matter of fact already have, they are cutting their meat consumption by a lump sum.

If you are debating on buying this book then please do so! It is a great book and you will be persuaded to actually change your diet, not something a book usually does.

Pros:
+ the author describes his personal journey from consuming the Standard American Diet to vegan, which gives the book a less preachy, 'holier-than-thou' overall tone. A doctor converting to a plant-based diet while living in Houston, Texas is like a Catholic nun converting to Protestant while living in a convent - remarkable!
+ the author is willing to engage in 'high-effort thinking' by not only reading scientific studies but also evaluating the quality of their experimental designs - a rarity among folks writing about nutrition.
+ the author works in a weight loss clinic, so his knowledge is not only theoretical but practical - he deals with the negative consequences of the Standard American Diet and misguided diets like Paleo on a daily basis.
+ well-researched and up-to-date: the book describes the latest scientific results

Cons:
+ many people incorrectly believe that protein consumption means meat consumption, and justify their 'need' for meat by their 'need' for protein. Unfortunately, the author's choice of title and subtitle reinforces this myth. The title condemns protein, and the subtitle condemns meat, accidentally reinforcing the association between the two.
+ another problem with the title is that people are not really 'addicted' to protein consumption in the same way they might be addicted to alcohol or cocaine. The author is really attacking the widespread blind worship of protein consumption, which dovetails nicely with the other forms of blind worship afflicting people (and the planet), such as the blind worship of economic growth, the blind worship of the military, and the blind worship of one or more deities.
+ there are a couple of places where the author indicates tolerance for creationism ('intelligent design'). This is improper for a book based on science.
+ the author missed an opportunity to help confused eaters sort through the nutritional noise by RANKING those scientific studies he believes best support the consumption of a plant-based diet, and RANKING those scientific studies he believes best support the consumption of meat, and then demolishing the pro-meat studies. As it stands, the book references so many scientific studies that people may be as bewildered after reading the book as before.

Summary: the book is a valuable addition to the personal library of anyone interested in health and nutrition.

From a former protienaholic this book was one of the best I have ever read! I have already bought two other copies to give to people. I have never read a book so fast. I have taken what Dr. Davis has wrote to heart and am no longer a protienaholic. I am struggling a little with hunger but I believe it is because I was consuming copious amounts of protien and have replaced it with fruits, veggies and whole grains. Getting used to a full plant based diet will take some getting used to but I am excited about it!

The author is a Texas bariatric surgeon that has done extensive research on weight-loss diets, coming to the conclusion a plant-based diet is the healthiest. His research appears to be well-done. He uses
epidemiological studies, studies of naturally-occurring populations with exceptional health and longevity (the Blue Zones), and clinical experiments to support whole food, plant-based diets with little or no meat as the healthiest diet for humans. He has become vegan after reviewing his information, yet not insisting every one should join him. Still, it's a convincing book.

I gave it four stars because it didn't include an index. Apparently, there is one available now on his website.

This a book worth reading and considering it's message.

I loved this book. I have been following a plant-based diet now for several years and a bit obsessed with reading the science behind this way of eating. This book does a great job of summarizing the research behind it while also sharing some good anecdotal stories. This book confirms that I'm on the right path -- not that I needed it because as a 59-year old I've never felt better! Read this book if you're plant-curious -- it'll change your life.

As a health professional myself, I really appreciate how well this research is documented. A very powerful, thought-provoking book. I highly recommend it to everyone, and recommend putting a lot of thought into this. I am so sick of hearing those at Weight Watchers talk about how much they need protein--=yet so many of them are still overweight. Think about that!

Awesome book filled with tons of studies. Garth is one of the reasons I switched to a whole foods plant based diet. After 15 years of being on this low carb fad, I was officially done with it. Good initial results but I would always regain the weight and start back over at a heavier weight. It's true, our body craves carbs! It amazes me how many people out there think meat and/or dairy is necessary in order to be healthy and strong.

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like the title might turn people off, but it is an absolute must read for everyone. Great insights, thoughtful research and laid out very clearly. I can't tell you how many times I have noticed people talking about needing to get more protein since reading the book. The excuses and reasons for needing "more protein" are endless and this book provides great insights as to why we may have it all wrong.

simply outstanding information. As someone who thought I needed to eat animals with every meal in order to thrive, this book changed my life -- and my health. I suffer from a severe autoimmune disease (lupus) and medicine never helped. Going plant based was the only thing that worked. I now no longer take medicine!

First and foremost, Dr. Davis may have to give me a job or at the very least a vacation because I have spent every waking moment reading this book (at work, before bed, waiting for the traffic light to change) - I could not put it down. With that said, I have been plant-based for over 20 years and have read every book on the topic, taken courses by Dr. Campbell and attended Plant-Stock with the Esselstyn's. This book needs to sit on the shelves next to Dr. Esselstyn, T. Collin Campbell, Neal Barnard and all the other plant-based greats. I was afraid this book would be too "sciencey" to follow but it wasn't! Very readable, very relate-able. I love the way Dr. Davis presented the information and the FACTS. For a man, that banks his living on weight loss surgery, I respect the fact that he is motivating people to change their DIET before under going drastic surgery. Kudos Dr. Davis. I share my love of plant-based living day in and day out with those around me, and now I am thrilled to have another book in my arsenal to give to family, friends and to share with anyone willing to listen. Thank you, for continuing the fight and for bringing awareness to the benefits of this lifestyle.

This is one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. When you take on America's love affair with animal protein, you had better be a very brave man. Dr. Davis is more than equal to the task. He fearlessly, and successfully, slays all the titans and disinformation of the low-carb and meat-centric world. There are articles and studies on the web that can sometimes give pause (and doubt / confusion) to a plant-based eater. This book provides abundant scientific evidence to give these people relief and reassurance. Coming from a heavy animal-protein-based diet himself, Dr. Davis beautifully addresses the concerns that a new whole foods, plant-based eater might agonize over. He answered questions I didn't even know I had. With a little sprinkling of Dr. Davis' humor, the book makes for a very satisfying and entertaining read. My only complaint (minor) is that there is no index (but there are copious references). If future editions add an index, this book would be a solid six stars.

I am thrilled that Garth Davis and Howard Jacobson wrote this book for all of the reasons that the many other reviewers have mentioned. Everyone should read it and take follow the information. But I must be the first reviewer to give fewer than five stars because of an omission that I do not understand and which has been a problem for me. There is no index for the book! Please publish another edition with an index. In the 10 days that I have had the book, I have wanted to refer to specific topics several times, but there is no way to find the subjects without an index.

I have read many other nutrition books, including the China Study, and this book is hands down the best one I've read so far. He breaks studies and "diets" down into why they do and don't work, explains all the misinformation in the health world, and backs it all up with scientific data in language that the everyday person can understand. Fantastic read for anyone!

Out of all the plant-based books out there, this is one of my favorites. I particularly like that Garth Davis had the ability to look at the science instead of just going along with the status quo. I also like that he is on the frontline of the battle against obesity and it's complications, this gives him a level authority which I respect. He knows a plant-based diet works because 1) He has experienced it himself 2) he has read the literature and 3) he sees it everyday with his patients that are willing to adopt this wonderful way of eating

As a person who eats a low-fat, whole foods vegan diet, I would not recommend this book to those aspiring to a healthy diet. The review of the scientific literature was interesting, but the author's recommendations for what to eat are inconsistent.
He says he rarely cooks with oil, and then he calls for multiple tablespoons of oil in simple "recipes" like baked sweet potatoes and baked potatoes. He says to restrict nuts to a small handful a day, and then they are in way too many of his recipes.
If you eat the way he suggests, you will get fat or stay fat. You may or may not become healthier, depending on how bad your current diet is. But this is not the way to protect your health, your most valuable personal possession.
Because Dr. Davis is so inconsistent in his recommendations (there are others I haven't mentioned), I question his motives in writing this book. If he cares about improving his patients and readers' health, why wouldn't he be consistent in what he tells them to eat?
I found it a strange read, and even though the review of the science was interesting, I never knew if I could trust it, given its source: Dr. Davis.

It was definitely eye opening for me. Calls into question many of the principles of diet and nutrition that I [didn't realize I] took as gospel. Really enjoyed how he laid out the history of how we got to where we are as a society.

Wow. I first heard Dr. Garth Davis as a guest on a podcast I listen to, and was hooked. He is very genuine and candid, and the quality of his research is impressive and convincing. He gets it, and helped me get it. This country (and a growing number of others) is so brainwashed by big food, and he really just points it out in a logical way. I wish I had read this sooner, and that everyone would. Just read it for yourself, and search podcasts for him while you're waiting for it.

I think this book is well researched and along with other research has convinced me to lower my intake of animal protein.

That being said, my largest issue is that outside of, go vegan/vegetarian, there is no practical diet advice. In fact, there are several things glossed over or suggested that would confuse the average person trying to learn about nutrition. Chief among these is that the author states multiple times how great "carbs" are while making no distinction between carbs from fruits and vegetables, grains and sugar. The entire book is spent demonizing low carb diets and lauding high carb diets and in literally the last chapter he mentions, "I eat no flour." Well, bread, cereal and pasta are 90% of the carbohydrates most people consume and more than half of their total calories. If the author doesn't think these grains are appropriate foods then he should probably state that clearly as opposed to glorifying "carbs" when what he really means is "fruits, vegetables and beans."

Admittedly I have done low carb diets and had success, so I am annoyed by the attack on them. However, low carb diets are not limited to high protein diets and high fat/ketogenic diets aren't mentioned at all despite some glossing over of the relationship between protein and carbohydrates and insulin that I don't think explained the real picture. More importantly, even the much derided Atkins diet recommends several servings of vegetables a day. We know that many Americans are getting most of the calories from sugary drinks and grains. It's highly likely that even Atkins would increase vegetable intake substantially for many people but this isn't mentions and the author displays the same kind of bias he accuses low carb practitioners of having.

There is time spent dedicated to clarifying what information can be gleaned between correlation and causation, however there are also several claims made in passing that I don't think are fully supported. Things such as protein creating a higher insulin response than sugar, protein causing inflammation and small amount of fiber blunting the insulin response from large amounts of sugar in fruit that are in opposition to other things I have read and I was not convinced by this book.

If you are on the road to vegetarianism or veganism, this book would prepare you to deflect the criticism you will most likely perceive. For people looking to improve their knowledge of nutrition, there is some food for thought that might make the book worthwhile. For people trying to understand what to eat in general, there is not much here as evidenced by the portion where the author implies it is the protein and fat in a donut that makes you fat, not the "carbs."

Dr. Davis presents a compelling, evidence-based argument for the minimization of meat and animal products in the American diet, as well as the joy and vibrancy that can be found embracing a plant-based lifestyle. Dr. Davis is not paid by or consult for agribusiness, and therefore does not have to carry their water. Well worth your time to read and share with those around you.

Brash, harsh writing style that I could not get into. I am all for plant-based eating but I also do feel that animal proteins (and protein in general) has an important place in the human diet. The author's negative attitude really was a turn-off for me. Couldn't get past the first chapter for that reason.

I'm only about 25 pages in and I can't get over how amazing this book is. I want to read it out loud shouting on a rooftop so EVERYONE can hear the flat out facts about the twisted way of the nutrition world that they all try to ignore. It's so mind blowing how brainwashed America is and this book just further proves it.

Davis and Jacobson do a thorough job of analysis of the facts and fallacies of human nutritional need in terms of protein. Exhaustively researched and put into lay language, the content is made easy to understand.

It is about time a book like this came out - focusing on the protein myths and replacing them with truths gleaned from the research. It was an obvious challenge to wade through all the documentation and research literature to present the book's argument. High marks in that regard.
I give it four stars for a couple of reasons. First, focusing on the protein would have been enough - it tried to do too much by getting into meal plans and recipes. Second, where is the index? A book like this should have it.

When you see complainers give so much push back on eating fruits and veggies like some reviewers you know the meat industry did its job. The nerve to say eating fruits and veggies makes you malnourished lol. Like meat is some multivitamin.....it's just fat and protien. THAT'S IT.

The best review I have seen on this book (and a review I largely agree with, based on my extensive reading of corresponding topics) is by Denise Minger (who wrote the book Death by Food Pyramid"). (...)
Something that caught my eye in the book was something along the lines "a calorie is a calorie". In human nutrition this implies that all calories are equal, which was shown conclusively (at least in my opinion) that is a false assertion.

Ultimately, Proteinaholic is a mixed bag—useful mainly for readers willing to think critically, fact-check scrupulously, and spend some extra time separating the wheat from the proverbial chaff. Also a GIANT kudos to Garth Davis for the tremendous amount of work he put into this book, and for adding some fresh material to our ever-churning “I can haz animal protein?” debate.

Ok, so I have no dog in this race. While very interested in food, I have become naturally skeptical of the vast majority of books and diets out there. There is a lot of bad science out there, often no fault of the authors, and it is easy to cherry pick articles which support your claims, and ignore the rest. After multiple attempts to find gospel, I have given up. I'd rather look at the science, break it down, and make slow and careful decisions. I have found a few problems with this book and what it espouses, but have found a great writeup which does a much better job than I could do discussing it. Denise Minger, who is a personal champion of mine, wrote a brilliant critique of this book which I highly suggest everyone read. Google foo for the win!
Now, before anyone sharpens their knives, keep in mind that she is as neutral an observer as I have ever found. She is also very thorough and does her homework well. In fact, she is famous for offering great criticisms of all sorts of studies. No, I've never met her. No, I get no kickbacks from throwing a link out to her writing. No, I get no kickbacks from encouraging people to listen to what she says. I simply love that she is willing to change her mind, to publish things that disagree with earlier works, and to desperately search for truth in a very confusing world.
The vast majority of problems I've seen in studies are they they are based on correlation, not causality. Is this the fault of the scientists? Absolutely not. It is both impractical and (incredibly) unethical to lock people up so you can control their diets and exercise regimens for accurate studies. Animal studies may offer clues, but fundamentally they are different creatures and react differently to biochemical (and other) stimuli than we do. So with this lack of proper data, better to minimize. Anyway, I hope this was useful to those with open minds, and sorry for bothering those who have made up your minds already (which doesn't mean you're wrong, it's just that arguing with someone who already knows the truth is like pounding sand down a gopher hole). Cheers!

I skimmed this toward the end as he kept beating a dead horse. You're vegan, you think animal protein is the devil. Got it.
Oddly enough, I somewhat agree with his tenets. Carbs aren't the devil for everyone and they certainly haven't been for me personally in my weight loss journey. However in his quest to prove that he's correct and the proponents of paleo, Atkins, South Beach, etc. he commits some of the same errors as he accuses them of. He'll criticise doctors for not knowing nutrition but then go on to push his theory which of course is more correct than those he's critical of. I agree with some of his theories on the fetishization of Paleo as a true cave man diet, but I disagree with his assertion that there is one true way of eating. Different diets work for different people even if his theory that Americans are too overweight is true.
A good read, but could have been a lot shorter and a lot less preachy.

I listened to the audiobook of this. I cannot say it was worth my while. Americans, in general, get more protein than they need, and that occasionally causes health issues. But to blame the diabesity epidemic on meat and not sugar/carbs is a baseless and useless claim. There is a moral argument to be made for veganism, and it is compelling. However it is next to impossible to get perfectly optimal nutrition within those confines, for numerous reasons.

I tried the low fat vegan lifestyle so many times over the years. It left my brain chemistry unbalanced in such a profound way. I would eat all day long and never feel full. My blood pressure was okay, but not great. I enjoyed eating greens and complex carbs. I lost little weight doing this, however. I discovered that I'm a processed food addict. I need the meat to stabilize my brain function. I have since started following a balanced plan with some protein, starch, fruit and fat. I love this because it keeps me so sane. I am satisfied. I don't think about food all day long. I can live life not overrun with cravings. I'm very grateful I no longer have to be in this prison of fearing fat and protein. This book covers no new ground that I can see at all, and the points just weren't valid for me.

Recommended by my health coach slow reading, basically we do need excess protein.
There is enough protein in our diet that we can easily do with out meat and dairy .
If we consume legumes whole grains peanuts and high fiber foods.
Easier said than done.

I followed this diet for 8-1/2 months and it is the WORST decision I ever made!! I kept at it, thinking that at anytime I would start reaping the 'benefits' espoused in the book - it never happened! I gained 22 pounds and my arthritis became unbearable! I stopped and resumed my low-carb approach to eating and my body is beginning to respond positively! I can only assume that the people who follow this way of eating just want everyone to be as miserable as they are! Try at your own risk!

He spends the first third of this book talking about bad research, then he totally disregards actual research for the last two-thirds of the book. He makes several statements contrary to actual research such as:
1. Leucine interferes with mTOR - False
2. Leucine causes premature aging - False
3. Strength athletes don't need more protein than endurance athletes -False
4. High protein diets cause bone loss - False
5. Vegans don't have B12 deficiency with supplementation - False
6. Meat causes diabetes - LOL. False
I don't think this doctor used a study newer than 1950 to base his research on. I could go on-and-on but what is the point. The book is garbage, and I had high hopes for it.

Terrible title. I could call the author a veganaholic with as much validity. People are not obsessed with meat. That is as big a myth as the vegan myth that we should all eat that way.

Eating natural, grass fed/free range/deep ocean proteins has sustained mankind, and helped him to utterly thrive, for untold eons.

Our modern illnesses are the result of white sugar, flour, rice, and highly processed foods, along with sedentary lifestyles, excesses of alcohol and cigarettes, and far more stress than we were ever designed to deal with. Undealt-with stress should probably be at the very top of the list, in fact. Its association with cortisol and belly fat is well known, today.

There were virtually none of the degenerative diseases we see today when, for instance (choose your native population from around the world) Eskimos lived mostly on whale, shark, walrus, polar bear, antelope and fish, only adding berries and nuts in summer - drying some for winter. They ate no grasses or grains at all, realizing, from countless generations of observation, that those were the foods of the hoofed animals they would hunt later when they were all fattened up.

In fact, they lived on an estimated 80% animal FAT. NOTE: It's been found that Vitamin C is stored in animals' fat and meat! Not to mention ALAs and CLAs, known cancer-fighting nutrients (or elements?)
Of course, they also gnawed the bones, sucked out the marrow - and boiled the bones for rich, thick gelatin-laden stock.

All native cultures thrived, generation after generation, on meat, plus nuts and berries. Look at cave drawings. What are all the men doing? Bringing down the bison and the woolly mammoth. Fat creatures, healthy food.
Eat whatever you want. (in moderation, from "good" sources!)
Just stop calling those who eat differently "aholics" of any kind. It's getting nauseating.

Pure propaganda, so much other research shows him to be way off base, One long term study shows that vegans and vegetarians eventually go back to meat, as they never feel satisfied. They are also nutritionally deficient and ill. Totally disappointed in the book.