If we look at the evolution of our gut, and our gut microbiota...we were not meant to eat animal protein heavy diets.

Our closest primate relatives, chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas and bonobos...are omnivores who eat very little meat. Most of their diet is fruit, vegetables, nuts, leaves, bark...tons of fiber. Tons of plant matter. Tons of sugar..fruit, figs, honey. Tons of carbs. And a small amount of bugs, eggs, and meat. A very small amount. Like 5-8% of their diet.

Interestingly....the people on Earth who have the longest lifespans and least heart disease and cancer....eat a diet very similar to our primate counterparts. Mediterranean Diet includes lots of complex carbs, lots of fruit and vegetables, nuts, olives, plant oils, fiber...and a small amount of meat, eggs, dairy. The bulk of daily calories comes from high fiber carbs.

Thinking about the human digestive system, and the human renal and cardiovasuclar systems....the idea of doing an animal protein heavy diet that limits carbs... for more than a temporary period of time... quite frankly....scares the hell out of me for the future of my heart and kidneys. We just weren't built to eat this way.

Dr. Atkins...of the Atkins high protein low carb diet died at 72. A medical report issued by the New York medical examiner's office a year after his death showed that Atkins had a history of heart attack, congestive heart failure and hypertension. His widow would not allow an autopsy.

Edited February 21, 20188 yr by Creekimp13

I think the high protein/low carb diet is necessary shortly after surgery because you just can't eat that much, and you have to keep your protein up for healing and to maintain your muscle mass. I know that as I am getting further out, though, my NUT is encouraging me to keep adding fruits, veggies, and complex carbs.

I'm intending to do a more balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and whole grains for long-term. I am already eating that way now, and my NUT is happy with my diet and my progress.

I'm a heart patient, so I always have heart health on my mind, too!

Very true. I do not focus on proteins or any other macro or micro nutrients. I eat a lot of grains and legumes, leafy greens, nuts, and trying to eat more fruits. After reading Proteinaholic by bariatric surgeon Dr Garth Davis, it just reinforced my decision that I’m eating how my body is designed and I’m healthy on the inside...like clear arteries, etc. Dr Atkins is a prime example of what high protein and fat diets can eventually do to you in the long run. Sure, you may lose weight and/or keep it off, but in the long run, are you really healthy on the inside? He sure wasn’t.

Another good source is to look at the Blue Zones. These folks eat primarily complex carbs and veggies and are the longest living and healthy folk on the planet.

Edited February 24, 20188 yr by Newme17

By the title of this post, I thought you were talking about the new black panther movie!!

There are Great Apes and they are vegetarians lol