The Protein Power Lifeplan

The authors of Protein Power are back to advocate the "protein-rich, moderate-fat, carbohydrate-restricted diet" that opposes the high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet that every professional medical and dietetic organization (including those who have no diet books to sell) believes to be your best bet for avoiding heart disease, the number one killer. The authors insist, in the face of all this medical opposition, that "the whole idea that fat and cholesterol cause heart disease is just that: an idea." We're meant to be hunters, say the authors: bring on the meat. Let's go back to the Paleolithic diet (no mention of the brief life span of Paleolithic men and women).

The Protein Power Lifeplan is not easy reading--most of the book is made up of scientific explanations, research summaries and interpretations, and nutritional warnings--but no recipes. Besides recommending eating protein and fat, the authors recommend sunbathing without sunblock (but "never, never let your skin burn!") and exercises such as "bringing home the buffalo" and "defending the camp." The authors admit that if you're trying to lose weight, you have to limit calories, but if you're not, you can "munch on nuts, seeds, nut butters, cheeses, jerky, guacamole, and olives all day long." Carbohydrates, say the authors, "are totally nonessential to your health and well-being"--words to make dieticians and cardiologists shudder.